Sale on Macbook Air and Macbook Pro @ MicroCenter B&M Only
 

Hi, first time poster so be easy. :)

I got an email from MicroCenter on sales they are having. Since I'm on a lookout for Macs because my little brother wanted one for college I noticed it was quite a it of savings.

However, it's B&M only. Here are the listings:

MacBook Air 11.6" MD214LL/A - $999.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single...id=0395538

MacBook Pro 15.4" MD318LL/A - $1299.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single...id=0396103

MacBook Pro 15.4" MD322LL/A - $1399.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single...id=0396104

MacBook Pro MD385LL/A 15.4" - $1599.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single...id=0395764

This is the 2011 edition (Sandy Bridge, Intel HD3000)
 

Just noting that these are 2011 editions with the old(er) cpu/ssd architecture and the older intel hd3000 video chip.

FWIW, my microcenter had several of the 11" in stock, then sold out, then had another 10 show up today.

I think these are the previous generation. The current Graphics card is now the Intel HD Graphics 4000.

Sent from my iSlick app for iPhone, iPad and Android

They are previous gen, but they're still a great deal. I'm considering heading out to Microcenter to get one over the current Apple Blowouts at MacMall.

Bought one to reserve it while I figure out if I'll keep it. More input on this would help.

From what I can tell. The most expensive model is about a $1799 from B&H so a $200 savings. Not sure if I should just wait a bit longer as I don't truly need this laptop right away.

Actually, the one listed on B&H as $1799 is model MD322LL/A, which is actually a $400 saving. :) Hope that helps.

Nice! So now I guess the question is keeping this "older" model versus the newer Macbook and it's features. Might need to look into it further.

That's how I always do it. Buy a used/open-box/previous-gen model at a ridiculous discount, then when the next (newer) gen goes on discount, you can sell the one you bought first for enough profit to cover the cost of the new machine. I've been doing this for about a year and a half, and it works great!

I'm using some of my Southwest points to get to a Microcenter to get this and a few other deals, since I don't have one in my city.

Current Versus Previous Gen Laptops
 

Check out Low End Mac for a comparison of the Current (mid-2012) and Previous Gen Laptops. These articles also compare the value of refurbs of the previous gen laptops against current laptops. FYI, refurbs from Apple are like-new and are indistinguishable from new laptops, and come with full 1-Yr Apple warranties.

Current Vs. Previous Gen MacBook Pros [lowendmac.com]

Current Vs. Previous Gen MacBook Air [lowendmac.com]

u aint missing much honestly.

Just more USB3 ports and new magsafe charger which doesnt really make any difference, and more beef on graphics and very slight i mean its so extermemly very slight that you cant even feel the diff at all, speed increase and power savings.

yea thats the way to go. I got my MBA prev gen, brand new (like-new, and it was actually brand new LOL) amazon deal for 900, and got them to discount it further down to 720, and had 320 in GC balances that I bought for $150 so I ended up paying $550 for it.

Does the new boost feature to 3.3Ghz make a huge difference over the 2.5?

I think you may have a good point tho. Real world performance may be negligible.

the boost feature (intels turbo boost aka speedstep tech etc) is also present in the previous gen as well. IIRC, if we're talking about direct replacement models, the prev version goes upto 3.2Ghz so you really aint missing anything.

Don't get me wrong tho, the newest version is def an upgrade even tho they're not that much. So it all comes down to prices in the end if you're a true SDer. If you can get a good deal on the newest version, by all means go for it. However, if savings over the best deal you can find on the new version on the older version is more than $200, id go for the older one.

I just got back in town from flying up to Dallas for the 11.6" MBA deal. I'm pretty excited because although there is no 1.8GHz i5, the ad said it was an i5, and it turns out it's a 1.8GHz i7. Fantastic!

In other news, Microcenter is super shady, and I won't be going back there for any more deals. I thought it would be like Best Buy, or at least like Circuit City. Not even close.

MC is a bit sketchy, but still apple authorized and better than this place...

http://www.apple.com/mac/videos/#...-basically

I was looking at the Frys deal it is a couple of hundred cheaper than the Apple Store

LINK to FRYS [frys.com]

Store pick up only

Manufacturer # MD101LL/A )

Key Features
• 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
• Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
• 4GB DDR3 1600MHz memory
• 500GB 5400-rpm hard drive
• Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 ports

I'd get one of these if the Frys here would let me stack the student discount. $900 for a MBP would be dandy.

