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Suggestion on Purchasing the New MacBook Pro

Hello-

I am wondering where I would be best to go if I wanted to purchase a new MBP. I understand the 15" MBP has recently been updated, but that the retina display is not available in this size yet. If I am wrong with this onformation would you please correct me and let me know when the MPB was last updated. I am also wanting to configure several hardware items like adding more RAM (I do not feel comfortable adding it myslef, even if it does not void the warranty), add the SS hard drive (I heard that the Apple Stores do not carry this drive), and hopefully I wil be allowed to add iLife, and if the MPB does not already have a dedicated graphics card/drive, I am curious to know if it is possible to make this change when configuring the MBP. Is the website the best place to go? I am in grad school, so I understand that I can put in the name of the school I go to and some machines will come up, but I am not even sure if the discount will apply to a configured machine.


Any feedback on the current MacBook Pro and even the current operating system & version would be appreciated.

Posted on Nov 11, 2012 7:57 PM

Reply
27 replies

Nov 11, 2012 8:02 PM in response to NObodE

The 13" model is now available also with the retina display. So I don't know what other model you are referring to.


You can get the academic discount on all qualifying Apple products. iPhones, iPads, and iPods carry no discount. iLife comes with all Apple computers. Try Apple's Online Store where all this information is available. All laptops come with GPUs by default. You cannot specify what you want.

Nov 11, 2012 9:39 PM in response to Kappy

Kappy-

I know the 13" is avail in retina display. I heard there were some issues with the retina display, so I am wondering if they are accurate.


I am trying to find information from people who HAVE or know about the 15"---well, I will paste that from my origional post, " I understand the 15" MBP has recently been updated, but that the retina display is not available in this size yet." I am interested in the 15" MacBook Pro.


Thanks

Nov 11, 2012 9:51 PM in response to NObodE

NObodE wrote:


Hello-

I am wondering where I would be best to go if I wanted to purchase a new MBP. I understand the 15" MBP has recently been updated, but that the retina display is not available in this size yet. If I am wrong with this onformation would you please correct me and let me know when the MPB was last updated. I am also wanting to configure several hardware items like adding more RAM (I do not feel comfortable adding it myslef, even if it does not void the warranty), add the SS hard drive (I heard that the Apple Stores do not carry this drive), and hopefully I wil be allowed to add iLife, and if the MPB does not already have a dedicated graphics card/drive, I am curious to know if it is possible to make this change when configuring the MBP. Is the website the best place to go? I am in grad school, so I understand that I can put in the name of the school I go to and some machines will come up, but I am not even sure if the discount will apply to a configured machine.


Any feedback on the current MacBook Pro and even the current operating system & version would be appreciated.


I don't think I really understand what your asking but from what I can make out:


Best place to buy the macbook pro is in an Apple Store, that way you can ask all the questions while you have a look at it in person and use it.


You can purchase the base model 15" macbook pro which has upgradeable ram and harddrive, an apple authorized repair centre can install these for you at a later day, or you can configure it before purchase either online or order in store.


The SSD hard drive upgrade which I highly recommend can be configured in an custom build order online with 128gb, 256gb and 512gb options.


All the new macbook pro 15" line has dedicated graphics the base non-retina has a 512MB version the rest have 1GB nvidia GT 650M GPUs.


iLife comes pre-installed on all the new macbook pro and I currently own a 15" retina macbook pro and I highly recommend one.


I hope this helps you, I can't tell you the best place to buy one as I don't even know where you are located. My suggestion is to visit an Apple Store have a look at the unit and ask any additional questions then order your custom build online through one of the education pricing portals.


Cheers

Sidonsoft

Nov 12, 2012 4:47 PM in response to NObodE

NObodE wrote:


I am wondering where I would be best to go if I wanted to purchase a new MBP


If you want a stock machine then you can certainly shop on price and sales tax (like none if they don't have a presence in your neck of the woods)


Just make sure you add everything up, like free shipping and any other goodies like a free printer.


http://appleinsider.com/mac_price_guide/




I understand the 15" MBP has recently been updated, but that the retina display is not available in this size yet. If I am wrong with this information would you please correct me and let me know when the MPB was last updated.


Yes you can get both a regular glossy 15", a high res glosy and anti-glare and a Retina 15", however you won't get this selection or your choice of customization from resellers, only online Apple or in a Apple Store perhaps.


The high res antiglare is the best functional use model, you can add RAM and a new storage drive yourself and there is no glare on the screen, use it just about anywhere.


User uploaded file


https://www.apple.com/why-mac/compare/notebooks.html


http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#MacBook_Pro




User uploaded file


I am also wanting to configure several hardware items like adding more RAM (I do not feel comfortable adding it myslef, even if it does not void the warranty), add the SS hard drive (I heard that the Apple Stores do not carry this drive),


Then you want to order it online at Apple to get exactly what you want.


The Retina 15" has only SSD, the machine is locked up, so you can't add more RAM or a larger storage later. You want it now you better special order what you want in advance.


The regular 15" you can do it yourself later or have someone or even Apple do it. (it's easy really!)


Install/upgrade RAM or storage drive in Mac's




hopefully I wil be allowed to add iLife


Comes installed on all new Mac's, you'll get it unless you buy used or "open box" where the drive was wiped.




if the MPB does not already have a dedicated graphics card/drive,


The 13" doesn't, the 15" (any of them) do and is highly recommneded if you want the machine to last or play 3D games.



I am curious to know if it is possible to make this change when configuring the MBP.


You can only choose 13" or 15", so choose the 15" for the more powerful (and cooler machine) dedicated graphics.



