Teardown of Retina MacBook Pro Finds Low Repairability with Custom Components

[MacDav]

Too Bad

Soldering the ram is just plain dirty. SSD Vendors will easily overcome the different connector configuration, and you'll be able upgrade the SSD. Soldered Ram is just dirty. I'm sure it's a great laptop but you'll have to buy your Ram from Apple and no memory upgrading after you purchase. I'm still waiting for the Mac Pro upgrades.

 

[marioguarneros]

The battery is the big issue for me.

I have a 2008 MacBook, I bought it the very first day the unibody make it to retail stores and just last year I had to buy a new battery for it as the old one was not usable anymore.

Now if I am going to shell out for a Retina MacBook what am I supposed to do when the battery dies in couple of years?

This is definitely holding me back now. Do you think Apple will be able to change the battery for the users? If they are then I don't mind spending few more bucks in couple of years as I usually upgrade every three or four years.

 

[Makman8]

The difference is, due to the way cell phone contracts work, you only pay "$200" for a phone, so it's no big deal if you have to replace it every 2 years.

If you pay $2200, $3000, $3800 for a computer... it's a bit bigger deal to keep the lifespan as long as possible.

True, you do spend a lot more. I think that they should consider a customized plan for the new laptops, to protect your investment for longer periods.

But if you are spending that kind of money, then longevity probably isn't a concern as you want to be on the cutting edge of technology. Which most people who need the latest and greatest, pawn off their computers before they reach 2-3 years old.

 

[bhtooefr]

But, part of what helps justify pawning it off is resale value, and if longevity goes down, so does resale value.

 

[Bauer24]

Can someone explain their thoughts on why Applecare is MORE useful now? In my opinion it's less useful now, not more.

Here's my reasoning:
The only moving parts now in the Retina Pro are the fans right? So the spinning HDD and the DVD drive are no longer possible issues. There are also many connections that were cables and other wires before, but now are being integrated onto one board via soldering, so there is also less internal stuff to go wrong.

Also the case itself (really, since the first all-unibody) has had fewer parts and thus fewer possibilities for issues since early 2009.

Add to that, if people are concerned about what they would do if their RAM or SSD drive dies (since presumably all this Applecare talk is because you also can't replace those), I would submit that if RAM or the SSD were going to fail they probably would do so within the first year (assuming you push it during use). Those particular parts are pretty reliable throughout the industry.

I just don't see what part you are guarding against failing with the AP Plan, keeping in mind the batt still only has a year warranty, and that at worst not getting the APP is the same or less risk as before (where people report that something dies after 18 months or right after a year or whatever).

In summary, it's not like the parts (screen, board, RAM, CPU, Vid) are any less reliable overall. And even if you are worried about RAM/SSD, in general they will die soon if they're defective.

If something does fail, it's not like you're throwing out the whole machine, they just charge a fee for repairs.

 

[egonalton]

I am going to buy this computer and tear it apart.

 

[Kaimuki]

Are you surprised? It's the new Tim Crook Apple, baby! Get used to it.

Ethernet Adapter -$$$$$$ Cha-Ching!
Firewire Adapter -$$$$$$ Cha-Ching!
USB Hub due to only 2 stinking ports - $$$$$$$ Cha-Ching
Want DVD Drive? I hope you have a 2nd computer to share or get ready to buy an external drive - $$$$ Cha-Ching!

Battery? Forget about it.
Upgrade your own hard drive? Forget about it.
Upgrade your own ram? Forget about it.
Want full Blu-Ray support? Forget about it.

Frankly, I'm SHOCKED they included an HDMI port. That robs them of the chance to sell your another adapter to connect it to a standard tv or limited resolution (1080p) monitor.

Overall, it's hard to say how this is a "Pro" notebook. Pro denotes professional and that means flexibility which is clearly lacking here. Apple seems to use it more as a catch phrase than an actual meaning for professionals (made obvious the day they started calling that crappy 13" model a "Pro" product. It's kind of like what happened to THX products. First they meant something and a certain certified quality level. Now they just mean someone paid Lucasfilm the license fee to use the name and thus it's now MEANINGLESS.

But there's a clear change here between Cook and Jobs. As bad as some of the hardware moves were under Steve (iMacs were already largely like this), there was at least some moves for user expansion (ram and even hard drives and once upon a time the battery), but now it's NADA. You bought a $2200 iPad Turbo with built-in keyboard and a few extra ports.

