Non-retina Hi-Res (1680x1050) MBP 15" vs. Retina MBP 15"

Thanks Melophage.

There just one more option has shown up 🙂

I just found one Used Retina MBP 15" (from a Private Sell) Mid-2012 with the Highest Specs: RAM=16GB, SSD=750GB; And AppleCare till Sep 2016. The seller wants $2250 for it.

Now what would be your suggestion - go with this Private sale (for $2250) OR with Refirbished of the AppleStore for (with tax $2450-$2675 for 500GB-750GB respectivelly)?

Thanks folks!!

Seller mentioned that it was bought last year before June 2013 and the AppleCare was purchased in Sep 2013.

I did mentioned that it's kind of weird that his AC will expire in Sep 2016 (as from my understanding - AC just extend initial warranty by 2 more years and not by 3 more years).

He said that he is puzzled too and he sent me the screenshot of the window where it has MBP Serial Number and following

“Repairs and Service Coverage: Active

Your product is covered for eligible hardware repairs and service under the AppleCare Protection Plan

Estimated Expiration Date: 13 September 2016”

This would be my first MacBook (and first time I would be dealing with AppleCare).

Does AppleCare usually assigned to a User or the Machine itsled (meaning I do not need to Re-register AC under my name)?

Also Seller has neither Box nor receipt. Is there a way I can verify it's not stolen and officially move ownership under my name?

Thanks a lot Melophage!!! That is good to know!

Here is what we have for my region:

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10. Transfer of Plan

ℹ With Transfer of Covered Equipment to New Owner. Subject to the restrictions set forth below, you may make a one-time permanent transfer of all of your rights under the Plan to another party, provided that: (a) the transfer includes the original Proof of Purchase, the Plan's Confirmation and all of the Plan's packaging material, including printed materials and these Terms and Conditions; (b) you notify Apple of the transfer by sending, faxing or e-mailing notice of transfer to Apple Inc., ATTN: Agreement Administration, MS: 217AC, 2511 Laguna Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95758, U.S., fax number 916-405-3655 or agmts_transfer@apple.com, respectively; and (c) the party receiving the Plan accepts the Terms and Conditions of the Plan. When notifying Apple of the transfer of the Plan, you must provide the Plan Agreement Number, the serial number of the Covered Equipment being transferred and the name, address, telephone number and email address of the new owner.

(ii) With Transfer From Original Covered Equipment to New Covered Equipment. You may make a one time, permanent transfer of the coverage under the Plan to a new Apple product that is owned and purchased by you within thirty (30) days of the Covered Equipment purchase. The new product must be eligible for coverage under the Plan and at the time of transfer both products must be covered under the manufacturer’s one (1) year limited warranty. Apple will issue a Plan Confirmation for the new product, which will then become the Covered Equipment. When notifying Apple of the transfer, you must provide the Plan Agreement Number, the serial numbers and Proof of Purchase of the products being transferred by sending or faxing, where available, notice of transfer to Apple as set forth in the section immediately above.

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Sorry folks, just one more question on the Hi-Res Non-Retina (antiglare) vs. Retina.

Does anyone have experience with both of them to compare:

- glossy problem with inside or outside light?

- does 1680x1050 resolution is very good for most cases (i.e. non-Photo/Movie editing) and there is no need to go with Retina 2880x1800 ? Or latest (say early 2013) Retina will still "kill" any Hi-Res displays even for normal use?

There is no MBP Non-Retina 15" in stores anymore (leave alone Hi-Res) - thus can not compare it myself 😟

Thanks guys. I have finally went with Retina (Early 2013) 15" and ordered it off Refurbished Apple Store. And now waiting to arrive 🙂