Q: 2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card

I don't follow:

This revelation has increased the resale value of the last MBP with upgradable memory and decreased the resale value of those with soldered in memory.

 

This revelation could affect the evolution of OS X and associated software if prospective owners decide freedom of choice is more important than joining the herd with the shiniest new toy.

The resale value of a used MBP will depend on the amount of memory it contains.  A maxed-out machine will bring a higher price than one that is not, so if I were contemplating selling one that I had bought new, I would seriously consider installing as much memory as I could afford.  Granted, I would prefer to buy the machine when I needed it and install more memory when the price of memory drops and I could afford it, but I would see little reason to try to sell a machine whose memory can be expanded with less than the maximum, because (a) that would make using it more comfortable for me, and (b) there's always a buyer who is will to pay a higher price for not having to shop for the right expansion cards and install them himself.  Such considerations would also motivate me to seriously consider ordering a configuration with the maximum memory if memory cannot be expanded later.  The more people who think and purchase this way, the more memory Apple will have to order from its suppliers, and, theoretically at least, the cheaper that memory becomes.

The trend to components that are not user-replaceable will grow as long as Apple (and its imitators!) continue to reduce the size of their products.  Soldered-in solid-state components save space and connections and give the manufacturer control over tight tolerances.  In a sense, by doing this Apple is giving consumers a real (admittedly, extreme) choice.  Those who prefer user-replaceable memory, hard disks, optical drives, etc. certainly are not starved for alternatives.  Remember the cries of protest when Apple introduced the first devices whose batteries were not user-replaceable?

Richard Liu wrote:

 

I don't follow:

This revelation has increased the resale value of the last MBP with upgradable memory and decreased the resale value of those with soldered in memory.

 

This revelation could affect the evolution of OS X and associated software if prospective owners decide freedom of choice is more important than joining the herd with the shiniest new toy.

The resale value of a used MBP will depend on the amount of memory it contains.  A maxed-out machine will bring a higher price than one that is not,

.......

 

The trend to components that are not user-replaceable will grow as long as Apple (and its imitators!) continue to reduce the size of their products.  Soldered-in solid-state components save space and connections and give the manufacturer control over tight tolerances.  In a sense, by doing this Apple is giving consumers a real (admittedly, extreme) choice.  Those who prefer user-replaceable memory, hard disks, optical drives, etc. certainly are not starved for alternatives.  Remember the cries of protest when Apple introduced the first devices whose batteries were not user-replaceable?

Remember I am the guy who never watched Mash until it was years into re-runs.  I am not much of a follower.

There is a minimum size for all human interaction devices.  The space savings of connectors and third party memory board is probably not a game breaker for optimal utilization of device space, costs are probably a more driving force.

Many of us have experienced the high cost of buying Apple computer maxed out on memory verses installing third party after market memories.  After market memories are generally less expensive by a significant amount.  Suggesting that Apple can not buy at an even lower price is not reasonable.  Therefore rather than pass along the cost savings to their customers it has been Apple's practice step costs significantly.  A practice manufactures of most products have done for decades.  Originally because their customers could not find the accessories any where else.  Today with the, maybe its still free, internet we can find lots of accessory choices and therefore save money because of competition.

Apple batteries are still replaceable, just not as conveniently.  They unplug, just as memory sticks do after the cover is removed.

As a case in point on the Apple Insider side are some adds for Apple products the difference between an 8gig machine and a 16gig machine is listed as $150.  You can buy a single memory for a difference of $62 a savings of $88.

I did notice the new MBP come with 16gig RAM which seems impressive today as did 4gig in 2011.  And given that today's MBP can not exceed that number. .... my point is mute.

Richard Liu wrote:

Guarantee:  The replacement is guaranteed for ninety days.  However, should the repaired laptop experience the same video problems during the lifetime of the  MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues, it would be covered by the program.

Richard - What are you basing your LIFETIME "Guarantee" for the GPU issue on? Something verbal you were told, or something you received in writing?

If you have something in writing, would you please upload a copy?

Also, where did you receive this "Guarantee"? At an Apple Store? If so, which one? If from the Apple Depot? Which one? Memphis? Houston? PA?

obwianMacobi wrote:

 

You're joking right? - I knew Apple had decided to solder the RAM on the logic board of the new Mac Minis, but had no idea they'd crippled the MacBook Pro's in the same way. It should be made illegal.

Nope, as you know by now, no joke.

But there is another thing to think about.

Repairablity. !!!

Or the NON- REPAIRABILITY.

And the "green" side of it, as Apple claims to be so environmental friendly...

http://www.wired.com/2012/06/opinion-apple-retina-displa/_

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Retina+Display+Mid+2012+Tear down/9462_

I am very surprised to hear that Apple is accepting and repairing machines that have not failed.  I just experienced this GPU failure (2/27/2015) and left my MBP at Apple overnight for testing.  They were NOT able to duplicate the failure so are not going to repair it until they can verify that it is not functioning properly, despite it qualifying under their new repair program.  This is despite pics on my iphone of the screen artifacts.  I was completely unaware of the issues until about 30 minutes prior to walking into the Apple Store.  T

oday when I picked it up, I pushed really hard to get them to repair it, and was refused, even after talking to the store manager.  This is my business machine and I rely on it every day.  I can ill afford the repair time, but I can even less afford to depend on an unreliable computer.  The bottom line is that for now, I would not expect Apple to step up and proactively repair machines that are not displaying the GPU failure.  It is too bad.  Besides the MBP, we have two iPads, two iPhones, and an iMac in our house.  After years of loyalty, I am beginning to lose faith in Apple's commitment to quality and service.

