Please Advise: Upgrading a new MacBook Pro

Hi all,
I'm going to buy the new base model 15" MBP (comes with 4gb RAM and a 500gb standard hard drive, and I'll be getting a hi-res screen) and have the hardware upgraded through a local repair shop. I'm probably going to have them do a 16gb upgrade and swap out the hard drive with a 512gb SSD. The total price for this work (the cost of the machine from Apple plus the upgrades) comes out to about $2700. That seems hugely expensive to me, but I also don't have much context for how much this type of thing costs. Maybe it's reasonable?
At the end of the day I really want a fast computer.  I'm told both the amount of RAM and the type of hard drive it has affects the speed. Even though right now I don't have huge storage needs I may soon find myself needing more space, which is why I'm leaning toward getting a bigger SSD so I don't have to worry about it later. It also seems like SSDs are the way laptops are going, and I figure putting one in will help with resale in a few years.
But again, the price for all this seems steep. I would really love some input before making the leap, and if you have other suggestions, either in terms of upgrades or anything else, I would so appreciate hearing it. Thanks much.

If your needs are not all that demanding, no heavy duty programs, why not buy a $400-$800 Windows 7 laptop?
For 3D gaming a Windows 7 3D gaming tower is best anyway as you can replace the video card to keep up with the latest games.
http://www.cbscores.com/index.php?sort=ogl&order=desc
Why do you need a MacBook Pro that's $1900 more?
It's only going to last about 1 year on OS X before you have to upgrade it and all the third party software.
You'll wind up having to install Windows anyway because you can't ignore it or some software that's for Windows only.
The machine is only going to last about 3 years on AppleCare and from there on it depends how well you took care of it during that first 3 years if it will last another year or two.
Laptops don't last as long as desktop machines, neither can it be upgraded all that much.
If you get three years out of the MacBook Pro, that's $900 a year for computer costs.
My friend has a $600 Windows XP Dell desktop that has lasted a deacade and only now looking for a new machine. He likely paid about $100 a year for computer use, including having the OS reinstalled a few times.
Microsoft supports their operating system for a decade, Apple only a few short years.
For instance I bought a Early 2011 17" MBP, their top of the line machine. It came with 10.6.
It's Late 2012 now and 10.6 is almost considered obsolete, Apple has released two operating systems since, I would have to buy all new versions of expensive third party software if I upgrade.
I still have to run Windows 7 too.
So are you ready to start chasing the technological dragon forever, they will never let you catch up, especially Apple.
If you want something to last, buy a Windows 7 tower desktop and perhaps a small iPad or other cheap tablet for the on the go uses.
A smart phone for the always around uses.
Heck all three could be had for under $1500, no need for a $2700 MacBook Pro where Apple will figure out a way to slow it down or make you want ot upgrade after a few short years.
Only the Early 2011 models and later get all the newer goodies now.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS_X_Mountain_Lion
If you can afford to play in this expensive pool with all the other rich kids, then come on in, the water is fine.

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