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

[djnigelchung]

I picked up a 2016 15" TB version.....it's great!!

I was really undecided on the new keyboard mechanism because I read about so many people loathing it, and even selling it to get a 2015 model. It took a couple days to get used to, and after the slight learning curve it's great now. Don't see what all the complaints were about really....

I hope I have the same experience. have a 2016 refurb 15", 460 on the way. Excited. I use a 43" 4K TV as my monitor as my 2015 15" couldn't output 60hz via HDMI, after trying everything I gave up, sold it and upgraded. So I'm hoping this will work great for me!

Also I will be using an external keyboard and mouse when in 'desktop' mode.

 

[ghostface147]

My 2011 17” MacBook Pro is doing good. I love it. However the display is starting to fail on me. It flickers. It goes dim and then bright for short periods of time. Then it can go hours at full brightness as expected. It comes and goes. I think about buying a used one on eBay and swapping the displays out. Not a guarantee it will fix the issue.

A brand spanking new rMBP is way out of budget. I looked at refurbished ones and there are none with one terabyte available. The touch bar models have everything soldered on and I could get by with 512, but don’t know. The 2015 models have replaceable SSD options, so there’s that.

Decisions, decisions. It’ll probably have to wait until after the holiday season anyways. I’d also not like to give up the 17” real estate.

 

[WDKinley]

I just ordered a space grey refurb 2016 mbp TB 2.5 8gb 256. $1799 CAD (roughly $1400 usd) with a $470 CAD discount off retail. (20%)

I'm coming from a dual drive mid 2012 mbp where i've been through almost 2000 battery cycles (2 batteries).

I'm cautiously optimistic that this unit will service me for another 5 years.

The largest disappointment will be the inability to repair the machine myself. I've had to replace the entire clamshell lid, the battery, upgraded ram, the cable between the logic board and the stock toshiba hdd. I guess I'll be adding applecare before the end of year 1. Even the battery is apparently a difficult job on this machine. (glued in)

If you think there's a better alternative and I should send it back within my return window please let me know!

 

[Ogomez986]

I just ordered this beauty today and got next day shipping! This will be my first MacBook Pro!

 

[TH3D4RKKN1GH7]

Damn, the 2017s are on the refurb site now?! May have to snag one, not sure this OG Retina MacBook will make it until 2018 refresh.

 

[jsalda]

So, a couple of weeks ago, I ordered a 2016 refurb model. A day or two after I received it, I saw that refurb 2017 models popped back up. So I filed a return and bought a Space Gray 2017 2.8ghz, 512 SSD model and paid for next day shipping. Woke up the next morning to an email saying the model I bought was out of stock, so I was being upgraded to a Silver, 2017 2.9ghz model. Alright, it wasn't the color I wanted, but now I should have no issues with Adobe Premier and After Effects! Woke up the next day to another email that said the model I ordered was now unavailable and they were sending me the exact same model, Silver, 2017 2.9ghz. I couldn't figure out what the deal was.

Received my package the next day and looked at the box, they sent a BRAND NEW 2.9ghz machine. Box had the picture on the front and didn't say "refurbished." Well, might as well try and get Space Gray out of the deal. Went to the local Apple store, explained what happened to one of the reps that I know. I felt bad even asking to swap out based on the color, but he just smiled, said he understood, and swapped it out.

So, to reiterate, I ordered a refurbed, 2017, 2.8ghz model with 2GB VRAM and I received a brand new 2.9ghz model with 4GB VRAM. Apple's customer service is top-notch and I'm loving this machine compared to my 2011 MBP.

 

[Melbourne Park]

...

So, to reiterate, I ordered a refurbed, 2017, 2.8ghz model with 2GB VRAM and I received a brand new 2.9ghz model with 4GB VRAM. Apple's customer service is top-notch and I'm loving this machine compared to my 2011 MBP.

Well done. I had always ordered either a run out or a refurb. My 2012 Air was a refurb - but it was brand new. Your 2017 was brand new too. Great you did so well.

