The "I just ordered / bought / got my new/refurb MBP" thread [Merged]

[Meister]

Should I upgrade the RAM to 8? I know RAM cannot be upgraded at a later date but can other specs be?

Given my situation, how exactly would you spend $1,300? MAYBE maybe $1,400? Like I've said, I just want to maximize my money.

I don't mind you being blunt with me as long as I learn

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So I can buy an Air and upgrade SSD at a later date? I'm assuming outside of apple service for a cheaper rate. I just read it's soldered so I assume nothing is upgradable after you buy it. It must just be the RAM that's not upgradable then, right?

Ok. Rember this:

Macbook Air: ram not upgradeable, ssd theoraticaly upgradeable but xpensiv and hard!

retina Macbook Pro: ram not upgradeable, ssd theoraticaly upgradeable but xpensiv and hard!

2012 Macbook Pro: ram easily upgradeable, hdd/ssd upgradeable <-- u bought this!


U can usually get great deals on the mba 4gb ram / 256 gb ssd / i5 processor

 

[RipCitiBoi]

If you absolutely cannot spend more than $1,300, then don't even bother with a Pro. Go for the Air. Unless you are OK with the base rMBP for $1,299, or can stretch things to the $1,499 model.

But everything you say suggests the Air is what you want.

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You can upgrade the SSD later on, sure. But keep in mind that there are no compatible 3rd-party SSDs currently available, and even when they are, upgrading will cost you more than it would have if you had just bought from Apple.

I see. It's either $1,500 MBP or an upgraded $1,300 MBA. Thank you.

 

[AppleDApp]

If I read correctly, users here feel that I don't need a MacbookBook Pro Retina but instead a MacBook Air Retina that has haswell for my designing use? 8GB RAM overrated and 4 would work just fine?

I guess I am back to returning it. I haven't opened it yet. Anymore feed back?

There is no such thing as a Macbook Air with Retina display.

You either have the macbook air, the old macbook pro without retina display (13" only) or the retina macbook pro (13" or 15").

Should I upgrade the RAM to 8? I know RAM cannot be upgraded at a later date but can other specs be?

So I can buy an Air and upgrade SSD at a later date? I'm assuming outside of apple service for a cheaper rate. I just read it's soldered so I assume nothing is upgradable after you buy it. It must just be the RAM that's not upgradable then, right?

On a retina macbook pro which seems you don't want to buy you cannot upgrade any components after the purchase. Everything is soldered on.

On the older Macbook Pro you can upgrade the RAM (up to 16gb) and HDD (up to 1.5 maybe 2tb on a single drive) If you are inclined you can also replace the DVD drive with another HDD.

On the Macbook air, You can upgrade the SSD after the purchase but the RAM is soldered onto the logic board.


Most upgrade purchases can be found on OWC

 

[RipCitiBoi]

There is no such thing as a Macbook Air with Retina display.

You either have the macbook air, the old macbook pro without retina display (13" only) or the retina macbook pro (13" or 15").




On a retina macbook pro which seems you don't want to buy you cannot upgrade any components after the purchase. Everything is soldered on.

On the older Macbook Pro you can upgrade the RAM (up to 16gb) and HDD (up to 1.5 maybe 2tb on a single drive) If you are inclined you can also replace the DVD drive with another HDD.

On the Macbook air, You can upgrade the SSD after the purchase but the RAM is soldered onto the logic board.


Most upgrade purchases can be found on OWC

Got it. It seems like last years model is better because one can always upgrade if inclined to but this new haswell thing must really be worth the upgrade. I'm planning on using this Mac for the next 3 to 5 years so if the latest release is recommended then I would do so. Thanks again.

 

[PDFierro]

Got it. It seems like last years model is better because one can always upgrade if inclined to but this new haswell thing must really be worth the upgrade. I'm planning on using this Mac for the next 3 to 5 years so if the latest release is recommended then I would do so. Thanks again.

Everybody is advising you to pick up the Haswell rMBP over the one you just bought. So it's not better. It could be better for certain people who are going to take advantage of it, but you have clearly explained that you wouldn't.

All of the prior advice still stands. Step up to the $1,499 Pro model, or go Air.

 

[Meister]

On a retina macbook pro which seems you don't want to buy you cannot upgrade any components after the purchase. Everything is soldered on.

On the older Macbook Pro you can upgrade the RAM (up to 16gb) and HDD (up to 1.5 maybe 2tb on a single drive) If you are inclined you can also replace the DVD drive with another HDD.

On the Macbook air, You can upgrade the SSD after the purchase but the RAM is soldered onto the logic board.


Most upgrade purchases can be found on OWC

The rmbp ssd should be theoraticaly upgrable, too? But its so xpensive and weird that its not a real option.

 

[RipCitiBoi]

Everybody is advising you to pick up the Haswell rMBP over the one you just bought. So it's not better. It could be better for certain people who are going to take advantage of it, but you have clearly explained that you wouldn't.

All of the prior advice still stands. Step up to the $1,499 Pro model, or go Air.

May I ask which type of profession or people would take advantage of it?

