Help with Purchasing new Macbook Pro

I have decided on going with the new 17in model. What I am havening problems deciding is if I should get the 5400 or 7200 rpm drive after reading all of the posts here. I was originally going to get the 7200 but am now leaning towards the 5400. Is anyone having good luck with their 7200 drive? So I skip the 7200?

Buy the machine with the standard 500GB 5400RPM drive, and if you want a 7200RPM drive, order one yourself from an online vendor. You'll get a longer warranty on it than Apple would give you, and for only $30-40 more than the 7200 RPM drive from Apple, you'll have two 500GB drives: the 7200 RPM that you'll install internally (a ten-minute job for which the instructions are in your MBP's manual), and the 5400 RPM standard drive for use as an external backup.

Similar Messages

  • Asking for help with purchase of Macbook Pro

    Hi all,
    I am looking to buy a 15" Macbook Pro for my 15-year old daughter.  The configuration I have found is:
    2.4GHz Intel Core i7 Quad-Core
    4GB of DDR3 RAM
    750GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
    AMD Radeon HD 6770M 1GB Graphics
    15.4" LED-Backlit Glossy Display
    1400 x 900 Native Resolution
    Slot-Loading SuperDrive
    802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
    FaceTime HD Camera, Built-in Microphone
    May Ship with OS X Lion or Mountain Lion
    Obviously for a teenager she will be using it for facetime and the like.  It would also be used for school work and games.  She is not a big gamer, but does like the Sims 3.
    My first question is are the specs ok?  And other than the memory, which I plan to upgrade to 8, is ther anything I should look for?  Is 2.4 ghz enough or do I need to get a faster processor?
    Thank you in advance,
    George

    It appears that you have selected a refurbished late 2011 MBP.  About three weeks ago I got may late 2011 17" refurbished MBP.  Excellent machine and it is the third refurbished one I have gotten.  I consider that a fiscally prudent approach in purchasing a MBP.
    The MBP that you have chosen is a good performer and the addition of RAM is a wise move. I think your daughter should be just fine with this unit.
    Mt Lion is new to me and there are several aspects that do not thrill me.  If the MBP is shipped with Lion, do not be in a rush to upgrade but DO get the upgrade code so that if you do decide later to install the new OS, you will not have to pay for it.  Just to be on the safe side, query Apple support if there is a time limit to redeem the code.
    Ciao.

  • Need help with my new Macbook Pro please!

    I recently bought the new Macbook retina and I managed to copy all my email from my old mac to the new one however now whenever I receive an email, it automatically gets sent to junk, and I have to mark it as not junk each time.
    It never used to do this on my old mac it was just now recently when I got this new one and I've not been able to solve this problem yet.
    Also there is an annoying thing I notcied that every box when quitting any application appears to select one option of two ( I didn't know how to put it in words but hope the attachments explain what I mean )
    How can I overcome the email problem as well as the other unknown problem?
    Regards

    You probably qualify for the up-to-date program and you can get a free copy.
    See http://apple.com/osx/uptodate/

  • HT2693 I purchased Huawei Dongle and trying to connect with my NEW MacBook Pro (OS- Mountain Lion) USB port 3.0 but unfortunately it does not support. When I plugged in my the power is flowing in dongle due green light blinking twice in every 3 sec but no

    Hi,
    I purchased Huawei Dongle and trying to connect with my new MacBook Pro (OS- Mountain Lion) USB port 3.0 but unfortunately it does not support.
    When I plugged in my macbook the power is flowing in dongle due green light blinking twice in every 3 sec but no connection found or diver shown.
    Please let me know how I have to use it. I got some suggestion for USB hub 2.0 but It does not make any sense and driver installation.
    So please suggest proper direction to use it and provide link to install any driver.
    Thanks
    Tauheed Ahmad

    Yes Clinton I did same, but they were (Huawei customer support) surprised about this problem, They behave like they have no idea about USB 2.0 and  3.0 knowledge. They handsUp that reason I posted my problem in this forum.
    So is there any better solution to use any mediator between these USB version handling, Please let me know.
    Thanks
    Tauheed

  • I want to sync my ipod touch voice memo with my new Macbook pro, but iTunes give me a message asking me to erase ipod library, I have all my music staff on ipod and I want your help with that..

