JayT_B

Q: Scared.....

I ordered my first Apple product two days ago.  A 15" MacBook Pro w/Retina, 2.6GHZ, 16MB Ram, 512GB PCIe Flash storage .  While patiently waiting for it to arrive I decided to peruse the forums here and I must say....I was a little surprised with all of the issues and a little nervous about my purchase.  It doesn't sound like Apple provides much support, GPU issues, etc.  Now I understand people are more likely to post here when they have an issue and not when everything is going OK.  I purchased my first laptop (ASUS) eight years ago and still using it.  It is showing its age so I am being proactive with a new purchase before I am stuck with nothing.

 

On another note, 512GB PCIe Flash is not SSD is it?

 

Thank you,

 

Jace

MacBook Pro with Retina display

Posted on Dec 8, 2013 6:35 PM

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Q: Scared.....

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  • by LowLuster,Helpful

    LowLuster LowLuster Dec 8, 2013 6:42 PM in response to JayT_B
    Level 6 (12,074 points)
    Dec 8, 2013 6:42 PM in response to JayT_B

    Yes all retina models have a SSD as the storage device. The PCIe is the way it is connected to the system, better, faster, than Serial ATA (SATA).

  • by LowLuster,

    LowLuster LowLuster Dec 8, 2013 6:49 PM in response to JayT_B
    Level 6 (12,074 points)
    Dec 8, 2013 6:49 PM in response to JayT_B

    As to your other concerns.

    Apple has a 14 day from date of purchase No Questions Asked return policy for full refund. So if you are not satisfied or you have any initial problems, or just Buyer Remorse on the cost of the system, you can send it back and get your money refunded.

  • by John Galt,Helpful

    John Galt John Galt Dec 8, 2013 7:00 PM in response to JayT_B
    Level 8 (49,777 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 8, 2013 7:00 PM in response to JayT_B

    This site is analogous to the emergency room of a public hospital. It is populated by users with problems, most of them self-inflicted. Participants without problems volunteer their time to help get others out of the mess they created. You can learn a lot by reading about such cases, but it takes a considerable amount of time (months of active participation, at least) to separate fact from fiction.

     

    The number of people who complain about something and then stubbornly refuse to participate in solving it, even after several helpful and qualified volunteers practically plead for them to do so, continues to astonish me.

     

    Chances are you will be very happy with your MacBook Pro, but if you find trouble with it the first thing you should do is avail yourself of Apple's telephone support, which is free for 90 days and can be extended for three years with an AppleCare Agreement.

     

    My first laptop is also still working too. It's a PowerBook G4 and it's twelve years old. I never had a problem with it, despite having abused it in travel for years. Since then I've been abusing newer ones and can't seem to make them break either.

     

    Strictly speaking flash memory is not the same as an SSD. A solid state drive is limited by standard mass storage I/O whereas the flash memory in your Retina MBP is not. Yours is faster. By the way "flash memory" is a generic term, no capitalization required, and not to be confused with Flash Player, an Adobe product.

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,Solvedanswer

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Dec 8, 2013 6:59 PM in response to LowLuster
    Level 9 (61,180 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 8, 2013 6:59 PM in response to LowLuster

    For online orders, it is 14 days from receipt. And you can return it to an Apple Store instead of shipping back if you prefer (except for refurbished systems).

     

    Do not panic about SSDs. Apple has an integrated system with SSD devices they have tested thoroughly with these Macs. The bad stories you may have read about, even here, are with random SSD drives that users installed themselves, and some of them did it wrong.

     

    Your new Mac comes with 90 days of free phone support from Apple's trained representatives. If you stump the "first responders" they will forward you to specialists in the area of your problems.

     

    You can also visit an Apple store. If you make an appointment at the genius Bar, they are willing to evaluate any problems you may be having or discuss difficulties with you. Your appointment is FREE, in warranty or out. Apple wants you to be a happy customer.

  • by JayT_B,

    JayT_B JayT_B Dec 8, 2013 7:12 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 8, 2013 7:12 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Thank you gentleman.  I appreciate the responses and you have confirmed my thoughts.  I look forward to this purchase and many years of enjoyment.

     

    Jace

  • by JayT_B,

    JayT_B JayT_B Jun 1, 2014 1:43 PM in response to JayT_B
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 1, 2014 1:43 PM in response to JayT_B

    I wanted to take the time today to thank those who replied.  I have been very happy with my purchase.  My only regret so far is not doing it sooner.  I have used Windows OS for so long that learning OS X seems to be a greater task that I had anticipated.  In time I am sure it will all come about.

     

    Jace

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Jun 1, 2014 7:15 PM in response to JayT_B
    Level 9 (61,180 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 1, 2014 7:15 PM in response to JayT_B

    There is a set of articles and some videos collectively referred to as "Mac 101". Tutorials on subjects they thought would be helpful to new users are available.

     

    There is a parallel set of articles and some Videos collectively referred to as "Switch 101". Tutorials aimed at reformed Windows Users are available there.

     

    If any subject seems baffling, just ask, and folks can provide insight and point to articles on the subject. Here is one you might like:

     

    Switch Basics: On Windows, I used to...

  • by Carolyn Samit,

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Jun 1, 2014 7:23 PM in response to JayT_B
    Level 10 (122,900 points)
    Apple Music
    Jun 1, 2014 7:23 PM in response to JayT_B

    Hi..

     

    Try to keep in mind, Apple Support Communities is akin to a hospital for Macs. The issues you see on the forums represent less than 1% of all Macs sold worldwide. Don't let the negativity slow you down and congrats on your new Mac 

     

    You have already received excellent support on this thread!