 

[PDFierro]

May I ask which type of profession or people would take advantage of it?

The only advantage is being upgrade parts like the RAM and SSD at will. That's it. Nothing else is an advantage. The Retina MBP is better in every way.

The reason people are swearing you off the old model is for those exact reasons. Not only is it better in every way, but you're on a budget and seem to have no interest in upgrading parts yourself. It would also be cheaper in the long run to get what you want from the get-go.

So why buy an inferior machine and get a lot less for your money? You are going to be so much better served by any model of the rMBP.

 

[dukebound85]

Is that what it is? Is it still a good value or not? Should I return it? How can I maximize my investment for my designing use?

It is a great computer. The specs are better than the retina aside from the screen and ssd.

You can upgrade the ram and the hdd to a ssd as well as add a second hdd in the optical drive. All of this the retina you can't do.

Be happy you got a configurable model!

 

[AppleDApp]

Got it. It seems like last years model is better because one can always upgrade if inclined to but this new haswell thing must really be worth the upgrade. I'm planning on using this Mac for the next 3 to 5 years so if the latest release is recommended then I would do so. Thanks again.

For upgradability go with the older MBP.

For battery life go for the latest MBA.

 

[Meister]

It is a great computer. The specs are better than the retina aside from the screen and ssd.

You can upgrade the ram and the hdd to a ssd as well as add a second hdd in the optical drive. All of this the retina you can't do.

Be happy you got a configurable model!

Could u please not confuse the OP any more
It is a great computer.

BUT: U can only upgrade the ram to 16gb.
U can never upgrade to PCIE Ssd.
Nothing else is upgradeable. Computers are not just ram and ssd!!
Cpu and graphics are worse than the retina or air.
Batterylife is way worse! The 2012 mbp is heavy and thick!

The only people who get your config are folks who want to upgrade to lots and lots of ssd storage and still have a great machine that will last for years.

But:
Do u need insane storage over everything else??
And:
The storage will cost u too!

 

[PDFierro]

Could u please not confuse the OP any more
It is a great computer.

BUT: U can only upgrade the ram to 16gb.
U can never upgrade to PCIE Ssd.
Nothing else is upgradeable. Computers are not just ram and ssd!!
Cpu and graphics are worse then the retina or air.
Batterylife is way worse! The 2012 mbp is heavy and thick!

The only people who get your config are folks who want to upgrade to lots and lots of ssd storage and still have a great machine that will last for years.

But:
Do u need insane storage over everything else??

The OP also is on a very strict budget and has no problem paying for the 8GB RAM from the get-go. I don't think the OP is even interested in upgrading later on, and they are more concerned about getting a good laptop that will last them for 3-5 years.

The classic MBP offers no advantage in this regard.

 

[Heli0s]

If you're willing to buy online from the Apple Store check THIS out. Apple doesn't require confirmation of college enrollment, so a '13 rMBP with 8gb memory would cost you $1279 through them ($20 less than you paid for last years model.) I would definitely go with the retina version over the classic, even if it does mean forking out a bit more cash.

 

[Orr]

To be fair I received limited feedback at first. This time around I got a lot of responses but it was after I bought the Mac. I just made many assumptions and was blind sited by Best Buys' $200 price reductions. I got the last MBP with all the upgrades left at the time. So I felt I was getting a steal haha. Lastly, I haven't kept up with Macs in a few years and was slightly lost in terminology. (I know I sound like a dinosaur but I am just not well informed).

The problem with Best Buy and even many Apple stores is that they frequently carry older stock. The cMBP you bought, while not a bad laptop by any means, has outdated processors and the non-retina screen. And the current cMBP is likely to get discontinued very shortly altogether.

As others have said, you should really go online to Apple's website where you can compare and configure different models next to one another.

For your stated budget of $1200-$1300, I would personally much prefer either:
1) the base 13" Air w/128GB SSD upgraded to 8GB RAM,
2) the base 13" Air w/256GB SSD w/4GB RAM
3) the base 13" rMBP w/128GB SSD w/4GB RAM

If you qualify for education pricing and can stretch that budget just a little more, #2 upgraded to 8GB RAM is $1339 and offers a great mix of portability and power. #3 upgraded to 8GB RAM is $1289 and a lot more future proof.

Another route to take would be shopping refurbished (Apple's ones are top notch). You should be able to find a previous generation Ivy Bridge 13" rMBP for between $1000-$1200 depending on storage size.

 

[Meister]

I think the op should check out the apple store and look at the models.
Check out if you like the air or rmbp. I mean physically use them!
The user experience between the air and retina is quite different!
See which one you prefere.
Then check out the base configuration prices.

And last go to other resellers and see if you can get a deal!

 

[Meister]

The only advantage is being upgrade parts like the RAM and SSD at will. That's it. Nothing else is an advantage. The Retina MBP is better in every way.

The reason people are swearing you off the old model is for those exact reasons. Not only is it better in every way, but you're on a budget and seem to have no interest in upgrading parts yourself. It would also be cheaper in the long run to get what you want from the get-go.

