I am planning on getting a custom top-end new 2012 (non-retina) "classic" MBP. One thing I like about the older generation form-factor is the built in Ethernet and Firewire ports and I also like the ability to have a rotational HDD rather than an SSD. I was a bit taken aback, however, that Apple doesn't just include 7200rpm drives across the board by default. 5400rpm mobile drives SUCK compared to their 7200rpm brethren and HDDs are dirt-cheap compared to SSDs, so I wonder why Apple doesn't just standardize the faster drive (which would maybe cost them $5-10 extra, if that).
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Why does Apple still use crappy 5400rpm drive on default MBP models
- Thread starter Riemann Zeta
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Simple. Power. They don't justify the extra power for the speed. Look around the forums. The difference is minimal.
Because they can get extra $ when people upgrade. Why would Apple voluntarily spend $5 extra per machine when they can just charge consumers $50 more. To be nice? Companies are not in business to be nice -- well except maybe escort services. 
Just do the upgrades yourself. Sell the old HD on eBay or something.
Just do the upgrades yourself. Sell the old HD on eBay or something.
I can't really agree with that, the 250/320GB platter drives in current 5400rpm drives are good enough. I used 7200rpm drives prior to my Late-2011. I've not felt any need to replace the stock 5400rpm drive in this - it's still far quicker than the previous 7200s.
Sustained transfers are nigh on indistinguishable between 5400/7200 now and the lower access times are not outweighed by the reduction in battery and increase in NVH.
I'd far rather pick my own drive anyway. Zero change of getting a god-awful WD drive that way!