[Mac 101] Ask your questions here!

[xkiller213]

Hi,
Can anyone confirm how many spatial streams does the rMBP 15" refreshed version has? Only know its using wireless AC.

3x3 afaik, Retina, round two: Apple

and the Retina MacBook Pros get their three-antenna

 

[SHIKSHINISM!♥'24']

Scam?

Hi there, kinda new to HWZ. Just wondering if I'm even in the right tread/forum. But just wanna ask for some advice as I'm wondering if this is a scam. I encountered a seller that claimed that his MacBook Pro w/ Retina Display is directly shipped from MaryLand, USA. IT ONLY COSTS $850?! LIKE WTH. And its BNIB. Oh and it has 2 years intl warranty from Apple.

This is the specs that he sent me in an email. Seems damn freaking suspicious. Any advice peeps?

"Thanks for your mail and busines inquiry,

Deatils
Screen Size 15.4 inches
Screen Resolution 2880 x 1800
Max Screen Resolution 2880x1800 pixels
Processor 2 GHz Intel Core i7
RAM 8 GB DDR3L
Memory Speed 1600 MHz
Hard Drive 256 GB
Graphics Coprocessor Intel Iris Graphics
Wireless Type 802.11A, 802.11B, 802.11G, 802.11n
Number of USB 3.0 Ports 2
Other Technical Details
Brand Name Apple
Series me293
Hardware Platform Mac
Operating System Mac OS X Mavericks
Item Weight 4.5 pounds
Item Dimensions L x W x H 9.73 x 14.13 x 0.71 inches
Color Silver
Processor Brand Intel
Processor Count 1
Computer Memory Type SDRAM
Flash Memory Size 256
Hard Drive Interface Serial ATA
Optical Drive Type No
Audio-out Ports (#) 1
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (LiPo)


With fourth-generation Intel Core processors, the latest graphics, and faster flash storage, the incredibly advanced 15.4-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display moves even further ahead in performance and battery life.

Measuring a mere 0.71 inches and weighing only 4.46 pounds, the MacBook Pro sets a new standard in performance and portability for pro users. The world's highest resolution notebook display with over 5 million pixels ? 3 million more than an HD television--the MacBook Pro with Retina display has such a high pixel density that the human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels from a normal viewing distance.

This version of the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display features a 2.0 GHz Core i7 quad-core processor, 256 GB of flash storage, and 8 GB of onboard RAM.

It's powered by OS X Mavericks, the world's most advanced operating system and built to bring out the best in your Mac. And the MacBook Pro comes pre-loaded with the latest version of the iLife software suite (iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand) as well as the iWork productivity suite (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote).

The MacBook Pro also includes both a high-speed Thunderbolt port and two USB 3 ports, enabling you to easily connect to external displays and a wide variety of high performance peripherals. With up to 60 percent faster PCIe-based flash storage compared to the previous generation and new 802.11ac Wi-Fi for up to 3x faster wireless, the new MacBook Pro is quicker and more responsive than ever. You'll also get up to 8 hours of battery life while on the go.
Breakthrough Retina Display
At over 5 million pixels (220 pixels-per-inch), the Retina display's pixel density is so high the human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels from a normal viewing distance, so text and graphics look incredibly sharp. Images take on a new level of realism and text is pin sharp. And with a 2880-by-1800 resolution, you can see more of your high-resolution images onscreen with pixel-for-pixel accuracy. You'll see fine details and textures in photos like never before, and even tell which photos are in focus just by looking at the thumbnail. The Retina display uses IPS technology for a 178-degree wide viewing angle.
Fourth-Generation Intel Core Processor
Since OS X is designed to take advantage of each core, the fourth-generation Intel Core i5 dual-core processor (based on the latest Haswell architecture) captures every bit of performance from the processor. When you need more power for a processor-intensive application like Aperture or Final Cut Pro, Turbo Boost 2.0 automatically increases the speed of the active cores. And by shifting core frequency in small increments, Turbo Boost allows the processor to manage performance without sacrificing efficiency.

