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The "I just ordered / bought / got my new/refurb MBP" thread [Merged]

WickedPorter said:
I think it's finally safe for me to post in here, as I think I've finally found the MacBook for me.

I bought the MacBook Air 11" in August. I loved the form factor, but then had a need to run a VM or two. This brought the Air (with 4GB) to its knees.

Then the new MBPs were released. I immediately sold my MacBook Air (new enough so minimal loss, thankfully) and got the mid-grade MacBook Pro without much thought. If 16GB models were available locally, I would have bought it, but alas I have a problem with patience, and figured I could get by with 8GB.

Then I had a need to start using the MacBook for work purposes, prior it was just a personal machine. More VMs required, sometimes running simultaneously. VMs that require 4GB of RAM each, unfortunately (Windows + Visual Studio 2013 and various other tools all running at the same time). The 8GB 13" MacBook Pro couldn't handle this very well.

So, I sold this machine late January (luckily once again for minimal loss) and bought a 15" MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM, 2.3ghz i7, 750M, etc. at my local Apple store. I would have purchased another 13" model, but they don't offer 13" with 16GB locally anyware, and this 15" model was available immediately with a short drive (again, horrible patience issue). This handled everything perfectly. However, I'm a very mobile person. I should have handled it first. No amount of research/reading about them can make up for actually holding them. I did the store pickup option through the online store, figuring it would be OK ... it's only a pound heavier, right? I used it for a week and returned it, the thing is just too big compared to the 13" models. The weight wasn't a problem, the size was just too much for me. The 15" feels like a regular / full size laptop, the 13" feels more like an ultraportable to me. I returned the 15" to the Apple store for a refund (no loss this time).

Last Thursday, I ordered a 13" MacBook Pro from B&H (a trustworthy authorized reseller IMO). They stock various 13" models with 16GB RAM and could overnight it to me (have I mentioned my patience issue?) So, I now have the 13.3" model again, with 16GB RAM, 2.6Ghz i5, and 512GB SSD. It runs all the VMs I need simultaneously, it's powerful yet compact, and I do believe I'm (finally) happy. Until Apple releases a 13" model configurable with 32GB of RAM. Ugh.

Bottom line: Happy now, seeking out some patience therapy.

WP/Nick
Click to expand...

Good decision! :D:D:D:D

I went from an 2011 13" MBP to the 15" rMBP shortly after launch, tempted by the retina screen. After few months decided to sold it to buy the 13" rMBP size (first a max out 2012, now a max out Haswell 2013) since like you found the 15" too big. The 13" rMBP has the right size, power and portability I need! :)
 
Originally ordered a 15" Haswell which turned out to be a scam. Decided to order a 13" (Haswell/265GB/8GB) from Amazon for $1440 with no tax. Just got it today. The screen on these things are incredible, and how fast it comes on when you open the lid is remarkable compared to my old white unibody MacBook.
 
Just ordered my new retina MacBook Pro 13". Base 2.4 processor, 256 gig flash, and 16 gig ram. Only did the one upgrade so hopeful it won't have. Much build time. Sprung for fast shipping and could get lucky and have it by Friday! Super excited, first Mac ever.

Anyone know anything about am update.com? A game there I want but dunno if it's reputable or if I'm already getting into trouble

:apple:
 
ordered a macbook 15.4 Retina CrystalWell. 512gb/16gb/2.3ghz i7 !!!

coming in on Friday.... but its Valentines day =((( gonna have to spend it with the gf instead of playing with the new MBP. lol Replacing my mid-2012 macbook pro 13.3 with additional SSD in place of the dvd drive.

only thing i didn't like about the 13.3 was that limitations of the single thunderbolt connection. I don't have thunderbolt monitors so I need the thunderbolt connections to connect to 2 monitors and a thunderbolt external harddrive.
 
irobots said:
only thing i didn't like about the 13.3 was that limitations of the single thunderbolt connection. I don't have thunderbolt monitors so I need the thunderbolt connections to connect to 2 monitors and a thunderbolt external harddrive.
Click to expand...