Is the website the best place to go?


For your needs the Apple website store is the best to configure the machine you want.


If you so happen to want the stock model, then shop online anywhere else, Apple charges sales tax so that adds to the cost.


Don't forget AppleCare, you will need that.



I am in grad school, so I understand that I can put in the name of the school I go to and some machines will come up, but I am not even sure if the discount will apply to a configured machine.


Call Apple if there is problems accessing the educational discount and you can't get a custom configured machine on that site.



Any feedback on the current MacBook Pro and even the current operating system & version would be appreciated.


Current operating system is 10.8, it's a bit of a change... 😢


Mac buying and maintenance advice

Nov 12, 2012 8:13 PM in response to sidonsoft

sidonsoft-


You did a great job at helping me with some of my questions. I think you did understand what I was asking. It is really not complicated. I came here to not get information about the new MBP from apple.com because I had already beeen there, but to get information about people who have lived with this machine in their daily life, How it was working out, and if they felt comfortable enough to share the information with me since I need to get a new MBP. As far as the specifics about if the latest 15" MBP was recently updated like the iPhone or the iPad and how people liked the latest operating syetem. You know when you go to buy a new car, some people like to go on forums to ask others how they like the car they are thinking about getting, and just to make sure they are comparing apples to apples, they make sure it is the same year, model, etc.?? That is all I was doing by asking about the 15", and if it was the retina display they had, the operating system they are using and how that is going. I have read several posts about how Mountain Lion is not what it is all cracked up top be but that was just a coupe people's opinions.


I appreciate your help and will award you for it.

Nov 12, 2012 8:47 PM in response to ds store

ds store-

You give a lot of good information. thanks. I do not know where to beging, but several things you said sparked another question. what 15" MBP can you get that is not as you stated "locked up?" Are you saying that all 15" new retina display only have the SSD? I am not clear on what type of display you are suggesting. Is the glossy the same as the high res antiglare?


I will get applecare and I will try to get the student discount. In the past when I have entered the school, only a few config MBPs were on that website from Apple and if one could configure one, the discount was not aplied.


So , I heard that the retina display is not advancd enough. that it is a great concept but needs some time to make it "right." any thoughts on this? As I stated in a previous reply, I even read some posts about Mountain Lion too. However I read on a website last night all the changes in Mountin Lion Made Simple. this guy went down each change and tried to make it simple and explain what the change is, how to use it, and so forth. If it is accurate information, that was a help to me.


If you could go through your main points about the 15" MBP retina display, I would appreciate it. The picture you have is of a MacBook, right? You are just showing the fact that one can select the type of display screen they want?

Nov 12, 2012 9:05 PM in response to NObodE

NObodE wrote:


what 15" MBP can you get that is not as you stated "locked up?"


The Retina's can't later be upgraded with more RAM or larger storage like the other 15" models can.



Are you saying that all 15" new retina display only have the SSD?


Yes far as I know, unless there was some changes I don't know about, click the "Buy Now" and see the options for yourself.



I am not clear on what type of display you are suggesting. Is the glossy the same as the high res antiglare?


There is a glossy finish screen and a anti-reflective screen.


The Retina Display and WideScreen Glossy, Widescreen High-Res Glossy are glossy,


Then there is a Widescreen High Res AntiGlare which has a anti-glare screen applied. (but it's not as high-res as the Retina Display)


Again, click the "Buy Now" on Apple's MacBook Pro page to see your options.




I heard that the retina display is not advanced enough. that it is a great concept but needs some time to make it "right."


Agreed. I think that sort of resolution is unnecessary for most folks also there seems to be a problem with it heating the display.



The picture you have is of a MacBook, right? You are just showing the fact that one can select the type of display screen they want?



I posted that so you would see what you will get if you try to use a glossy display anywhere but a carefully controlled environment like a Apple Store or your home.


You won't be able to control the windows or overhead lights in class, thus can't see the screen very well.


Apple is attempting to come out with less glare computers, namely the new iMac's with 75% reduced glare, but it's really not enough yet and haven't quite reached the MacBook Pro's yet, although the Retina has a slightly reduced glare than the full glossy models.


All computers really need near 100% reduced glare and they haven't got it there yet as the technology for that process is proprietary and patented, so they have to come up with another method.


Eventually hopefully the glare will be gone, but not yet, so the 15" anti-glare is still for sale. 🙂

Nov 12, 2012 9:12 PM in response to ds store

DS-

I appreciate your input but I want to know the display you were suggesting I get. I know I can go to websites and hit "Buy Now" and make my choices. If I wanted to do that I would not have posted on here. I am very interested in what people say that have expereince with this machine so could you tell me out of the options what is the best for the 15" MBP retina display? do you think the technology is not up to snuff yet so I should wait and go with a regular machine? I am not too anxious to purchase a machine that has not come to fruition yet. 😉


Finally if I want the student discount with this machine I can't use "Buy Now," it looks like I might have to call in.


Let me know the best display if you think the retina display and SSD are worth it.

Nov 12, 2012 9:18 PM in response to NObodE

NObodE wrote:


I am very interested in what people say that have expereince with this machine so could you tell me out of the options what is the best for the 15" MBP retina display?


Let me know the best display if you think the retina display and SSD are worth it.


I have the retina 15" with SSD hard drive and would happily recommend it to my friends, there are many in this community who also have this model and are more than happy with it. Im sure a few may even chime in.


SSD hard drive is a must for all new computers in my honest opinion. Many would agree with this also, cost per GB is higher but worth the compromise.


Sidonsoft

Suggestion on Purchasing the New MacBook Pro

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