This model features a 2.0 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2 GHz. It's complemented by Intel Iris Pro integrated graphics with 128 MB of embedded memory, which can accelerate processor- and graphics-intensive tasks by acting as an ultrafast cache.
Flash Storage Architecture
With its entirely flash-based architecture, the MacBook Pro with Retina display makes everything you do incredibly fast and responsive ? starting up takes seconds, apps launch quickly, even navigating the desktop feels incredibly fluid. The key is the new PCle-based flash storage, which provides faster read and write performance ? up to 60 percent faster than the previous-generation MacBook Pro. And flash storage is extremely energy efficient, which means your MacBook Pro also has the ability to stay in standby mode for up to a month, without plugging in.
802.11ac: The New Definition of Fast
The MacBook Pro now supports ultrafast 802.11ac Wi-Fi. When connected to an 802.11ac base station ? including the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule ? wireless performance is up to three times faster than with the previous generation of MacBook Pro. And your Wi-Fi range improves as well.
Thunderbolt and USB 3
Delivering an amazing 10 gigabits per second of transfer speeds in both directions, the ultrafast and ultraflexible Thunderbolt port allows you to move data up to 20 times faster than with USB 2.0 and more than 12 times faster than with FireWire 800. You can also daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt-compatible peripherals without using a hub. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI, and VGA displays.

The MacBook Pro also comes with two USB 3 ports, enabling you to connect your external hard drive and transfer large files in seconds instead of minutes with speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2. And you can connect all your USB-compatible devices, including your iPhone, iPad, iPod, or digital camera.
Installed Software
At the heart of every MacBook Pro ? and every Mac ? is OS X Mavericks, the world's most advanced desktop operating system. It features an amazing collection of apps you'll use every day, and it includes advanced technologies that boost performance and battery life. OS X Mavericks works with the MacBook Pro's super-responsive trackpad so Multi-Touch gestures feel natural to use, and technologies like Power Nap take advantage of the Mac hardware to keep the entire system up to date while it sleeps.
OS X Mavericks
Mac App Store, Safari, Maps, iBooks, Mail, Messages, Calendar, Contacts, Reminders, Notes, Time Machine, FaceTime, Photo Booth, Game Center, iTunes, Preview, and more

Looking forward to read from you and hope to keep a long term business relationship with you.

Best Regards,"

 

[chehjin]

dunno. what is he asking to pay him with?

if u can pay with something like paypal which offers you some protection, still can give it a try.

else. its a big no no.

very high chance scam.

 

[SkimMilk]

Hi there, kinda new to HWZ. Just wondering if I'm even in the right tread/forum. But just wanna ask for some advice as I'm wondering if this is a scam. I encountered a seller that claimed that his MacBook Pro w/ Retina Display is directly shipped from MaryLand, USA. IT ONLY COSTS $850?! LIKE WTH. And its BNIB. Oh and it has 2 years intl warranty from Apple.

This is the specs that he sent me in an email. Seems damn freaking suspicious. Any advice peeps?

"Thanks for your mail and busines inquiry,

Deatils
Screen Size 15.4 inches
Screen Resolution 2880 x 1800
Max Screen Resolution 2880x1800 pixels
Processor 2 GHz Intel Core i7
RAM 8 GB DDR3L
Memory Speed 1600 MHz
Hard Drive 256 GB
Graphics Coprocessor Intel Iris Graphics
Wireless Type 802.11A, 802.11B, 802.11G, 802.11n
Number of USB 3.0 Ports 2
Other Technical Details
Brand Name Apple
Series me293
Hardware Platform Mac
Operating System Mac OS X Mavericks
Item Weight 4.5 pounds
Item Dimensions L x W x H 9.73 x 14.13 x 0.71 inches
Color Silver
Processor Brand Intel
Processor Count 1
Computer Memory Type SDRAM
Flash Memory Size 256
Hard Drive Interface Serial ATA
Optical Drive Type No
Audio-out Ports (#) 1
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (LiPo)


With fourth-generation Intel Core processors, the latest graphics, and faster flash storage, the incredibly advanced 15.4-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display moves even further ahead in performance and battery life.

