2018 Macbook Pros launched

[Shutterfly]

Is 8GB ram sufficient with the latest quad core MBP?

Yes, unless you need many apps at the same time. The SSD has gotten so fast in recent years especially for Apple which is the gold standard for SSD read/write speed that reliance on RAM is getting lesser compared to many years ago.

 

[GGGGGG]

Just spoke to Apple on live chat and they mention my MacBook either RAM/EFI has issues. Anyone has any idea how much does the RAM cost for replacement at Apple Store?

 

[Shutterfly]

Just spoke to Apple on live chat and they mention my MacBook either RAM/EFI has issues. Anyone has any idea how much does the RAM cost for replacement at Apple Store?

I think not worth doing the replacement because other parts may fail in future. I sent in my MacBook Air for repair and was quoted $600+ to replace the logic board.

 

[elendil5259]

I don't think you can get much longer battery life with the dual core. The current 2018 is already fitted with a larger battery compared to last year version. Furthermore, dual core version comes with gen 2 keyboard which will spoil much easier that the 2018 gen 3 version. Though covered by Apple's warranty, it may take days/weeks to get it replaced. You may wish to consider that.

Good points. I actually did consider the potential problems with the 2nd gen keyboard. Oddly enough, I actually prefer this as compared to the 3rd gen! 3rd gen feels a bit too mushy for my liking.

I just returned the quad core refurbished and am using the 2017 dual core refurbished now. So far, based anecdotally of course, the battery seems to be a step up as compared to the 2018. While the battery on the 2018 is definitely larger, it's probably to compensate for the quad core processor and the Touch Bar. 2017 runs cooler to the touch too. I find the 2018 tends to turbo boost frequently even when running basic tasks.

 

[elendil5259]

Is 8GB ram sufficient with the latest quad core MBP?

really depends on your tasks. unless you are multi-tasking heavily (read: more than 10 chrome-safari tabs open, VMs, photo/video editing software at the same time, or huge excel data sets with multiple references), then 8GB is definitely sufficient.

MacOS is greatly efficient with RAM. For me, running 4k f-log edits with LUTs, the bottleneck is always the graphics processor, not RAM.

 

[Shutterfly]

Good points. I actually did consider the potential problems with the 2nd gen keyboard. Oddly enough, I actually prefer this as compared to the 3rd gen! 3rd gen feels a bit too mushy for my liking.

I just returned the quad core refurbished and am using the 2017 dual core refurbished now. So far, based anecdotally of course, the battery seems to be a step up as compared to the 2018. While the battery on the 2018 is definitely larger, it's probably to compensate for the quad core processor and the Touch Bar. 2017 runs cooler to the touch too. I find the 2018 tends to turbo boost frequently even when running basic tasks.

I am actually considering between these two as well. How’s the return process like? Is it troublesome? I probably should give it a try as well to decide which one is best for me. The butterfly keyboard takes time to get used to it but I think should still be fine. Only concern is it failing days/weeks/months of usage.

Do you plan to get Apple Care for your refurbished MacBook Pro?

 

[elendil5259]

I am actually considering between these two as well. How’s the return process like? Is it troublesome? I probably should give it a try as well to decide which one is best for me. The butterfly keyboard takes time to get used to it but I think should still be fine. Only concern is it failing days/weeks/months of usage.

Do you plan to get Apple Care for your refurbished MacBook Pro?

It's not! the only difference for returning a refurbished one is that you have to arrange a collection time via email, rather than just returning at the physical store. very fuss free all in all, and free of charge. just remember to keep the original packaging & cardboard box to make it easier for you.

yup, you should definitely try it and do some stress testing first depending on your needs.

I'm not intending to get AppleCare as the keyboard failing issue is covered for 4 years for free anyway, which is probably how long I'll keep it for.

 

[Shutterfly]

It's not! the only difference for returning a refurbished one is that you have to arrange a collection time via email, rather than just returning at the physical store. very fuss free all in all, and free of charge. just remember to keep the original packaging & cardboard box to make it easier for you.

yup, you should definitely try it and do some stress testing first depending on your needs.