    I want to sync my ipod touch voice memo with my new Macbook pro, but iTunes give me a message asking me to erase ipod library, I have all my music staff on ipod and I want your help with that..
    Please
    please

    For small, independent developers, this "not commonly downloaded" error is a common issues in browsers.  You can see complaints from developers here:
    http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/da-DK/iewebdevelopment/thread/19c57259-c a6e-4f10-a26e-d2f5e03fa52d
    I have placed the setup program inside a .zip file to as a workaround.
    Thanks for reporting this!

  • How can I sync my iPhone 4 with a new MacBook Pro without losing all my data and settings?

    I used to sync my iPhone 4 with a PC running Windows XP until the hard drive died. Thankfully, I already had a backup of all my iTunes media (Songs, TV Shows, Movies, Podcasts, Apps, etc), so when I bought a new MacBook Pro, transferring my iTunes library was easy.
    My problem now is that I want to sync my iPhone 4 with my new MacBook Pro without losing all the data and settings. I have already used iTunes to back it up and transfered my purchases onto the mac. I just need help to sync the iPhone with the Mac without losing app data, emails, contacts, settings.
    Everytime I click on the tabs (to sync contacts, apps, music, et al), I get an error message that reads:
    "Are you sure you want to sync apps? All existing apps and their data on the iPhone “Ryan's iPhone” will be replaced with apps from this iTunes library."
    What do I do? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Ryan

    Read through this helpful document on this subject: https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3141

  • How can I sync my iPad 2 with my new MacBook Pro when it is already synced with my old MacBook? I am getting a message on the new MacBook Pro that says I am not allowed to sync the iPad 2 because it is synced to another iTunes library.

    How can I sync my iPad 2 with my new MacBook Pro when it is already synced with my old MacBook? I am getting a message on the new MacBook Pro that says I am not allowed to sync the iPad 2 because it is synced to another iTunes library.

    1) ensure iTunes is authorized for your iTunes store account(s)
    2) connect your device and right-click or control-click it in the iTunes Source list, then choose transfer purchases from the shortcut menu that appears.
    3) sync the device
    iTunes will wipe the iPad but, since you transferred your purchases in the previous step, your content will be in your library and you can re-populate the iPad with it.
    above works for purchases from the iTunes store. for everything else, check out this post by Zevoneer.
    also, there are PhoneView and iRip.

  • Can I connect and use a Dell projection unit..several years old...with my new Macbook Pro?  do i just need an adaptor for the multi-pin plug?

    I would like to use my old Dell projection unit with my new Macbook Pro laptop, but obviously there is no such plug in the Macbook.  Is there an adaptor I can connect and make it work?  Without the old "F" keys, how do I get the Macbook to provide output to the projection unit?  I don't see an icon on a button anywhere?
    Thanks for any help...  trying to become a good Apple user.
    MarkT

    You have to determine what connection options are available on the projector.  You probably will need a Mini-displayport (Thunderbolt) adapter. that can accommodate the projector.
    Ciao.

  • I am going to replace my 3 year old MacBook Pro with a new MacBook Pro Retina display machine.  I have been told by Apple that I can use the Migration Assistant ON MY WIRELESS NETWORK (no cables) to transfer data... I've read this can take AGES.. True?

    I am planning to replace my 3+ year old MacBook Pro with a new MacBook Pro, Retina display... I have been told by "chat" on the Apple site that I can transfer my data wirelessly... on my network.. Is is a good option?  I don't want to invest in cables if I can help it... since the old machine has firewire and the new one has thunderbolt!  Will the wireless transfer take forever... as in 30-50 hours???  I've been hearing these horror stories...

    Ralph Landry1 wrote:
    Recently did one MacBook Pro to another for my daughter...almost full 500 GB HD estimate wireless was 48 hours, wired took a little over an hour.
    Wow, shocking in comparison.  You have the patience of a Saint ! 

  • Why are none of my midi controllers not working with my new MacBook Pro?

    I am running OS X 10.7.3
    None of my M-Audio midi controllers are syncing with my new MacBook Pro.
    They are all class-compliant and willl work on Mac OS X without the need of a driver is what M--Audio has posted on there website for all of my controllers.
    I am using the following midi controllers:
    Keystation 49e
    Axiom 25
    Trigger Finger
    I purchased my new laptop all most 2 months ago and have not been able to start making music on it since. Lots of issues transitioning to Lion. I am still using my old macbook to make music. Any suggestions?
    Thanks!