Measuring a mere 0.71 inches and weighing only 4.46 pounds, the MacBook Pro sets a new standard in performance and portability for pro users. The world's highest resolution notebook display with over 5 million pixels ? 3 million more than an HD television--the MacBook Pro with Retina display has such a high pixel density that the human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels from a normal viewing distance.

This version of the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display features a 2.0 GHz Core i7 quad-core processor, 256 GB of flash storage, and 8 GB of onboard RAM.

It's powered by OS X Mavericks, the world's most advanced operating system and built to bring out the best in your Mac. And the MacBook Pro comes pre-loaded with the latest version of the iLife software suite (iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand) as well as the iWork productivity suite (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote).

The MacBook Pro also includes both a high-speed Thunderbolt port and two USB 3 ports, enabling you to easily connect to external displays and a wide variety of high performance peripherals. With up to 60 percent faster PCIe-based flash storage compared to the previous generation and new 802.11ac Wi-Fi for up to 3x faster wireless, the new MacBook Pro is quicker and more responsive than ever. You'll also get up to 8 hours of battery life while on the go.
Breakthrough Retina Display
At over 5 million pixels (220 pixels-per-inch), the Retina display's pixel density is so high the human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels from a normal viewing distance, so text and graphics look incredibly sharp. Images take on a new level of realism and text is pin sharp. And with a 2880-by-1800 resolution, you can see more of your high-resolution images onscreen with pixel-for-pixel accuracy. You'll see fine details and textures in photos like never before, and even tell which photos are in focus just by looking at the thumbnail. The Retina display uses IPS technology for a 178-degree wide viewing angle.
Fourth-Generation Intel Core Processor
Since OS X is designed to take advantage of each core, the fourth-generation Intel Core i5 dual-core processor (based on the latest Haswell architecture) captures every bit of performance from the processor. When you need more power for a processor-intensive application like Aperture or Final Cut Pro, Turbo Boost 2.0 automatically increases the speed of the active cores. And by shifting core frequency in small increments, Turbo Boost allows the processor to manage performance without sacrificing efficiency.

This model features a 2.0 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2 GHz. It's complemented by Intel Iris Pro integrated graphics with 128 MB of embedded memory, which can accelerate processor- and graphics-intensive tasks by acting as an ultrafast cache.
Flash Storage Architecture
With its entirely flash-based architecture, the MacBook Pro with Retina display makes everything you do incredibly fast and responsive ? starting up takes seconds, apps launch quickly, even navigating the desktop feels incredibly fluid. The key is the new PCle-based flash storage, which provides faster read and write performance ? up to 60 percent faster than the previous-generation MacBook Pro. And flash storage is extremely energy efficient, which means your MacBook Pro also has the ability to stay in standby mode for up to a month, without plugging in.
802.11ac: The New Definition of Fast
The MacBook Pro now supports ultrafast 802.11ac Wi-Fi. When connected to an 802.11ac base station ? including the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule ? wireless performance is up to three times faster than with the previous generation of MacBook Pro. And your Wi-Fi range improves as well.
Thunderbolt and USB 3
Delivering an amazing 10 gigabits per second of transfer speeds in both directions, the ultrafast and ultraflexible Thunderbolt port allows you to move data up to 20 times faster than with USB 2.0 and more than 12 times faster than with FireWire 800. You can also daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt-compatible peripherals without using a hub. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI, and VGA displays.

The MacBook Pro also comes with two USB 3 ports, enabling you to connect your external hard drive and transfer large files in seconds instead of minutes with speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2. And you can connect all your USB-compatible devices, including your iPhone, iPad, iPod, or digital camera.
Installed Software
At the heart of every MacBook Pro ? and every Mac ? is OS X Mavericks, the world's most advanced desktop operating system. It features an amazing collection of apps you'll use every day, and it includes advanced technologies that boost performance and battery life. OS X Mavericks works with the MacBook Pro's super-responsive trackpad so Multi-Touch gestures feel natural to use, and technologies like Power Nap take advantage of the Mac hardware to keep the entire system up to date while it sleeps.
OS X Mavericks
Mac App Store, Safari, Maps, iBooks, Mail, Messages, Calendar, Contacts, Reminders, Notes, Time Machine, FaceTime, Photo Booth, Game Center, iTunes, Preview, and more

Looking forward to read from you and hope to keep a long term business relationship with you.