I think the probability of a 2015 being brand new is much lower, but who knows, maybe Apple does make alongside 2015 for new sale with 2.2Hz processors and not 2nd GPU, maybe they do make new ones with the 2.8 processor and the 2nd GPU. I somehow doubt it though ...

Incidentally in Australia, I think Apple has one year standard warranty for a refurb, and two years for so called brand new. Yours might still be classified as a refurb, besides its brand new status. I don't know if you have a warranty difference in your country.

 

[clutchm3]

I just ordered this beauty today and got next day shipping! This will be my first MacBook Pro!

Have a 2017 coming my way as well! Just ordered same thing essentially.

 

[mar58]

OK...Today was the day. I picked up my refurb 2015 MBP and am very happy. As i said earlier, I really wanted the ports so I wouldn't dongle myself to death. Not my first Mac, but my first laptop. Looked brand new out of the box. Screen is perfect and everything works.
Since I received my invoice ahead of picking it up, I checked the serial # on one of the sites that will give details about the unit. I had ordered the 2.2 as I wasn't going to do any really heavy lifting, but the site said it was a 2.8. When I picked it up, the label on the unit said 2.2.
Wasn't going to sweat it as I got what I ordered. However, when I fired it uo to start setting it up, I clicked on 'About this Mac'. Lo & behold....2.8. Now I know that Apple will do this sometimes and I'm thankful for the boost, it just seemed odd that they would have labeled it as a 2.2.
As a side note, I usually don't care for trackpads on a laptop, but this one is really nice.

Thanks Apple!

Wow...that's awesome. I wish I could get this lucky sometime...even just once. That's a pretty substantial upgrade both in cost and performance. Enjoy! Should last you a long time. I'm not at all impressed with any of Apple's laptops after 2015 and will soak every ounce out of mine (2014 15" and 2015 13") before considering replacements.

 

[mvtm]

Hi all guys. I'm new to the forums so this is my first post.

I plan to buy a 2017 15" MBP next week coming from a 64GB 2012 11" MBA, that i have used until last week with more than 2100 battery cycles.

I plan spending around $2500-2600 all in, including accesories. Specs that i plan getting the MBP are:

2.9 Ghz 15" Mid 2017
Radeon Pro 560 with 4GB GDDR5
512 GB SSD

Accessories:

Samsung 500GB T5 SSD (Scratch drive for possible hobby/rendering ? )
CharJen Pro MacStick (Because i have UHS-1 & UHS-2 MicroSDXC in 256GB capacity)
Tomtoc 360 Protective Sleeve in Black

My plan is to buy on B&H Black Friday day. I think i'm set on Space Gray. Does anyone have a good thread in the forums between both colors?

Also i'm worried about B&H changing prices, on the website is says there Mac promos are until Nov 18. I hope that we seen better promos than the $2600 that is currently going for the 2.9 Ghz 15" that i want. What do you think?

Even if it changes, i think i will hold it until BF day. Maybe the price gets cuts to $2500 with a bunch of stuff like the 256GB mac.. or maybe $2400. Any ways, i'm looking forward to spend $2.5K on the 2.9 15" MBP final price.

How does it look?

 

[WDKinley]

I just ordered a space grey refurb 2016 mbp TB 2.5 8gb 256. $1799 CAD (roughly $1400 usd) with a $470 CAD discount off retail. (20%)

I'm coming from a dual drive mid 2012 mbp where i've been through almost 2000 battery cycles (2 batteries).

I'm cautiously optimistic that this unit will service me for another 5 years.

The largest disappointment will be the inability to repair the machine myself. I've had to replace the entire clamshell lid, the battery, upgraded ram, the cable between the logic board and the stock toshiba hdd. I guess I'll be adding applecare before the end of year 1. Even the battery is apparently a difficult job on this machine. (glued in)

If you think there's a better alternative and I should send it back within my return window please let me know!