I'm not intending to get AppleCare as the keyboard failing issue is covered for 4 years for free anyway, which is probably how long I'll keep it for.

Thanks for the information. You are right, should really test it before purchasing. Hope they do not have a limit to the number of Macs we can return.. I am even thinking of trying the Macbook Air to see if it fit my needs because I don't like the Touch Bar. So basically I may try out 3 Macs, Macbook Pro 2018, Macbook Pro NTB 2017 and Macbook Air. Don't know will be blacklisted or not.

Talking about the Keyboard replacement program, I contacted the Apple support regarding this before and they cannot give me an exact answer on the coverage. It seems like for refurbished set, the start date of the coverage might not be the day the unit is delivered to you. It could be when the unit is first sold to its original owner. They told me can only confirm this when you have the actual unit and provide them with a serial number to check.

 

[elendil5259]

be careful though, there might be a chance of blacklisting if there are too many returns. I did consider the air but the screen quality really was lacking compared to the base model pro. unless you really value that 2 hours extra of battery life + Touch ID?

yeah, heard that the time period of coverage for the refurbished sets are from the date of original delivery to the first owner, but most refurbished sets are open box returns anyway, so I doubt it's THAT old. should be safe till early 2021!

 

[GGGGGG]

On a side note, can anyone trace back my files after reformatting my MacBook?

 

[Shutterfly]

be careful though, there might be a chance of blacklisting if there are too many returns. I did consider the air but the screen quality really was lacking compared to the base model pro. unless you really value that 2 hours extra of battery life + Touch ID?

yeah, heard that the time period of coverage for the refurbished sets are from the date of original delivery to the first owner, but most refurbished sets are open box returns anyway, so I doubt it's THAT old. should be safe till early 2021!

Have you decided to keep your refurbished 2017 nTB MacBook Pro?

 

[szeli]

On a side note, can anyone trace back my files after reformatting my MacBook?

turn on filevault then format. confirm no recovery.

 

[origamii]

any promotion going currently? interested in getting 15inch macbook pro

 

[elendil5259]

any promotion going currently? interested in getting 15inch macbook pro

IT Show is coming up soon in March 2019, but there won't be discounts, only free gifts that are pretty worthless to me most of the time. The only valuable thing is probably their in house extended warranty, or discounted PWP AppleCare.

If you are looking for raw discounts, I say visit the refurbished store on the Apple site. 15% off for an almost brand new product is the best offer you'll get.

 

[origamii]

Alright thks for the help

IT Show is coming up soon in March 2019, but there won't be discounts, only free gifts that are pretty worthless to me most of the time. The only valuable thing is probably their in house extended warranty, or discounted PWP AppleCare.

If you are looking for raw discounts, I say visit the refurbished store on the Apple site. 15% off for an almost brand new product is the best offer you'll get.

 

[elendil5259]

Have you decided to keep your refurbished 2017 nTB MacBook Pro?

Heh I succumbed. I do video editing as a hobby, plus am looking to learn software development so I decided to future proof with the 2018 version. Plus I really disliked the loud fan on the 2017 version when it was running heavy loads.

Returned it and got the 2018 for the second time! Definitely keeping it this time.

 

[Shutterfly]

Heh I succumbed. I do video editing as a hobby, plus am looking to learn software development so I decided to future proof with the 2018 version. Plus I really disliked the loud fan on the 2017 version when it was running heavy loads.

Returned it and got the 2018 for the second time! Definitely keeping it this time.

Good choice.. For software development, you probably do not need 2018 version... but for video editing, probably yes.

 

[Molecat]

Any heads up on the price?

 

[Shutterfly]

Any heads up on the price?

What about the price?

 

[Cheese Steak]

I’m seeking for some advice here.
I’m planning to get a refurb model of the MacBook Pro 2018.
Should I get the 256GB SSD or the 512GB ver? Planning to use the mac for around 2-3 years.
Another alternative is that I get the nTB model to save some cash.