What is the benefit of purchasing a base model (no modifications) MacBook Pro from Apple vs. Best Buy?

The problem with Best Buy is their open box units. If it's sealed there should be no difference. Don't go to them for service though.

There are no real benefits buying from a apple store. Best buy carries the same models as a apple store.

Best Buy will try to upsell you on a service plan. Keep in mind that this is a Best Buy plan, and not something associated with Apple, so you do not want to buy that. If you want an extended service plan (though they're not worth the money on average), get an AppleCare extended warranty instead.

I agree with Sig, watch out for the open box trick, it should be sealed up from the factory.

Also it's a good idea to run a #3 Hardware Check as soon as it get it home and see if you can have the Genius Bar at a AppleStore run a quick evaluation on it just to make sure you didn't get a lemon.

Also buy AppleCare and a large powered external drive for TimeMachine backups.

Best Buy usually has slightly (slightly) lower prices than the Apple Store, but you have to be careful. You will find the BB salespeople rather less informed than you might like, and they will try to upsell you hard on accessories and BB's own service agreements. I don't know about the open box issue, but it wouldn't surprise me from BB. It's buyer beware for sure.

For me, buying from the Apple Store provides extra peace of mind. BTW, I can highly recommend B&H PhotoVideo in New York as a very reputable dealer. They are an authorized Apple reseller and their prices as are as good as you will find anywhere. In all my years of dealing with them, and the thousands of $$ of equipment I have purchased from them, including Mac and pc purchases, I have never had a problem even once! B&H is one of my very favorite vendors.

NOTE: I do not receive any compensation for recommending B&H, Apple or any other vendor. I'm just a very satisfied customer.

Sorry, I disagree on the benefit of buying directly from Best Buy. Best Buy may have a slightly lower price but I don't think it's worth it if something goes wrong. If you happen to need service under warranty, Apple requires you to return it to Best Buy. When purchased directly from Apple, you can take it in to an Apple Store and they will handle it - in some cases - on the spot.

If you happen to need service under warranty, Apple requires you to return it to Best Buy.

That is absolutely not true. It doesn't matter where you buy a Mac, if you need warranty service, you can take it to Apple and get help at the Genius Bar in an Apple Store (make an appointment first!).

The exception, of course, is if you buy a Best Buy service plan. Apple will still honor their warranty, but past the warranty period you would have to rely entirely on Best Buy if you want your repairs paid for under the service plan you paid for. In addition, if you buy directly from Apple, there is a 14-day, no-questions-asked return policy. If something is wrong with the machine, you return it for a new one. If you buy from Best Buy, you will have to deal with their return policy (whatever that may be) or resort to warranty service.

Thomas, after re-reading the Service terms, you are absolutely correct. I over extended the return poilcy to include service.

In my view however, this is still worth buying directly from Apple. Especially given what I think is a relatively small price to pay (max $30 or so).

You're welcome. And you're right. For $120, I would rethink it too. But, it's as much a judgment call as it is a financial decision. My experience with Best Buy doesn;t compete with my experience with Apple for customer service. Not even close.