So why buy an inferior machine and get a lot less for your money? You are going to be so much better served by any model of the rMBP.

an advantage of the model u bought and that everyone seems to forget:

your model has: ethernet, firewire, outside battery indicator and a dvd drive.
if u really need any of these on your notebook then do not return what you bought.

 

[Charliebird]

So far so good. The icarbon skins seems very durable i had it on my macbook air since i bought it in 2010 and it protected it very well. i just sold my macbook air on ebay before i got my retina and my air still looked new. The carbons are also very easy to clean. I also had the icarbon on my 2010 macbook pro and it held up pretty good and looked great, that color was black on that laptop. They sell them in Black, White and Red.

Thanks for the feedback. Her first Macbook Pro arrives Tuesday.

 

[Pheo]

Typing this from my new 15" base spec, picked up today with Black Friday Discount + my EPP discount stacked (winner!). By jove, its so fast compared to our 2009 cMBP

 

[RipCitiBoi]

The problem with Best Buy and even many Apple stores is that they frequently carry older stock. The cMBP you bought, while not a bad laptop by any means, has outdated processors and the non-retina screen. And the current cMBP is likely to get discontinued very shortly altogether.

As others have said, you should really go online to Apple's website where you can compare and configure different models next to one another.

For your stated budget of $1200-$1300, I would personally much prefer either:
1) the base 13" Air w/128GB SSD upgraded to 8GB RAM,
2) the base 13" Air w/256GB SSD w/4GB RAM
3) the base 13" rMBP w/128GB SSD w/4GB RAM

If you qualify for education pricing and can stretch that budget just a little more, #2 upgraded to 8GB RAM is $1339 and offers a great mix of portability and power. #3 upgraded to 8GB RAM is $1289 and a lot more future proof.

Another route to take would be shopping refurbished (Apple's ones are top notch). You should be able to find a previous generation Ivy Bridge 13" rMBP for between $1000-$1200 depending on storage size.

I did exactly as you advised and spent $1289 for the third option. I hope that is not an issue. Besides if I would have taken the other route I would have initially paid more at the get-go ($1,399) but then received a gift card of $150. Which if I compare the difference in value, it would have been a $39 in favor of the gift card method. But I don't have the patience nor wanted to be bothered in trying to sell the gift card for a lesser value to some stranger. Thanks for the help and to all who informed me on Mac specs.

 

[Meister]

I did exactly as you advised and spent $1289 for the third option. I hope that is not an issue. Besides if I would have taken the other route I would have initially paid more at the get-go ($1,399) but then received a gift card of $150. Which if I compare the difference in value, it would have been a $39 in favor of the gift card method. But I don't have the patience nor wanted to be bothered in trying to sell the gift card for a lesser value to some stranger. Thanks for the help and to all who informed me on Mac specs.

So you got the rmbp with 4gb ram and 128gb ssd.

Did you base your choice on the retina display?
Let us know how the new macbook works for you!

I think you made a good choice.

 

[RipCitiBoi]

So you got the rmbp with 4gb ram and 128gb ssd.

Did you base your choice on the retina display?
Let us know how the new macbook works for you!

I think you made a good choice.

With an upgraded RAM to 8. The Haswell persuaded me because so many users said it performed much better. I will let you know how it work for me. I still have to wait many days until in ships to my place.

 

[Meister]

With an upgraded RAM to 8. The Haswell persuaded me because so many users said it performed much better. I will let you know how it work for me. I still have to wait many days until in ships to my place.

Great choice! Enjoy!

 

[Ai-apple]

I finally made my decision going with 13", 2.8GHz Dual-core Intel Core i7,
16GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM, 512GB PCIe-based Flash Storage. It will take 1-2 weeks for BTO. It will be my Xmas present to myself.

 

[tenganis]

Hello!

I am still fairly new here but I thought I would mention that I just bought the mid-range rMBP! Will be picking it up in store tomorrow morning .

After hesitating longly between the MBA 8gb/128gb and the mid-range rMBP, I decided to go with the rMBP. Although I know I would have been happy with the MBA for the near future/upcoming year, I feel confident that I will feel satisfied with the rMBP not just in the near future, but for years to come .

This forum definitely helped me make my decision, so thank you all

 

[NocturnalJazz]

One last shot at a 15" rMBP

So I went through a number of exchanges of 15" rMBP but couldn't get a decent screen. ALL exchanges were in-store and were between H-M serials.

After a number of exchanges I finally gave up and just opted of for an in-stock 13" i7/8GB/512GB model.

I read on here that some people were having luck ordering off the online store where product comes straight from China. So tonight, i am giving it one last shot and ordered a 15" machine off the online store. It should be in by the 6th. My return date on the 13" machine is until the 8th. So it gives me about a day or two to see if screen issues have been sorted out. Really... I will know within the first 3 seconds of opening up the screen.

*Believe it or not, an apple rep on the store chat actually recommended I go forward with this option.

Crossing my fingers for a good 15" screen. If not, I'll be holding on to the 13" for a year or two and move up.