The Advantages of Stock Models vs. BTO/CTO Only Temporary?!?

[midgetsanchez]

So there's a pretty lengthy thread I made a few days ago about a BTO 17" I bought recently that had display issues and needed to be sent back as an RMA. The rep said he would replace my unit with the same model(BTO with 7200RPM drive), but I was thinking about just getting the stock 5400 drive instead.

To my understanding, the ONLY real advantage to buying a stock model versus a BTO/CTO model is the ability to go into any Apple store to get a replacement if necessary(right?). I was unable to get a replacement for mine since it was a BTO and they do not stock any of the BTO units.

Anyway, my question is, wouldn't this advantage technically only last for as long as the stock models are on shelves? As in, once Apple refreshes the current lineup, wouldn't all the people with stock models lose their ability to get it swapped out at the store, since they no longer have those models in stock, thereby requiring them to send their unit back to Apple by mail if a replacement is required?

Sorry for the total confusion but I'm just wondering if there really is any advantage to getting a stock model other than being able to exchange it if you have any problems within the first (30?) days. If so, should I change the order for the replacement unit from a BTO 7200RPM to a stock 5400RPM?

 

[maflynn]

Unless there was a specific feature provided in the BTO option, I typically only buy stock computers from apple just for the reason of doing a quick exchange or even return if I feel I need too.

For me, especially on laptops, I only see a small but expensive cpu upgrade and of course a larger/faster hard drive. The latter option is easy to do yourself so there's even less reason to go with the BTO option imho.

 

[midgetsanchez]

Unless there was a specific feature provided in the BTO option, I typically only buy stock computers from apple just for the reason of doing a quick exchange or even return if I feel I need too.

But is there ANY other advantage to buying a stock model other than the ability to do a quick exchange/return at the store? Do stock models have any special advantage when it comes to servicing/etc. in the future?

 

[thegoldenmackid]

I'm not entirely sure what you are asking, but no is my thinking. Stock models are easily replaceable and usually cheaper then the BTO. There are some instances in which the BTO parts that may be differ, say a hard drive, are known to have more problems, but it's not like the stock models come with extra stickers or anything.

 

[GoCubsGo]

I'm not entirely sure what you are asking, but no is my thinking. Stock models are easily replaceable and usually cheaper then the BTO. There are some instances in which the BTO parts that may be differ, say a hard drive, are known to have more problems, but it's not like the stock models come with extra stickers or anything.

Stock models are only cheaper because BTO options feature "options" that generally cost more money (ie: faster hard drive or more ram).
Once the current stock model no longer matches what people are walking in with today trying to exchange they'll be given the current model, even if it's better. However, if you have an issue with say your display on your stock model and they're out of that model because of a refresh of the line, then they will repair it. They don't just say "oh bad laptop ok grab another off the shelf". They will make every effort to repair it even if it means keeping it for a few days (weeks in my case).

Swapping machines is usually a last resort if it has been more than 14 days since date of purchase.

 

[maflynn]

But is there ANY other advantage to buying a stock model other than the ability to do a quick exchange/return at the store? Do stock models have any special advantage when it comes to servicing/etc. in the future?

No of course not, they are prebuilt computers ready for sale either online or via typical retail outlets. BTO is just that Built To Order so you get a machine built along your specifications. My point was that there's little options with a laptop that it really doesn't make sense to go the BTO route. Quite the opposite in fact since you cannot exchange it, but rather send it in for repair (or have them provide you with a new BTO which will take time)