Best Regards,"

Buy lor, then tell us whether you get it or not?

"If it's too good to be true, it IS too good to be true."

 

[turtle splash]

Anyone uses a mac book to watch anime here?

 

[r3dhotpr1nc3]

problem with mac

Hi, I have a 2011 build macbook pro, just recently i have started getting blue screen on start up. Once i did a clean reinstall and it worked fine for 3 weeks and problem recurred. Then i did a osx reinstall without formatting HD again. It worked for a week and now again i keep getting the blue screen every time i start. I have tried all options, safe-mode, single-user mode, recovery mode, everything. All of them just end up with blue screen.

I needed advice on where should i take it for repair. Alab by aeon earth(official apple)- dunno how costly would it be cause my 3 year apple care expired 2 months ago. Or shd i try at any other place.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[SkimMilk]

Hi, I have a 2011 build macbook pro, just recently i have started getting blue screen on start up. Once i did a clean reinstall and it worked fine for 3 weeks and problem recurred. Then i did a osx reinstall without formatting HD again. It worked for a week and now again i keep getting the blue screen every time i start. I have tried all options, safe-mode, single-user mode, recovery mode, everything. All of them just end up with blue screen.

I needed advice on where should i take it for repair. Alab by aeon earth(official apple)- dunno how costly would it be cause my 3 year apple care expired 2 months ago. Or shd i try at any other place.

Any help would be appreciated.

You could be hit by "RadeonGate".
Blue screens could be the first symptoms your hardware is dying.

 

[r3dhotpr1nc3]

ty

Looks like its Radeongate indeed, ty for your help mate.

 

[asriznet]

Looks like its Radeongate indeed, ty for your help mate.

that's going to be a costly repair(logic board replacement), have you repaired your mac while in the 3 years warranty? if not, that's a good justification for an exception. Speak with a senior applecare advisor for help

Reason: You paid $300+ and have not utilised any repair, just saying...

 

[Wwaagghh]

Looks like its Radeongate indeed, ty for your help mate.

I had the same problem. ALab (iirc) at Changi City told me it was a hdd fault and wanted to charge me about 500 bucks to replace the 750 GB 5400RPM HDD!

in the end went to SLS to change out the logic board and install a 256 GB SSD for about the same money. The store is on lvl 6 left from the escalator, can't remember the name. Btw, not related to them, just a satisfied customer.

 

[SkimMilk]

I had the same problem. ALab (iirc) at Changi City told me it was a hdd fault and wanted to charge me about 500 bucks to replace the 750 GB 5400RPM HDD!

in the end went to SLS to change out the logic board and install a 256 GB SSD for about the same money. The store is on lvl 6 left from the escalator, can't remember the name. Btw, not related to them, just a satisfied customer.

Just my opinion: if it's RadeonGate: If AppleCare can get it "fixed", then get it fixed. If not, not really worth the $ in the long term to fix it since this is a killer problem that will come back again even if you change the logic board.

Just my opinion.

Petition

 

[kennyyeo23]

If you suffered a GPU-related issue on your 2011 MacBook Pro, please share them on this thread - http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/apple-clinic-5/macbook-pro-2011-failures-4799239.html

I'm trying to find out how widespread this problem is before I contact Apple.

I have a 2011 unit myself and I have had my logic board replace five times in three years due to GPU-related issues.

 

[asriznet]

If you suffered a GPU-related issue on your 2011 MacBook Pro, please share them on this thread - http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/apple-clinic-5/macbook-pro-2011-failures-4799239.html

I'm trying to find out how widespread this problem is before I contact Apple.

I have a 2011 unit myself and I have had my logic board replace five times in three years due to GPU-related issues.