    I had the same problem with my apps and your solution worked perfectly! You made my day (:

  • Why won't my apple tv sync with my new macbook pro, they are both on the same wifi signal

    why won't my apple tv sync with my new macbook pro, they are both on the same wifi signal.

    Not sure of what? In your second response you said the issue was with airplay. You were also having issues connecting laptop to computer, which points to a laptop connectivity issue. I simply asked if home sharing was an issue as well, since that will confirm the laptop as the cause. Your response that home sharing is on doesn't really help since that doesn't itself have a bearing on airplay nor does it answer the question in regards to if home sharing is working on Apple TV
    If you have a further question you will need to be specific.

  • Can I sync my iPhone with my new MacBook Pro without losing my data & apps?

    I was hoping to sync my iPhone (which is currently registered with my PC) with my new MacBook Pro. Is it possible to transfer my apps to my new MacBook or alternatively, sync my iPhone to my MacBook without losing all the apps?
    I'm a little wary after syncing an iPod to a new laptop and losing all of my data, so thought I should check this before making any drastic changes...
    Thanks!

    Welcome to the discussions,
    A manual backup will do what you want. Here's how to:
    Make sure your iTunes account is set up on your new Mac. Disable autosync in iTunes, connect your phone to your new computer and right click on it in the device list and choose backup.
    iTunes will backup your phone without syncing.
    Transfer your purchases (Apps and bought media) by choosing File->transfer purchases in the iTunes menu.
    When you connect your phone for the first time, all media content will be erased. But you can restore your settings and app data from your manual backup afterwards.
    Don't forget to set up at least one contact and event on your new computer to be able to merge calendars and contacts when you sync the phone for the first time.
    About backups and what's saved: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1766
    How to back up and restore: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414
    How to download apps for free again: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2519

  • Any perfect audio hardware setup with the new Macbook Pro?

    I'm still not sure if to go for the new Macbook Pro 2.8 ghz, or the 6 months earlier 2.5 ghz model (march 2008).
    I love to go for the new Macbook Pro, but I'm not sure about my setup. Now I have:
    - extern 7200 rpm bus powered LaCie firewire 800 hard drive
    - Saffire with firewire 400 (thinking about moving to Apogee Duet)
    Will the express card really help? I've read that if you connect a firewire 400 device to the express card, the firewire 800 won't work at 800 speed, but at 400? Also that a bus powered hard drive doesn't work, and that it needs it's own power to run with the express card?
    Bottom line:
    What would be the perfect audio hardware setup with the new Macbook Pro? I gladly invest in a different audio interface (or anything else) if it really fits and works as pro audio setup!

    I've read that if you connect a firewire 400 device to the express card, the firewire 800 won't work at 800 speed, but at 400?
    I don't think this is right. As I understand it, the advantage of having one of your devices on an express card slot is specifically so it is on its own bus.
    Then both devices will operate on their own speed.
    However, this is true for the older model Macbook Pros when you use both FW ports that are built in, because even though the machine has two ports, they each feed one firewire bus. So if you have a device plugged into each port, the one plugged into the 800 will only run at 400 speed because they're both on the same bus. Using an express card means both devices can operate at their own speed.
    If you want the newer machine I think you should get it. Then you can buy a firewire 400 express card, plug your interface into that, and plug your FW 800 drive into the main firewire port. This will give you better performance from your peripherals than an older machine with both devices plugged into the built in FW ports.
    Good Luck!

  • The iPod is synced with another iTunes Library, how do I sync it with my new MacBook Pro without erasing contents of iPod?

    The iPod is synced with another iTunes Library, how do I sync it with my new MacBook Pro without erasing contents of iPod?

    Copy everything from your old computer, or your backup copy of your old computer, to your new one.

  • I would like to set up a homegroup with a new Macbook Pro and 2 Windows PCs.  The PCs are wired to an Airport Time Machine and the Mac is wireless. All computers have internet through the Airport Time Machine.

    I would like to set up a homegroup with a new Macbook Pro and 2 Windows PCs.  The PCs are wired to an Airport Time Machine and the Mac is wireless. All computers have internet through the Airport Time Machine.

    The method for setting up file sharing is described here:
    http://homepage.mac.com/rfwilmut/notes/sharing.html

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