I agree 100%!!! This totally sucks !!! I switched to the Mac platform in 2007, I purchased a Mac Pro, Macbook Pro, and a Macbook for my son. I was really happy that I made the switch . Unfortunately and gradually but surely, I am slowly regretting making the switch. They have not updated the Mac Pro for 2 years..... if this wasn't bad enough? now they are neutering the Mac Book Pro.... This totally blows !!! I was looking forward to purchasing a new Mac Pro, Macbook Pro, and Macbook Air. I use my Mac Pro/ Macbook Pro to make videos, websites, etc... I have changed out the battery in my Macbook Pro twice and changed out the the hard drive twice, now I don't have that option. I don't feel that I should be inconvenienced and leave my laptop at APPLE just to change out the friggin hard drive or memory. That being said I really wanted to buy an iMac but changed my mind when I found out that it is not user serviceable you can't change out the hard drive... Believe me your hard drive will crap out and when is does you won't have a laptop to replace it because it will be at APPLE while they fix it... Seriously how thin do you need the laptop to be?????? Mac Book Air I understand thin and light as possible to travel etc... But MACBOOK PRO ??? what happens when the memory or ssd fails, or if in the future you would like to upgrade to the latest and greatest ssd... OH I FORGOT you can't because it is not user serviceable....
The Mac Pro has faired a little better do to the expandability, but it is really old and definitely due for an upgrade. I am ALL IN with the Apple products and ecosystem... I have the computers, phones, apple tv, software (Final Cut Pro/Apperture) etc.. I purchase all my movies, music etc thru iTunes. I am very very disappointed with Apple and feel like they have completely abandoned the pro/enthusiast community. I am also a business man and realize that the pro/enthusiast community is a niche and they are not going to make billions off of this segment, this is why they put little to no effort in updating the Mac Pro and also why the neutered the Mac Book Pro. Most people will not upgrade their hard drives, memory cards etc, only the pro/enthusiast segment are interested in upgrading.... The writing is on the walls if you make a living off of your equipment or you are a enthusiast looking to upgrade your computer look elsewhere.... In the future if they release a NEW MAC PRO I may consider sticking to this platform, I will hold off till next year and if a new Mac Pro is not released I will switch back to PC.
I don't have any interest at all to purchase the new neutered MACBOOK I will not justify calling it PRO.

 

[bhtooefr]

If something does fail, it's not like you're throwing out the whole machine, they just charge a fee for repairs.

Yes, but because of the level of integration, that fee is much higher than it would have been previously. To the point where it could easily be more than the machine is worth, by the time the failure occurs.

 

[Macboy Pro]

Proprietary is a loser. What do you do with your $3.5k macbook pro after 3 YRS? They don't even offer their ridiculously overpriced Applecare beyond 3 Years. And we know a logic board would be $1200 or more.

This type of product is not even an option for me. Would rather have the .22 inch bigger system with repairable and upgradeable parts.

 

[thekev]

Not making excuses for apple, but is that all surprising. They were less then pleased when the people rolled out SSD upgrades to the MBA. So I'm sure they redesigned them in a way that will prevent someone else from doing the same (at least legally)

That is just silly behavior. They make things with a design mantra that doesn't perfectly fit everyone. People who still want to use such a product go to third party retailers for help. Apple adjusts to keep everything proprietary. It's not like OWC's macbook air options were cheap.

What would make it even more justifiable is if they did some kind of Apple Care + for laptops. Liquid damage on a laptop can be a $500-1000 fix depending on how much there is. Being able to get a flat rate repair at say $500 can be a life saver for many.

Doesn't Square Trade offer accidental damage coverage of some kind? I'm not sure how it works, but yeah an option for accidental damage would be great even if it is some kind of deductible based coverage like you are suggesting.

For a $500 laptop, sure. For a $2,100 laptop? I'm not sure that's as readily abandoned and replaced. Keep in mind that for $2,100, you get 8 GB of RAM. That would be considered the absolute minimum for any professional machine these days; and if you buy that machine, you're stuck with that amount of RAM.

Maybe Apple really is aiming this laptop at the company that can buy these every year and have it be only a very small blip on their books.

I'm more annoyed about the soldered battery. Does that mean once the battery is gone, that's basically it?

True, you do spend a lot more. I think that they should consider a customized plan for the new laptops, to protect your investment for longer periods.

But if you are spending that kind of money, then longevity probably isn't a concern as you want to be on the cutting edge of technology. Which most people who need the latest and greatest, pawn off their computers before they reach 2-3 years old.

You'll find if you need the latest and greatest in a laptop form factor, performance increases are still non - linear from one year to the next. If you bought sandy, you're unlikely to get much more from Ivy assuming the extra ports don't make up the difference.

 

[KingYaba]

Apple is currently allowing you to choose.

For how long? They are slowly and methodically eliminating choice with every year...