Honestly I don't think Apple will do anything about it. Affected models are about 3 years old by now and the issue is more triggered by excessive heat causing the GPU to go bonkers.

so some may encounter the issue within 1 year while some others may encounter it after 3 years like myself. High chance that an early 2011 MBP to go dead due to GPU before any other parts like HDD or memory etc.....

If you have time tear apart the system after facing the GPU issue, you will notice that part looks kinda charred due to excess heat.

I think it's caused by weak design, not enough ventilation to cool down the affected parts.

 

[SkimMilk]

Honestly I don't think Apple will do anything about it. Affected models are about 3 years old by now and the issue is more triggered by excessive heat causing the GPU to go bonkers.

so some may encounter the issue within 1 year while some others may encounter it after 3 years like myself. High chance that an early 2011 MBP to go dead due to GPU before any other parts like HDD or memory etc.....

If you have time tear apart the system after facing the GPU issue, you will notice that part looks kinda charred due to excess heat.

I think it's caused by weak design, not enough ventilation to cool down the affected parts.

it's actually not a cooling issue. It's a design issue.
The GPU soldered on to the logic board is not well designed, causing the joints to melt / disconnect over time.

If you google "re-ball", you will see that this is one of the alternatives to rectify this problem.

 

[Sethyeh]

would you recommend getting a mac for gaming and photoshop purposes? now i have two different computers to do each of the task at hand.

 

[FelixShu]

hey guys, just encountered an issue after updating to mavericks....

my default download folder has some issue identifying files thru network path...

so as of now, i open download, it just shows the files/folders with a hollow white circles beside them, while not being able to access it at all.

but once i change the view from column to list, i'm able to access the files inside the folders in download, but stand alone files are unable to open in download folder...

any idea to solve this?

i've tried to re-path the favourite side bar but still doesn't work, even from my dock thru the proper user>download folder path doesn't work. it still brings me to the same problem.

thanks!

 

[Geforce3]

hey guys, just encountered an issue after updating to mavericks....

my default download folder has some issue identifying files thru network path...

so as of now, i open download, it just shows the files/folders with a hollow white circles beside them, while not being able to access it at all.

but once i change the view from column to list, i'm able to access the files inside the folders in download, but stand alone files are unable to open in download folder...

any idea to solve this?

i've tried to re-path the favourite side bar but still doesn't work, even from my dock thru the proper user>download folder path doesn't work. it still brings me to the same problem.

thanks!

Happened to me too. Still cannot find a workaround

 

[aamaterasu]

Hi guys,

I would be buying a 8gb ram mac air by this week using the education pricing online. Would like to know if there is are any better offers or suggestions?

Anyway I wouldbe using the laptop overseas for the whole of next year so I was wondering if the warranty would be of any use?

Thanks!

 

[LaoJiaoLaoGao]

Hi guys,

I would be buying a 8gb ram mac air by this week using the education pricing online. Would like to know if there is are any better offers or suggestions?

Anyway I wouldbe using the laptop overseas for the whole of next year so I was wondering if the warranty would be of any use?

Thanks!

try my best to ans.

1. Edu price is already one of the best you can get considering Apple price control very strictly. If you want cheaper, why not consider buying a refurb? they all comes with 1 year of applecare, which lead to qn2.

2. From Apple https://www.apple.com/sg/support/products/faqs.html

The AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac, for iPod, for Apple TV and for Apple Display, as well as AppleCare+ for iPod, provide global repair coverage. Service will be limited to the options available in the country where the service is requested. Service options, parts availability and response times vary by country.

 

[szeli]

hey guys, just encountered an issue after updating to mavericks....

my default download folder has some issue identifying files thru network path...

so as of now, i open download, it just shows the files/folders with a hollow white circles beside them, while not being able to access it at all.

but once i change the view from column to list, i'm able to access the files inside the folders in download, but stand alone files are unable to open in download folder...

any idea to solve this?

i've tried to re-path the favourite side bar but still doesn't work, even from my dock thru the proper user>download folder path doesn't work. it still brings me to the same problem.

thanks!

any screenshots?