Wow this unit is fantastic. I bought a hub with hdmi, a few usb ports, sd and micro sd. Haven't had to use it yet. I was concerned about leaving the usb world behind but it won't be an issue.

 

[Bodie CI5]

Picked up a new 13" nTB 256gb MBP from JB Hi-Fi last night for the price of the 128gb (they have a 10% discount on at the moment!).

Happy to be reunited with an MBP again

 

[bohdanz]

So here's my 'what?' story.
Ordered a refurbished 15" MBP 2015 model, from Apple online. During the checkout period I didn't get nor could I get applecare to bundle with the laptop.

At the Apple Store today, picking up the laptop, Apple guy scans the bar code on the box of my laptop and says 'funny, it's not allowing me to add the applecare so you can purchase it right now.' then gives me the Apple customer service number for me to call because he can't figure it out.

1. is Apple not selling what's now called AppleCare+ on refurbs unless it's a 2016 or 2017 unit?
2. is the Apple store sales guy not supposed to help instead of saying 'you can call them and ask'

Thanks

 

[deliriumxy]

Placed an order for June 2017 15" base model... refurbished knocked off about 9%... not much but okay

Wondering if it's worth it to upgrade one tier up -- 512 gb, radeon 560

Anyone can advise? Just seems 256 gb soldered on, non-upgradeable is not ideal... but can always just manage space... not going to collect videos or photos... so... not sure if needed but more space seems better... but at a $500 increase?

 

[dilgreene]

So here's my 'what?' story.
Ordered a refurbished 15" MBP 2015 model, from Apple online. During the checkout period I didn't get nor could I get applecare to bundle with the laptop.

At the Apple Store today, picking up the laptop, Apple guy scans the bar code on the box of my laptop and says 'funny, it's not allowing me to add the applecare so you can purchase it right now.' then gives me the Apple customer service number for me to call because he can't figure it out.

1. is Apple not selling what's now called AppleCare+ on refurbs unless it's a 2016 or 2017 unit?
2. is the Apple store sales guy not supposed to help instead of saying 'you can call them and ask'

Thanks

I just ordered a 2015 refurb Macbook Pro, and was able to add AppleCare+.

 

[calexandre]

Tomorrow I’ll have two 15” refurbs in my hands to compare: a 2017 MBP 2.9/512/16 and mid-2015 2.8/512/16/dGPU. Sticks in my craw that the latter is only $250 less than the former, but I make my living writing and I need absolute reliability and excellent feedback from the keyboard, so I’m wary of the 2017. I also strongly dislike the aesthetics of the TouchBar, even though I’m sure it’d be nice to have fingerprint unlock. At least I can give both machines a full trial thanks to the extended holiday return period.

 

[Zynq]

Just ordered this MacBook pro, my first one ever!

Any tips on what to install, or what settings to change right as I get it?
And any of you have any reasons not to update to High Sierra right off the bat?

 

[mvtm]

I'm having the option to get a 3.1Ghz 2017 MBP for $100 more from the 2.9Ghz. I think i won't notice the difference as i think it's almost negligible. I will be buying expensive accesories (around *around $500. Including the Apple care to my mac). Tally is almost reaching $3K. What would you do? Pay an extra 100 or not?

I mean i think i wouldn't 2.9ghz is fine, but i want to know everyone's opinion. If the difference would be $50 i would gladly do the 3.1ghz, but i'm thinking about it.

 

[lambertjohn]

Tomorrow I’ll have two 15” refurbs in my hands to compare: a 2017 MBP 2.9/512/16 and mid-2015 2.8/512/16/dGPU. Sticks in my craw that the latter is only $250 less than the former, but I make my living writing and I need absolute reliability and excellent feedback from the keyboard, so I’m wary of the 2017. I also strongly dislike the aesthetics of the TouchBar, even though I’m sure it’d be nice to have fingerprint unlock. At least I can give both machines a full trial thanks to the extended holiday return period.