 

[swingerofbirch]

I have a 2008 MacBook, I bought it the very first day the unibody make it to retail stores and just last year I had to buy a new battery for it as the old one was not usable anymore.

Now if I am going to shell out for a Retina MacBook what am I supposed to do when the battery dies in couple of years?

This is definitely holding me back now. Do you think Apple will be able to change the battery for the users? If they are then I don't mind spending few more bucks in couple of years as I usually upgrade every three or four years.

Yes, for $199

It's $129 for the non-Retina model. The bad part is that there is both the financial cost and the time involved of taking it into a busy Apple Store and needing a Genius to replace it. With my 13" MBP, since there is no Apple Store nearby, I had to go to an Apple authorized repair shop which charged me more than Apple does (they charged me $179 vs. $129) and it took them over a week to get the battery in. It was much easier in the days when you could order a new or spare battery from Apple or Amazon and install it yourself.

 

[bhonder]

Yes, but because of the level of integration, that fee is much higher than it would have been previously. To the point where it could easily be more than the machine is worth, by the time the failure occurs.

Here in Italy the "Retina Macbook Pro" costs 2929€ (3807$) and Apple Care 349€ (453$), for a total of 4260$: you really do have the need to buy it. And it's better if it will work well for a very long time...

 

[Piplodocus]

This was the first concern of mine when I saw it. Would make me very wary. And soldered in RAM too!?!?

My 17" MBP is now 2 years old. It's had a RAM upgrade and a number of HDDs. Currently it has an optibay so has a 256GB SSD AND a 1TB 5400rpm drive. All my important stuff has the speed, and I still have 500MB more than the top spec retina MBP. So currently there's no way I could have this much storage in it, and I'd never be able to upgrade the RAM? Before this dies I'd happily upgrade to a 500GB (or larger) SSD, or 2. Having external Thunderbolt drive's isn't exactly very Zen, especially if that's on stage or travelling around.

So... think I'd opt for the plenty-thin-enough old-school version and stick an optibay in it. Just a shame there's no way to go for that with a retina display (not that I'm currently in the market, but if they all go this way by the time I am then I'll be pretty peeved).

 

[Blue Sun]

At some stage I'm sure the SSD will be upgradeable (through OWC and the like), the RAM, not so much. But really, $240 for double the RAM isn't too bad. May as well pay a bit more for piece of mind and a little future-proofing.

I know its seems like a PITA, but the machine itself really is remarkable. A display with a resolution of 2880x1800 whilst still retaining 7-hours battery life, nice one Apple. They've got a winner here.

 

[drambuie]

The battery is in six individual cells, wired together, so I don't think they would be able to remove them, and re-glue the replacements to original specs in-store. It's more likely that they disassemble the laptop and provide a replacement top case with the battery, then rebuild it. The old assembly would then be returned to a repair facility for battery replacement and refurbishment. The extra labour and handling would explain the higher replacement cost.

Another concern is that the trackpad is underneath the middle cells. It may be that those cells can be raised at the rear to provide access to the trackpad.

 

[Nova Sensei]

I think Apple are quite keen to reduce the life-cycle of the Pro. Customers have been getting too many years out of their machines.

 

[thermodynamic]

So if you have any battery problems they essentially have to replace the entire machine?

Yup.

It's not very green or ecologically friendly, but I'm not on their board of directors so I can't make any decisions as to how the company should do things, responsibly or otherwise.

I'm not happy with them moving everything to proprietary.
-P

Apple's execs are. And they are the ones Apple is looking out for. Not customers. Otherwise this draconian move would never have been attempted.

Well i guess no MBP retina for me then
Non removable ram and ssd sucks ass, absurd prices for memory/ssd upgrade in the online applestore

Businesses are about profit. Not helping the customer beyond a certain perception. But this is what people want, it seems.

Worse, NOTHING has been said about heating issues yet. Every MBP ever released tends to get very hot. Heating WILL reduce the lifespan of electronic components and these things are not cheap and people are not made of money.

Just wait until BYOD becomes a mandatory practice...

But given Apple is slowly shying away from desktop machines, especially the Mac Pro, and hyping up mobile devices more, this is a big issue to recognize, acknowledge, and address. I will absolutely not buy another mobile Mac unless these issues are addressed.

Or maybe the new models run at 50C while doing 3D rendering or movie editing. My 2011 gets up to 90C, my 2009 got up to 99C, and enough reviews of the 2010 models had shown well over 100C... I don't care if the CPU can run at 105C. Anyone who knows a thing about electronics WILL say you shouldn't run components that hot for a long period of time. Anyone thinking they can should go to Apple and ask why they are using expensive cooling mechanisms to keep their server farms going at cooler temperatures. (Longevity and reliability. Something they do not want for customers because that would delay potential profit. Give the impression of quality but engineer it in just the right way and people won't know the difference. And some people are geniuses at being led as well...)