I have an old generation and a new retina version for work.

The old version has a known issue with the motherboard and sleep mode. Also, the video card went bad and apple had to replace it. Over all they are good laptops, especially at this price.

The new version has no CD ROM, the screen is blurry in a lot of apps like Chrome due to the higher resolution (also a known issue). The SSD is faster, but of course is smaller. The video card is faster and goes to higher resolutions. The laptop is lighter over all and thinner than the older gen.

I'm seeing an 15.4" MD385LL/A at my local MC for $1599 + tax (still cheaper than a refurb). This is the high-res (1680x1050) matte option from late October 2011. The next best price I see is ~$1900 at b&h. I need to buy a mac for developing ios, and my current laptop COULD use an upgrade (not worth $700 to buy a mac mini, might as well go out on a macbook pro). Is this a good price for this particular machine?

CPU: Core i7 2860QM (2.5 GHz base frequency, 3.6 GHz w/Turbo Boost)
RAM: 4 GB DDR3-1333 (this is the only thing that's not upgraded on this model)
GPU: 1 GB AMD Radeon 6770M GDDR5
HDD: 750 GB 7200 RPM
Optical: DVD-RW

edit: never mind, maybe I'll just wait around for a $399 mac mini

This is no brainer deal:

MacBook Pro MD385LL/A 15.4" - $1599.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single...id=0395764

Amazon has it for $1920. If you buy it today or tomorrow (Saturday) then you pay no tax in Georgia. It's an i7 (quad core) with a 750GB 7200 rpm drive and anti-glare screen with high resolution (1680 x 1050).

This is better deal than the current Retina Display model which lacks a Superdrive, SD card slot and firewire. I have seen the Retina display and I believe it to be overrated. Just my 7 cents....

That one appears to be OOS in both Atl stores. Without tax would of been a great deal.

EDIT: Now appears to be in stock in the Atl, both store showing 10+

EDIT again: Tax free hoilday in GA is for computers 1000 and less, if you buy a computer for 1001 you get taxed on the whole deal:

http://www.ajc.com/news/tax-free-...94313.html

I just dont know if I could let go of my 13" MBA. Its pretty much perfect for my needs. I have a 27" iMac if I need to do any heavy processing.

Just picked up the MD 322 model from the Boston Micro Center. What a fantastic deal. OP repped. It's currently tax-free weekend in Boston so 1399 for $2200 laptop is a no-brainer. Much cheaper than even the refurbs on Apple's website

How were you able to get them discount it down to 720?

What is a fry's student discount?

You fly to a Microcenter?

Yeah, it was only a 45 minute fight, but it beat the 4.5 hour drive I would have had to do. I have tons of Southwest points, so it was worth it. Anything for a deal!

45 minute fight ? That's incredible , was this for the heavyweight title ? :)

I knocked 'em out good! :chairbas:

I shop at MC all the time and it's not shady at all...it's like a legitimate version of the old school computer stores, before they pretty much all went bankrupt. Certainly not worse than CompUSA ever was.
The stores look super basic but they have to compete with web prices...I don't know what you'd expect.

You're right - it's definitely not as bad as CompUSA was. I guess I just expected something like Fry's - which I have been to before - but it was much less than that.

My own expectations were set too high, so being let down is my fault alone. :)

Folks, Just a quick question.

How efficient is it to run Parallel's with Win XP on the 4gb 256Gb combo? I am looking to use the 11.6, since I already have MBA 13.3 from Feb 2011, which I love, I just need something smaller to travel better.

For some apps I do not have a choice but to use Windows, so I need to have Parallels, I do not mind splurging the money on the MBA but I am just curious if I can get Parallels to run easily on the 256gb-4gb combo.

Thanks!

4gb should be good , I seen people run it with 2gb but it always depends what programs you will be using. If you order thru apple for $100 more you get 8gb of ram well worth it

I m getting it off MC :bounce:

I dont need much off graphics, no development either. Just need to run some native SAP stuff off Windows and MS Project and visio

Snagged the last 11.6" 256GB model at a local Microcenter tonight. Debating on returning it since the Best Buy deal is offering the 13" 2012 for $999 (granted, only a 128GB ssd).

