Received a new cMBP and Airport Express...

You've a mid-2012 model - on late 2012 model was the 13" Retina. I wouldn't rely to much on a Google search for your serial number - your machine is a custom-build.

The Apple Store may charge you a fee to transfer data ($50-60). It's actually fairly simple to DIY - simply have the two computers on the same network when booting your new machine for the first time and use the Setup Assistant to migrate everything from your old computer to your new machine.

The Airport Utility (Applications>Utility folder) can be used to setup and administer your new Airport Extreme - you will be walked through the setup and it is very easy.

To replace RAM all you need is a Phillips #00 screwdriver - available at any hardware store. I would get one with a magnetized head as those small screws can be a bugger if you drop one! And, no, adding RAM does not void your warranty - in fact you can install up to 16GB of RAM in your machine (even though the Apple specs say 8GB, your machine can and will use up to 16GB).

No need to visit the Apple Store - you can do it all yourself, easily and safely.

Good luck,

Clinton

If you don't feel comfortable transferring data, go ahead and ask at the Apple store. When I picked up my iMac there, they offered to show me how to use it, set it up and would have transferred any data if I had had them with me. Be aware that wireless data transfer will be slow compared to wired (however, I do not know if you can do it with Thunderbolt/FW if, in fact, your old one has Firewire.) When I got my 2012 MBP, I decided to do a clean install, so I installed all my applications from scratch and simply copied over a few other files.

As for your serial number, I would not put any stock in Google. Open your box and check to see if you got what you ordered. You have 14 days to return the machine for any reason at all, so check it out to make sure all is well.

Installing RAM: go to OWC and take a look at their videos:

http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/

You only need a Torx T6 to replace the SSD/HD - just a Phillips #00 to replace RAM. Here are video instructions on replacing RAM.

If the Apple Store will do the transfer free, and if you fear that your hard drive may be failing on your old machine, by all means take it to the Apple Store. That's one area where they know what they are doing!

Take a look at the Crucial 16GB RAM kit here. Not to pricey and darned good RAM!

Clinton

Go to the OWC site - it's easy to figure out the RAM there - they do it for you.

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade

It even helps you find your model identifier.

As for applications: no, you do not necessarily get free updates. It depends entirely on the developer. If you buy version 4, they'll give you a free update usually to 4.1, 4.2, etc., but then they decide to come out with a version 5 and want money from you. Depending on the age of your old machine and the OS version on your old machine, you should check to see that all your applications will still be compatible.

When I first turn the machine on, isn't there a process I need to go through to get the new mbp set up?

Yes, if you're going to use Setup Assistant. You can, though, at any time, use Migration Assistant instead.

Do you know who I contact if I need to return it? I am not even sure how to tell what is installed in the machine.

Just take it to your local Apple Store if you need to return it. You can always tell what's installed in the machine by holding down the option key and selecting System Information from the Apple menu. This will show you all of the hardware, etc., information about your machine.

Clinton

I've sinatlled RAM on every Mac I've owned since 1986 (the Macintosh Plus). It's very simple - the videos will guide you through the process.

Yes, you'll remove to 2 4GB sticks and simply replace them with 2 8GB sticks - the only thing you have to unscrew and rescrew is the back panel, using the Phillips #00 screwdriver. No other tools, save your hands and fingers' are needed.

Clinton

I've installed RAM before, but not in a 2012 MBP. I've installed RAM on several iMacs and Macbooks. I will look at the OWC install video before I start. I will be doing the RAM and the SSD install at the same time.

Apple charges way more money for RAM than anybody else - you will always want to get a Mac with just the basic RAM and then add it yourself later. Again, OWC is a great vendor (Crucial being the other one).

According to the video, you're supposed to unplug the battery cable I think?

Nope, won't hurt a thing to go ahead and boot up that monster - you can, or Apple can, always use Migration Assistant to transfer files and setting.

Airport Extreme setup is very, very simple. I just bought a new one myself in September. Much simpler setup than with the old Cisco/Lynksys router that I had.

I'm not sure about the one-on-one service, but definitely take advantage of it! I know that they will transfer your data for no charge if you purchased one-on-one.

Nope, no AppleCare boxes with a DVD any longer - it's just part of the sale now. One you get unboxed, be sure to register your computer and then go to https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do to check your warranty and service coverage.

Get that box open! I couldn't wait to get mine out of the box!

Clinton

That's what's recommended - I've never done that, though... and never had any problems. But, for safety's sake, it's probably best...?

Clinton