Can't upgrade the RAM yourself now.

Or SSD/HDD.

But given Apple's history of marking up commodity hardware upgrades, it's not hard to fathom why Apple went this route.

Expect their next quarter's balance sheet to be glowing.

----------

I think Apple are quite keen to reduce the life-cycle of the Pro. Customers have been getting too many years out of their machines.

That wouldn't surprise me; I was floored by the real quality in my 2009 Mac Pro.

The delays in later models post-2010 were a disappointment, while noting iMacs and MacBooks continued to have reports of heating/screen yellowing/other problems, including the person I sold my 2009 iMac to... the Mac Pro was indeed an indisputably well-built product and a genuine and legitimate marvel OF design. Seriously. But the money isn't there for Apple, as only niche markets would be able to afford or want to afford such high prices...

If only the iMacs wouldn't double as toaster ovens that can make you feel warm all over in front while cooking a chicken in the back...

 

[marioguarneros]

Yes, for $199

It's $129 for the non-Retina model. The bad part is that there is both the financial cost and the time involved of taking it into a busy Apple Store and needing a Genius to replace it. With my 13" MBP, since there is no Apple Store nearby, I had to go to an Apple authorized repair shop which charged me more than Apple does (they charged me $179 vs. $129) and it took them over a week to get the battery in. It was much easier in the days when you could order a new or spare battery from Apple or Amazon and install it yourself.

Yep! I replaced the battery myself on my 2008 unibody MacBook, not that I like the idea of paying $199 to get it changed in couple of years but at least there's the option, I live in Dubai but fortunately I travel to the US, Australia and Europe a lot.

I will have to live with 16GB of ram for few years but paying $500 to get 768GB is hurting my wallet, really considering just getting the 512GB since all my photos will be stored in a TB external HD.

This could all have been avoided if the Mac Pro had gotten the expected updates.

#firstworldproblems (I know)

 

[tuxon86]

That's a silly example. What if you lived in a world where one day, for sure, inevitably, a brick would fall on your head? Would you consider wearing a helmet then?

Batteries die. It's what they do. One day the battery will be worn out and need replacing. That's a guaranteed fact.

I'm glad to hear that Apple's replacement battery includes the replacement itself, but I wonder how they plan to do it if the batteries are glued on so tightly that even iFixit is afraid to touch it.

They replace the bottom case...

 

[Bendrix]

To everyone explaining the soldered on RAM as necessary for the design, you don't believe Apple could have engineered a solution for that? Apple often make things function according to a predetermined form - the vaunted design of Apple - even in situations where it requires quite a bit of brainstorming and extra work. You don't think they could have figured out a way to not have soldered on RAM, or a glued-in battery?

Aren't glued-on components and stuck together parts usually a sign of either poor design or manufacturing shortcuts? I think in the case of this MacBook it's neither of these things but a very calculated method of squeezing as much money out of consumers as possible by building in a set lifespan, and the necessity for having Apple care, into this machine. Computers are not the same as other household appliances like toasters or stereos that the average joe doesn't mess with. Computers are really expensive, pretty fragile, and have parts that, if permitted by the manufacturer, are easy to upgrade or swap when they break down or become outdated.

Do you guys think it would have been cool if Gibson had designed their Les Pauls such that you couldn't change out a rusty old pot or busted tuning key? Such that you had to just buy a whole new guitar or go through Gibson's service team?

 

[AppleScruff1]

This is actually a good thing. People shouldn't be poking around inside their computers anyway. It's best to leave it to a Genius. The less user customization, the better. Apple knows best, and we shouldn't forget that.

 

[greenmeanie]

I can't see them selling many of these.
I won't be buying any of these for the labs that is for sure.

 

[Bendrix]

This is actually a good thing. People shouldn't be poking around inside their computers anyway. It's best to leave it to a Genius. The less user customization, the better. Apple knows best, and we shouldn't forget that.

I don't know if you're being serious but I agree with you to a certain degree. The average person should not fiddle with most of the parts in a computer. But the average consumer can easily learn how to add RAM or change a battery in a computer. It doesn't take an Apple Genius to do that.

 

[AppleScruff1]

I don't know if you're being serious but I agree with you to a certain degree. The average person should not fiddle with most of the parts in a computer. But the average consumer can easily learn how to add RAM or change a battery in a computer. It doesn't take an Apple Genius to do that.

I was being sarcastic. Doing what they are doing more and more means you have to buy everything from Apple, RAM, etc. At Apple prices.