Anyone else return theirs or are they happy w/ it for $999? It is $1119 on Apple's refurb site and looks like they're getting resold for $900+ on CL/fleabay. =/

It depends on you , can you handle only having 100gb ? If you can not only you getting a better and bigger screen you will get 2 hours more of battery life in the 13 inch. And the latest Intel HD Graphics 4000 which is a giant improvement over last year

Thanks Rican. I think HDD > the graphics/usb3 for me, but what I really want is 8GB RAM to go with the 256GB. So I'm still undecided. :cool:

MacBook Pro 15.4" (recent edition) Quad-core i7 2.4 GHz, 750GB HDD. 4GB RAM. Thunderbolt. USB2. FW800. SDXC. Superdrive. Glossy, non-Retina Display. Microcenter B&M. $1400+Tax.
 

Microcenter has a recent-edition MacBook Pro 15.4" MD322LL/A
Non-Retina Display. Last year's edition. (Note: no USB 3.0.)
on sale for $1400. Original Price $2000. $1790 on Amazon.

http://www.microcenter.com/single...id=0396104

MacBook Pro MD322LL/A
Color - Silver
Intel® Core(tm) Quad-Core i7 2.4GHz
4GB RAM (supports up to 8)
750GB 5,400RPM HDD
15.4" Glossy Widescreen Display1440 x 900.
SuperDrive DVD +/-RW
SDXC
USB 2.0 x 2
Thunderbolt x 1
Firewire 800 x 1.
10/100/1000 Network
802.11n Wireless
Bluetooth 2.1
Mac OS X 10.7 Lion
Backlit keyboard
5.6 pounds.
Limit 1 per customer.

What's in the Box: MacBook Pro, Display Cleaning Cloth, 85W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord, Printed and electronic documentation

I checked Madison Heights, MI, currently 10+ available.


Alternatively, they also have MD385LL/A with 2.5 GHz, 7200 RPM, and Anti-Glare LCD 1680x1050 resolution. $1600+Tax (original price $2100; $1917 on Amazon).
http://www.microcenter.com/single...id=0395764

The bald on top ponytail guy on CNBC says no retina display == yawn.

Voting feedback says that it is incorrect information! What is incorrect in OP, any help plz? TIA!

How can it be Recent Edition if it doesn't have USB 3?
FYI this is a re-post

Title "recent edition" is misleading. The 2012 15.4" mbp is model MD103LL/A. This appears to be last years model with SB instead of IB processor.

"recent" meant "not current" one. this is last year's

repost from where?

Repost from here
http://slickdeals.net/f/5019866-S...r-B-M-Only

Recent does sound like current one ;)
I would change it to last year

OP: Change "recent edition" to "Late 2011", and your thumb downs will go away. Heck, your reps might even go up.

Ended up returning the 4GB/256 2011 11" since my Microcenter now has 10+ in stock.

Wonder if they would take another $100 off - that might make me go back haha.

Does anyone know if any of these closeout 15.4" MBPs can take 16GB of memory even if it is not officially supported ?

Is there any coupons that MC offers that would give a certain percent off to make it a better deal? Or does MC offer a student discount?

Also is this deal better than the price actually offered on the apple website?

Thanks! And I think I'm going to go in on this deal! Need to decide to go with the glossy for 1399 or te anti glare for 1599. What do you all think?

The $1599 model also has a higher resolution screen in addition to being anti-glare. The CPU is also just slightly faster with larger cache (more significant). Also the drive is 7200RPM vs 5400RPM. Those are the differences I could find.

I think either of these will take 16GB although not officially stated.

So I got myself the 2011 Open Box 11.6 Air for 800 from MC-Paterson, NJ

4gb, 256GB combo. i7-2 cores.

Am running Vmware fusion - Win Xp to run a few legacy products and SAP applications without an issue.

No issues to report so far!

Nice find. My MC still has 10+ of the 11" ultimates for $999, makes me wanna go down there and see if they'll knock another hundred off.

Just got the 11" air and it's great. The processor specs on the website are wrong. It's an i7 1.8Ghz so slightly upgraded from the ad. I scanned receipt and sent to apple and immediately got my code for osx mountain lion for free. This is over $120 less than apples price on this same model REFURB and this is new.


So thankful for this post OP. Before thus I was planning on a 13" refurb throgh apple but this price was too good to pass up. Reps. :)

All these deals still appear to be active..... anyone see anything else better than this anywhere? About to pull the trigger......