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Just Got a New MBP, good deal, any advice?

S

Steve Jobless

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 31, 2006
304
0
After months and months I finally got a mac, a MBP 1.83 GhZ 512 MB 80 GB and 128 MB vram, alabeit its not my dream machine (1 GB 100 GB and 256 MB) but its close enough. I got it new from Amazon for 1499(after rebate) which I consider a steal. But now I'm worried about problems that may come from the system since it is one of the older systems but it has been collecting dust on their shelves. Should I be worried? Also I'm aware that the HD isnt user replace able [BOOO] without taking the system apart, but is the RAM? I rarely hear anything about MBP ram being upgraded. Also I read somewhere hear that a user with a system exact same specs as me managed to get upgraded to 2.16 GhZ model (my ideal system) could it be true?
 
You can upgrade the HDD if you're brave enough. The MBP is quite easy to get into compared to PowerBooks.
 
i got one from the apple store and the battery programs i downloaded says it's 7 weeks old - i got it 3 weeks ago. no problems - just download all the updates and you should be fine.

as for the RAM, i bumped mine from 512 to 2GB no regrets. it was very easy to do - you should be fine... there are instructions online and videos, too, if you're interested (search the forums for a link).

good luck!
 
I'm debating if i should get a 1gb upgrade or a 512 mb upgrade, I know there wont be much difference in performance but its $50..... also I've read it doesnt matter but should I go crucial or owc? (looking for feedback)
 
their great machines. I've had mine since march 15th, no problems I love this computer and all my friends think its the tightest thing ever. People will cry and bitch about the earlier models but theres really nothing wrong with them there were a couple of bugs at first but nothing serious. The thing is great now. Apple send me a new batterey and I havent even put it in yet I dont see why I need a new batterey. Its a great machine you will be very happy with it. the 2.16 model is not that better for the price.
 
go owc (its cheaper, and you still get a lifetime warranty) and get a 512 MB to start to see if thats enough. Apple doesn't reccommend that you combine different size RAM, something about not getting enough performance from the larger stick, all though it seems to depend on the computer.
Enjoy your new computer!
 
steamboat26 said:
go owc (its cheaper, and you still get a lifetime warranty) and get a 512 MB to start to see if thats enough. Apple doesn't reccommend that you combine different size RAM, something about not getting enough performance from the larger stick, all though it seems to depend on the computer.
Enjoy your new computer!
Click to expand...
While not neccesarily recommended (Mac or PC), it does it no harm & the performace increase of 1GB + 512MB is better than a paired 512MB running in dual channel mode. I say go for the 1GB stick to make 1.5GB, then when you have enough cheddar, replace the 512MB w/ another 1GB :) . That way you don't have two 512s to dispose of down the line...my thoughts:)

Hard drive upgrades are fun, in my opinion, if you have some experience w/ such things. And then you can put the 80GB in an external enclosure as a mobile drive, lovely:)

Also, if your MBP is gonna go everywhere w/ you, as mine does...get yourself a nice sleeve for the computer, there is nothing like the sad moping that one does when your pristine laptop get its first dink...*sigh*
 
steamboat26 said:
go owc (its cheaper, and you still get a lifetime warranty) and get a 512 MB to start to see if thats enough. Apple doesn't reccommend that you combine different size RAM, something about not getting enough performance from the larger stick, all though it seems to depend on the computer.
Enjoy your new computer!
Click to expand...

Someone did a test and found that matching RAM (like two 512 sticks, two 1GB sticks, etc.) increased the performance by like .01%. Maybe not that low, but it was pretty nominal.
 
Spend some time learning about your system and it's capabilties.
http://guides.macrumors.com/Mac_Beginner's_Guide

Mac OSX thrives on RAM.

Install as much Apple compatible RAM as you can afford, for maximum
performance.

If you're running PPC applications that have not been updated to universal binary, you'll need that 2 GB RAM to counteract the RAM cravings of Rosetta.

All you need is clean, static free hands and then follow the DIY instructions.
 
how reliable is g.skill? also what if I have a problem with the ram? do i talk to g. skill for the replacement or new egg?

Also, if your MBP is gonna go everywhere w/ you, as mine does...get yourself a nice sleeve for the computer, there is nothing like the sad moping that one does when your pristine laptop get its first dink...*sigh*
Click to expand...

whats a good sleeve? i really like the shinzu one
 
NewEgg offers some fantastic prices, but you must know exactly what you want.

I've done O.K. there buying specs only, but you have to be careful.
Generally NewEggs prices on special purchases of Crucial RAM are reasonably
safe.

NewEgg does not strictly guarantee Apple compatibility, so if your purchase does not work, you'll be stuck with return shipping fees and restocking fees.
 
Also, if you're likely to run Parallels, go for 2GB as you'll ideally want 1GB do dedicate to each OS. I found 1.5 -> 2.0GB was beneficial for Parallels.
 
Definitely go with 2GB. I'm running Parallels and Adobe apps under Rosetta and both suck up huge memory. I used to always be a big fan of Kingston and Crucial memory, but I tried OWC and it seems to work just fine. They have a lifetime warranty too.
 
Steve Jobless said:
whats a good sleeve? i really like the shinzu one
Click to expand...
The Shinza ZeroShock looks quite nice, seems to be popular (sold out on their site at the moment). I found myself w/ a Booq sleeve...but it's a little more expensive than I think may have been necessary.

About the RAM, OWC all the way, never had an issue.:)
 
im fully aware of newegg's policies and thats why i asked the queston above^ as for windows, bootcamp,because of games. Noone has feed back on the g.skill ram new egg offers? Its $80, i usually hate generic things. Also i wont be using adobe apps except for reader
 
I too been looking to get this 1.83 MBP for $1,499 AR at amazon but not sure if I shoud just wait for the next rev since many ppl saying they're coming out with totaly new designed case.
Should I jump on this amazon deal?
 
Lucky8 said:
I too been looking to get this 1.83 MBP for $1,499 AR at amazon but not sure if I shoud just wait for the next rev since many ppl saying they're coming out with totaly new designed case.
Should I jump on this amazon deal?
Click to expand...
$1500 is a great deal, you shoud jump on the Amazon deal if you want to avoid spending ~$1900 on a new one. $400 is hardly something to toss to the wind.

Ask yourself...is a possible new case, updated processor, updated graphics worth your $400?. Money will be your deciding factor, I say.:)

Keep in mind, the 1.83 MBP will hardly be obsolete for a good while.
 
$1500 is a great deal, you shoud jump on the Amazon deal if you want to avoid spending ~$1900 on a new one. $400 is hardly something to toss to the wind.
Click to expand...

think of it this way its like getting a blackbook but for the same price
 
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