There are 2 thunderbolt ports on either the 13 or the 15 inch late 2013 model. Also to be honest, at least IMO, the speed bump between thunderbolt and USB 3.0 does not justify the purchase of a proprietary external drive. You'll get much cheaper sticking with USB 3.0 and wont notice the minimal loss in speed between the two. Not worth paying the premium for thunderbolt connectivity currently, unless someone knows something I don't (which is entirely possible as I am new to mac).

If your intention is to connect a laptop up to 2 external monitors, the only reason I could see going 15 instead of 13 is quad core processors and dedicated graphics with the high end 15. If the only reason you went with it was the dual thunderbolt ports you might save yourself several hundred dollars and go with a 13"
 
Afternoon people

I purchased a 13" MacBook Pro Retina (2.4/256/8GB), along with a 16GB iPad Mini Retina, all on Sunday from a local Apple Store here in the UK. Loving every second of it.

Loving the fact that it came with the full iWork package as well as iLife. Needless to say, my old iPad 2 and iMac (2007) have been relegated!

So far we have, in this flat, MacBook Pro Retina, iPad 2, iPad Mini Retina, iPhone, iPhone 4, iPhone 5s, Apple TV and an iPod Nano. Not bad for someone who only switched to Mac in 2007! :)

Have a good day all!

Ads
 
elviorion said:
There are 2 thunderbolt ports on either the 13 or the 15 inch late 2013 model. Also to be honest, at least IMO, the speed bump between thunderbolt and USB 3.0 does not justify the purchase of a proprietary external drive. You'll get much cheaper sticking with USB 3.0 and wont notice the minimal loss in speed between the two. Not worth paying the premium for thunderbolt connectivity currently, unless someone knows something I don't (which is entirely possible as I am new to mac).

If your intention is to connect a laptop up to 2 external monitors, the only reason I could see going 15 instead of 13 is quad core processors and dedicated graphics with the high end 15. If the only reason you went with it was the dual thunderbolt ports you might save yourself several hundred dollars and go with a 13"
Click to expand...

Ya i have three external monitors I want to eventually hook up too and I do some heavy gaming as well as well as photo and video editing. It's my desktop replacement. And I already have a Thunderbolt external 4TB in place already. I work off that hard drive in terms of video and photo editing as the Macbook itself can't contain all of my work.
 
I just returned my refurb 13"/8mb/2.6 Mhz/256 at a local apple store. Easy breezy return, btw. And they had bumped up my processor to a 2.6, while I ordered the 2.4. Sweet.

I think the 15" is more what I'm looking for. Work just said we can work from home more, so I'll be on it now more as a primary, while the 13" was going to be only in emergencies when I couldn't get to the office.
 
audiokid said:
I just returned my refurb 13"/8mb/2.6 Mhz/256 at a local apple store. Easy breezy return, btw. And they had bumped up my processor to a 2.6, while I ordered the 2.4. Sweet.

I think the 15" is more what I'm looking for. Work just said we can work from home more, so I'll be on it now more as a primary, while the 13" was going to be only in emergencies when I couldn't get to the office.
Click to expand...

Another happy Apple Refurbished Client!
 
irobots said:
ordered a macbook 15.4 Retina CrystalWell. 512gb/16gb/2.3ghz i7 !!!

coming in on Friday.... but its Valentines day =((( gonna have to spend it with the gf instead of playing with the new MBP. lol Replacing my mid-2012 macbook pro 13.3 with additional SSD in place of the dvd drive.

only thing i didn't like about the 13.3 was that limitations of the single thunderbolt connection. I don't have thunderbolt monitors so I need the thunderbolt connections to connect to 2 monitors and a thunderbolt external harddrive.
Click to expand...

got my macbook today. pristine condition. 15.4 Retina is so much clearer than the non retina model. OMG. the slim profile is sick as well. Should be no problem carrying my bulky work laptop and this one on the road next time out.

played starcraft 2 at extreme - so amazing to watch things get killed in the game and splashing around the screen. this is what i've been missing eh? well i've been missing a lot!

happy refurbished apple product client
 
Got my 13" late '13 delivered the other day, and had my first play with it today. Quite frankly the screen is INCREDIBLE! Well happy with it, but I suspect my Win 7 laptop I use will seem awful in comparison now :p
 
Just returned my late 13' rMBP 13" i5 2.4/8gb/128ssd because I found a brand new (still sealed) late 13' rMBP 13" i7 2.8/16gb/512ssd for $1200 on craigslist
 
irobots said:
got my macbook today. pristine condition. 15.4 Retina is so much clearer than the non retina model. OMG. the slim profile is sick as well. Should be no problem carrying my bulky work laptop and this one on the road next time out.

played starcraft 2 at extreme - so amazing to watch things get killed in the game and splashing around the screen. this is what i've been missing eh? well i've been missing a lot!

happy refurbished apple product client
Click to expand...

