Question on the MacBook Pro

I have decided to pull the trigger on a MacBook Pro, I would like one that still allows end user upgrades to memory, etc. What was the last model made that still allows this?
From I have read so far it seems to be a 2012 model, just not sure if it's early, mid or late?
Also the retina model is not upgradable, correct?

You didn't tell us if you were interested in a 13" or 15" MacBook Pro.

And when you say upgradeable "memory"…do you mean ram or the internal storage? Sometimes folks misuse this term.

- Nick

Some retina models are upgradeable on the storage end. The RAM is soldered on board on retina models, so you better buy what you need upfront. SSD capacity can be upgraded later if desired on 2012 and early 2013 models, but keep in mind that the late 2013 models switched to a PCIe SSD and AFAIK there are no third party options available for upgrade.

I'm interested in the 13" model, as far as upgrades I would like to be able to upgrade the RAM and eventually switch to an SSD. I'm asking because I've seen this in the apple store refurbished section for $999.
Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.5GHz Dual-core Intel i5

Originally released June 2012
13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 1280-by-800 resolution
4GB (2 x 2GB) of 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM
500GB Serial ATA @ 5400 rpm
8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Intel HD Graphics 4000

There's also one for $100 more but with 4GB and a 128GB SSD. I will eventually use it photo shop for daughters photography classes. Not sure if the 4GB RAM might work also not sure about the SSD size. Plus this model is an October 2013 which means the RAM won't be upgradable.

Joeag45 said:

I'm asking because I've seen this in the apple store refurbished section for $999.
Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.5GHz Dual-core Intel i5

Originally released June 2012

Click to expand...

The 13" MacBook Pro from June 2012 (this is known as mid-2012)...is the last 13" MacBook Pro that has both upgradeable ram and upgradeable hard drive (or SSD later).

Just so you know. There was also a mid-2012 13" MacBook Pro with a 2.9ghz core i7 cpu. This would be a little bit faster than the 2.5ghz model you linked above.

This is it here for $1229 (it has 8gig of ram and a 500gig HD):

Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.9GHz Dual-core Intel i7 - Apple Store (U.S.)

- Nick

I just bought a 13 inch retina 8G ram i7 500ssd from Macmall. Two grand with apple care. I migrated from my 3 year old macbook pro and in 48 minutes, The new one was just like the old one! Love it!

afriqueart said:

I just bought a 13 inch retina 8G ram i7 500ssd from Macmall. Two grand with apple care.

Click to expand...

OP's requirement is a MacBook Pro that has upgradeable ram & storage.

And…the computer the OP linked is $999…half the price of the one you purchased. OP may not have a $2000 budget.

- Nick

The main reason why I'm looking at the 2012 model is I'm not not sure how much RAM is needed with Photoshop, would 8GB be sufficient to run it?

Photoshop needs ALL THE RAM and then some. 8GB should be considered a minimum for PS these days.

I figured as much, so definitely max out the RAM. How much difference is there between the i5 and i7 processors?

Joeag45 said:

The main reason why I'm looking at the 2012 model is I'm not not sure how much RAM is needed with Photoshop, would 8GB be sufficient to run it?

Click to expand...

I thought that your main reason for looking at a 2012 model was user upgradeability of the ram (this is what you said in post #1).

You can CERTAINLY order/purchase a newer model Mac with the amount of ram you need for Photoshop. Depending on the exact model…you can configure it with 4, 8, or 16 gig of ram.

As far as the i5 vs. i7 question. Depends on the model.

Agree with what chas_m mentioned. Probably best to have at least 8gig of ram for Photoshop. So really…your decision when purchasing a newer Mac is…configure with 8 or 16gig of ram. If 16gig is too expensive…then go with 8gig.

- Nick