<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>So I'm looking at the CAV Computer deals, I've decided to get the 13 in. MacBook Pro. I was wondering, how much RAM and hard drive space should I get? I don't play PC games or anything, and I really plan to just use the computer for schoolwork, Internet, etc. I should also mention that I'm in arts and sciences, planning to go into McIntire.</p>
<p>Also, is the CAV program a good deal, or would I be better off going through Amazon/Best Buy/etc.?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Determine what the cost difference is vs. other sources, and then compare that difference to the benefits of CAV computers. It appears to me that it makes much more sense to buy Macs from CAV computers than Windows PCs, because Macs are not heavily discounted by other sellers. Therefore, you may find you are getting more benefits for a minor cost difference with a Mac from CAV.</p>
<p>If you are the type who would normally be getting an AppleCare warranty, then you really can’t beat the CAV program for Macs with their 4-yr ADP warranty and loaner program. if you’re set on the 13", get it with 8GB of RAM - which puts you either in the older model Pro with a std hard drive, or the newer retina model with a 256GB SSD drive. Don’t get the retina with only 128GB, you’ll regret the small size later, and it’s not upgradeable. </p>
<p>But also know that you can save a lot by getting a very slightly used MacBook Pro on eBay too, if you don’t have to have a brand new one. It all depends on your comfort zone.</p>
<p>We’ve been looking around and it looks like the Macs through the CAV program are about $120 more than what we can get around town. For our new Hoo, though, we think that $120 will be money well spent. I love that child so much but I can honestly see her needing the protection the CAV program will provide.</p>
<p>A few additional notes. While I think the CAV program Macs are a good deal for the peace of mind on new equipment, if you are trying to minimize your spending there are some options to consider.</p>
<p>We purchased a 6 month old MacBook Pro (from eBay) and an AppleCare warranty, and saved $1000 from what we’d spend at Apple, and a bit more over CAV. Granted, that doesn’t get me CAV support or loaner program, but I also checked with my insurance, and my homeowners will cover the Mac from theft, loss, and breakage (accidental damage) at a $0 deductible for less than $50/year. So all in all, that’s a lot of savings for only giving up the loaner option, and the fact that the Mac is a few months less than new.</p>
<p>We all get very hung up on “brand new” but sometimes can save a lot on “almost new” equipment. As an IT person, I buy lots of items that other people have taken the depreciation hit for me. :)</p>
<p>Saving $1,000 sounds great to me! I buy a lot of stuff from ebay but have never done electronics. I’m scared it would be previously damaged in some way and I, of course, wouldn’t know it. Also, our son made it through all 4 years and his MacBook Pro has never given him one problem BUT he takes very, very good care of his belongings. His sister…well, her intentions are good but I just know from experience she’ll definitely need the AppleCare or Cav care program :)</p>
<p>But now I am looking on ebay…just to see what’s out there ;)</p>
<p>Be sure to include the sales tax when calculating savings. As an example, the model we got retailed for $2399 and AppleCare was an additional $250 (total $2649), which with tax would be $2834. I got it on eBay, with Applecare, shipped for $1850. </p>
<p>You’re right - there is fraud and untruth on eBay, so you do have to ask questions, be careful and know what you’re getting into - but it can work out very well, especially if it’s new enough that it’s still under standard 1 year warranty as well. Again, it’s worth considering, but may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Good luck.</p>
<p>Like the OP, I am going for the Mac Book Pro 13". Math/Science major, no gaming or huge stores of photos to music. Will I be happier with the 256GB Solid State drive or the 750GB standard hard drive for $300 less?</p>
<p>I assume you mean the non-retina MBP? I ask because it does make a difference down the road. My personal opinion is that the SSD offers much more day to day peace of mind than the standard HDD - no moving parts, and less likely to fail in a drop/bump. Also, speed difference in boot time and application load time is noticable. </p>
<p>But, with that said - here’s the downside. At 256GB it may/may not be enough by itself for you for storage (now or long term) if you have a ton of music, video, etc. So it would come with an additional external storage need. That’s something you may not know for a while too. But with a standard drive you’ll also want to make sure you have a good backup drive/system anyway in case of failure, so maybe that external drive difference is a wash.</p>
<p>So, here’s why the model is a factor: If it’s a MBPro retina, the drive is not replaceable and you’re stuck with whatever you get today - so you need to plan for long term at your initial purchase. If it’s the normal MBPro (with optical drive) then the hard drive is replaceable - and you can save the money now and in a year or two if you decideyou need the SSD you can replace it yourself easily for that same $300 or less at that time. And at that time you may be able to, or need to, get a 512GB SSD for that amount, instead of having a 256GB.</p>
<p>That gives you a few things to think about.</p>
<p>Sounds like good advice. I hadn’t thought about swapping out the drive from standard to SSD in a couple of years.</p>