<p>I have been searching around and reading about laptops in order to make a more informed choice. From what I have read, it seems like the Laptops being offered, specifically the MacBook Pros, are actually older models even though they say 2007 laptops. The hardware and configuration offered in these MacBook Pro MCP laptops do not match the current new versions of MacBook Pro, offering lowergrade CPUs and graphics card. Thus, I am debating on wheter I should just buy the current newer models directly from Apple instead of going through MCP, even though MCP includes a 3 year protection plan on their systems. My logic is that: Why buy a laptop running on older/lower grade hardware that will be outdated faster when it is priced around the same as a newer and more updated laptop? Any suggestions or comments will be welcomed.</p>
<p>There's a large number of posts on this topic on the 2 main JHU Facebook Groups. You might want to read those. Also, consensus there seems to be that if you want the on-site repair and troubleshooting facilities, then use MCP, otherwise buying by yourself seems to be the thing to do.</p>
<p>I agree with Shrivats.</p>
<p>But I'm a pretty hardcore computer hardware enthusiast and my honest opinion is that it's never worth it to buy the high-end hardware, especially for a laptop. You can get a fast, new laptop every year for the next three years for the price of getting the absolute top-of-the-line model.</p>
<p>I've never used the troubleshooting service, and the procedures they usually follow would make me pretty angry. But I know a lot of people who have used it, and they seem satisfied. It definitely is convenient and saves time, you just drop off your laptop and pick it up when they're done with it.</p>