Darrell,

Richard Liu wrote:

Guarantee:  The replacement is guaranteed for ninety days.  However, should the repaired laptop experience the same video problems during the lifetime of the  MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues, it would be covered by the program.

Richard - What are you basing your LIFETIME "Guarantee" for the GPU issue on? Something verbal you were told, or something you received in writing?

If you have something in writing, would you please upload a copy?

Also, where did you receive this "Guarantee"? At an Apple Store? If so, which one? If from the Apple Depot? Which one? Memphis? Houston? PA?

I said nothing about a lifetime guarantee, neither for the "GPU issue" nor otherwise.  The employee at the Apple Store in Basel, Switzerland who returned my repaired MBP to me also answered my questions.  I asked her what work had been done.  She answered that the motherboard had been replaced.  I asked her about the guarantee on the replacement motherboard, and she stated that it is guaranteed for ninety days.  I asked her what happens if the same video problems appear after ninety days which the replacement motherboard is supposed to fix.  She said the machine would be fixed under the MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues (announced on Feb. 19, 2015) if they reoccurred during the lifetime of that program, i.e., on or before Feb. 27, 2016.

No, I have nothing in writing to that effect, and I am confident that I won't need anything in writing, at least, as long as the problems occur in Switzerland.  I have no reason not to believe the woman, especially since (a) her answer makes perfect sense, and (b) another Apple employee working with her on my case heard what she said.  In Switzerland we tend to take people at their word and don't demand legally binding documents that only lawyers can understand anyway.

Needless to say -- but I'll say it anyway -- consumer protection laws differ from country to country.  I make no claim that what I was told will be equally applicable in other countries.  You might ask the same question that I did at your local Apple Store and compare the answer that you receive.

Thanks - I will be putting my 16 back in!

I noticed the same thing on mine!

Pratik.Mac wrote:

 

Looks like the new logic board supports 1600 MHz RAM where as the old one had support for 1333 MHz. So, it seems that the logic board is different from the old ones.

Whilst the replacement boards may be different from the original board it appears that the 2011 logic board has always supported 1600 MHz RAM. http://blog.macsales.com/14262-boost-2011-mbp-performance-with-1600mhz-ram

Hi all,

Is there a some physical identification or another way to tell for sure that these "new" boards are different ? Definite replies will determine if I can trust (keep) this machine or not.

Yes, please!

A detailed answer. This really is the one and only thing this thread needs! (I am not being ironic, it is true there is too little real information here!)

What exactly are they doing and based on that will it maybe even better to just pay a third party to solve it for real...

Sorry for the spam, it was just a spontaneous emotional outburst because I was seeing the silver linings this depressing mostly non-informational thread needs!!

To all the people who provide good information and try to answer questions to advance this discussion: Thank you!

Best wishes,

MuddyMic

Really surprised that your Apple Store refused your repair. I had NO issues at my Apple Store as I was able to provide screen hots of all the funky graphics issues I was experiencing. If I were you I would not hesitate to reach out to Apple Corp. on the issue, you can find contact info on the Apple Site. I would also arrange a call with Tech support on this issue from the web site: http://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/

Also to all those who haven't run a stress test, YouTube search for  "How to get your #mbp2011 problem fixed for free" Of course this guy did this post before Apple announced the repair program for this issue, but he walks you thru the stress test. You can also try running graphic intense apps such as FCP, Motion, even iPhoto can reveal the issue. Mirroring to an external display can cause issues as well.

In any case, don't give up!

I dropped mine to the Genius Bar last night, after I went in earlier I in the afternoon and the video test they had failed right away. However they have also tested all the hardware of the machine and they saw that I had 16GB of ram instead of 8 and that I didn't have an optical drive because I swapped it out with a second HD. (They didn't open it up, there was just a big red X on the optical drive missing). After checking with his supervisor he came back saying he could close an eye on the memory (because usually you should have the ram that came it with - I dont understand why since you can upgrade it....) but for the optical drive he said he needs to have the machine in original conditions to proceed with the work. Right afterwards 2 of them just told me to go home and come back few hours afterwards with everything "fixed" since they already pre-authorised the work.

I am just waiting for the call now - they told me they will call within 3-5 days.

I dropped off my late 2011 17" computer on Wednesday and just picked it up today. What kinds of test should I do to test this fix. I have reattached my second monitor, used Apple TV simultaneously tried running multiple programs etc... are there specific test that is recommended ?

Thanks

XLT77 wrote:

 

What kinds of test should I do to test this fix. I have reattached my second monitor, used Apple TV simultaneously tried running multiple programs etc... are there specific test that is recommended ?

Using an external monitor is good. Try running graphics intense programs for the most part.