Low-end Retina MacBook Pro now available with 512GB, 768GB drives
The new build-to-order configurations first appeared in Apple's online store on Wednesday, when they were noticed by MacRumors. Users who select the low-end 2.3-gigahertz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor can have a 512-gigabyte flash storage drive for an additional $500, or 768 gigabytes for an extra $1,000.
In addition, users can also choose to upgrade the base model to a faster 2.6-gigahertz quad-core Intel Core i7 chip for an extra $100. Previously, that chip was only available with a 512-gigabyte flash storage drive for $600 more than the base price of $2,199.
Users can also upgrade the processor to a 2.7-gigahertz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor for $350. Build-to-order configurations also come with 16 gigabytes of 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM for an extra $200.
Shipping times for the new MacBook Pro with Retina display remain estimated at one to two weeks as Apple works to catch up with demand for its latest notebook computer.
The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display can also be found in standard configurations from third-party resellers. It is available with 8 or 16 gigabytes of RAM and a 256-gigabyte solid-state drive with the 2.3-gigahertz processor, while the 2.6- and 2.7-gigahertz configurations come with 512 gigabytes of storage. Prices from resellers can be found in AppleInsider's Mac Price Guide, included below:
53 Comments
Well, I like that the BTO option is there on the entry-level model, but I didn't realize it would cost that much.
[quote name="BigBillyGoatGruff" url="/t/151673/low-end-retina-macbook-pro-now-available-with-512gb-768gb-drives#post_2159305"]Well, I like that the BTO option is there on the entry-level model, but I didn't realize it would cost that much.[/quote] What did you think it would cost?
If anyone can drive down costs of SSD Apple can by adoption on this scale. I installed SSD as my boot drive in a 2010 MBP i7 (Replaced the optical, added Trim Enabler) and it is like using an iPad now for speed, it totally shocked me how fast it is now. HDs are the new floppy, they have to go!
Why would I want to buy a lower end Retina Macbook with soldered RAM that I can't upgrade later? Such a configuration feels like a big win for Apple, but not for the consumer.
Why would I want to buy a lower end Retina Macbook with soldered RAM that I can't upgrade later?
Because you're buying the RAM upgrades at purchase?