I also write for a living. For seven years, my go-to writing tool was a 15" 2010 MBP with antiglare screen. Fabulous computer. Best keyboard I've ever typed on. Never had a problem with it. Still own it today and still use it for misc. word-beatings. Last year, I bought a refurb 15" 2015 MBP, the base model. Been using it ever since. Although the keyboard isn't the greatest I've ever used (Thinkpads are fabulous), I way prefer it over the newer keyboards.

My wife has a 13" 2016 MBP nTB, and trying to beat out a press release or a white paper or anything else on the thing destroys my fingers. My hands literally get sore after ten minutes. Ironically, I can fly on the keyboard. But the pain, oh the pain. The problem is, the keyboard has no feedback. It's like your fingers are little hammers and you're pounding on a nail. It bottoms out way too easily. And it just gets worse as the computer ages. People say, "adapt, adapt, adapt." I say, screw that. I type how I type, and that's not going to change anytime soon. Writing is my living; I'll stick with my 2015 MBP. Or I might just get a Thinkpad...

My Magic 8 Ball says you'll go with the 2015.

 

[dilgreene]

Just got B&H to price match MacMall on a 2017 15.4” 3.1, 1TB (yes, I need the storage). $3049, no sales tax. Won’t ship for a week, so I will be pondering it against the 2015 refurb I just got, but have yet to open.

 

[john123]

I couldn't make myself do it this weekend. I really tried. I get a thrill out of a good deal...always have, always will. But having owned a 2016 15" for a month, I just can't get used to the Touch Bar and, to a lesser extent, keyboard.

I dig the speed and I dig the screen. And the sound is nice too.

Sometimes it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

 

[dizmonk]

I actually am typing this now on a 13" 2016 TB and I like it. I must admit I thought it was a gimmick and I do understand its limited developer uses (to date). But I've gotten quite use to it and actually like it now. I can't really explain why. I guess I have a tendency to look at the keyboard anyway since I often misspell words, when typing.

I took the plunge on BF and grabbed the great BH deal on a 2016 15" so I'll be returning this one soon.

I wouldn't quite give up.

I couldn't make myself do it this weekend. I really tried. I get a thrill out of a good deal...always have, always will. But having owned a 2016 15" for a month, I just can't get used to the Touch Bar and, to a lesser extent, keyboard.

I dig the speed and I dig the screen. And the sound is nice too.

Sometimes it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

 

[john123]

I actually am typing this now on a 13" 2016 TB and I like it. I must admit I thought it was a gimmick and I do understand its limited developer uses (to date). But I've gotten quite use to it and actually like it now. I can't really explain why. I guess I have a tendency to look at the keyboard anyway since I often misspell words, when typing.

I took the plunge on BF and grabbed the great BH deal on a 2016 15" so I'll be returning this one soon.

I wouldn't quite give up.

Fair enough. I'm sure everyone gets used to it. I'll pull the trigger once a 32GB model is available. At that point, the upgrade will be well worth it to me, no matter how much I might grumble about the TB and keyboard at first!

 

[cityhopper]

I just ordered this beauty today and got next day shipping! This will be my first MacBook Pro!

I ordered the same model. This is my first MacBook Pro (upgrading from a 11-inch MBA mid-2013). I guess the discount wasn't that great looking at screen capture, but I prefer buying my computers directly from Apple; plus, the holiday return policy gives me enough time to determine if this machine is right for my needs.

The screen is amazing. Viewing it at the store does not do it justice! I'm still getting use to the chiclet keyboard. I'm probably making as many mistakes on the keyboard as I do on my iPhone X (downgraded from a 6s plus).

 

[Dark]

I just ordered a base 13" MBP without TB from Best Buy yesterday during their Cyber Monday sale. I originally wanted to upgrade the ram to 16gb through Apple, but was sucked in by the savings.

Currently using a first gen base 2012 Macbook for work. For the most part it has been absolutely great, but I do a lot of spreadsheet work and the ability to (easily) push out to two displays has become a necessity.