I got the same configuration and received it on Valentine's day! It's my true love. <3
 
Late 2013 Base 15" retina picked up at Best Buy Open box for $1449 with student discount.

Perfect condition. No issues so far.
 
Picked up a 13" retina MBP today. The resolution is awesome and man, is this thing snappy! It's my 3rd Apple laptop. I didn't need to upgrade but my kids are starting to need computers for homework and projects and my previous 2011 MBP's 128 GB was almost maxed out. With some big video editing projects coming up, it was the right time to upgrade and set up the other MBP for the kids to use. With 500 GB, I am hoping this beast will last me for a minimum of 5 years.
 
2nd MBP purchase

I just ordered a Refurbished 15.4-inch MacBook Pro 2.3GHz Quad-core
Intel i7 with Retina Display from apple.com & am waiting for the delivery. :D I am upgrading from an early-2008 MBP with maxed out HDD. I am definitely looking forward to the Retina screen & other goodies.

Thank you to everyone on the forum. The info I have found on these threads has been incredibly helpful!
 
I cancelled my order with apple for a refurbished 13" rMBP and ordered a 15" for $410.00 more after playing with both units extensively at BestBuy. The 15" felt DISTINCTLY quicker at all tasks including web browsing. Perhaps 30-40% quicker. It's a lightning quick computer. And the extra 2.4" of screen real estate gave me a more connected feeling to photos and videos. The top mounted speakers of the 15" made me feel more connected to the sound as well. Clicking the trackpad seemed more effortless too. The 15" feels like a Porsche whereas the 13" feels just ordinary rather than exceptional.
 
Bought my first Macbook Pro on ebay for $950. Being "imported" from the Dominican Republic. June 2012 Macbook Pro. Got it for cheap!!

Specs:
Intel i7 2.3GHz Ivy Bridge 3.3GHx Turbo
4GB DDR3 memory
Nvidia GT650m 512MB
1440x900
 
Last edited:
kathyricks said:
The 15" feels like a Porsche whereas the 13" feels just ordinary rather than exceptional.
Click to expand...

Well, using your language, I sold my Porsche (high end 2012 15" rMBP, 2.7/16/768 and bought a Volkswagen (Haswell 13" rMBP 2.8/16/1TB). No regrets, wouldn't change my "Volky" back for any other Porsche , exceptional performance for my taste and lighter / cheaper ! :D:D
 
fskywalker said:
Well, using your language, I sold my Porsche (high end 2012 15" rMBP, 2.7/16/768 and bought a Volkswagen (Haswell 13" rMBP 2.8/16/1TB). No regrets, wouldn't change my "Volky" back for any other Porsche , exceptional performance for my taste and lighter / cheaper ! :D:D
Click to expand...

Yes but don't forget they did have a play with both at Best Buy:rolleyes:
 
My refurb Macbook Pro has arrived! Ordered it from the apple store site along with the 3-year Apple Care warranty. This is one beast of a machine! This thing screams. Couldn't be happier. Saved over $200 by getting a refurb model! :D

2hdtf6s.jpg


Checked Coconut battery and found out it was charged only 5 times and was manufactured just 4 weeks ago! Also relieved to find out it has the Samsung display and not LG, the latter which is prone to defects.

I thought long and hard about the 13" vs. 15" inch. Ultimately I decided I would appreciate the extra screen real estate and dedicated graphics to work with media and play games, on my 2013 Intel i7 2.3 Ghz Quad core, 16 GB, 512 SSD configuration. Now I'm just waiting for my refurb thunderbolt display to arrive. :)

My life has been changed. :cool::apple:
 
Just ordered a refurbished 15 mbp 2013 Intel i7 2.3 Ghz, 16 GB, 512 SSD. $2326us after tax can't wait first Mac ＠(￣-￣)＠
 
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