What to check on new mbp?

I've finally decided to get an mbp(2.4) for myself and I think I will be mostly using os x on it(hopefully)...

As I will be getting it in a retail store I can check it before buying so I wondered if you could advise me what should I be looking for?

E.g. normally on a pc, I check the LCD with some testing tool for dead pixels and examine the rest with Everest. I'm not sure if I could do it this time.

So, what should I check software and hardware-wise?

 

Check for dead pixels
Check for yellow screen tint in bottom half of screen (use one of the black and white backgrounds from macrumors - too lazy to dig it up now)
Check for flex, lid closure, etc.
Check for excessive heat and noise
Calibrate battery and screen and check both.
memtest your ram
Test touchpad and screen distance
Stand barefoot in puddle of water, with the MBP on a nonconductive surface, plugged in with the 2-prong adapter, and drag your wet fingertip along the palmrest and test for conductivity and shock.
Test everything and anything you can think of - software, preferences, drivers, Windows, hardware - everything.

 

If you buy new, I don't believe they allow you to "open and try" before you buy. If you buy refreshed stock, they will allow you to look, but depending on your store, may not let you play with it much before purchase. There is a 14 day return/exchange on new items though. I'm pretty sure there is a restocking fee also if you change your mind, unless it's unopened.

 

I've bought all my laptops new but they've allowed me to do some minor testing(at least they turned my new w3j last time and allowed me to run Everest on it). Anyway, I'm going to opt for 4gb ram and 250gb hdd so they'll have to open it

I'm not sure about exchange/restocking in Russia, it's kinda hard to imagine doing it - they specifically stress that they don't accept hi-tech items back(I think it's in russian law or smth) so I'd ask for open and try...

Btw, where can I check in mac os if I have 8600gt 256mb(i.e. not 128mb) because that's kinda the main difference.

 

oh, you're in russia (what part?). Well, here in the U.S. if you happen to go to a store and request upgrades, they don't upgrade it on the spot. If you're lucky they can do it in store, but it will take a while. Otherwise they will have it delivered. You may have a point with russian law though, so let us know if it works out.

 

Moscow =) Hm, strange thing with upgrades in US Here we don't really like deliveries =)

Btw, this store i'll be buying an mbp at is also service center for apple, so they can upgrade it on spot, I think - ram upgrade takes around 5 minutes anyway. The hdd upgrade is somewhat trickier but they are quite experienced at this kind of thing(i think) so I guess it'll get done in half an hour...

btw, is there any reason for not upgrading hdd(250gb is also 5400) - e.g. can the 250gb produce more heat?

 

I can't see why a 250gb drive would be hotter. It may produce a desire to load more music/video/programs so be careful =P. I'd say go for it.

 

Open up OS X, and on the Menu Bar click on the Apple icon and select About This Mac. Choose "More Info..." and System Profiler will open. Just go to the Graphics/Displays section and read how much VRAM your 8600GT has .

 

How does the Apple return policy work in case one of these problem shows up?
You can return the machine and get a new one? What is the time window to do that?

 

Well, if an issue comes up you have 14 days to return it for refund or exchange.

If an issue arises after 14 days, Apple will try to repair your Mac first (whereas if you return in 14 days you have the option to exchange for another one right away). If they determine its beyond simple repair they may replace yours with another new one.

 

In Russia, MacBook Pros buy you!

 

I don't think you have a blanket 14 day money back guarantee anywhere but in the U.S. Certainly not in Russia

250GB HD should be fine, not hotter etc.

I'd check for bad pixels, yellow screen, and uneven LED lighting on the screen. The screens have the most margin for error, mine is slightly yellow-ish but as I only discovered this after trying some specially prepared images I don't mind. If it gets worse I'll return it, for now I am very happy with my machine.

IMHO things like slightly yellowish screen or uneven lighting are not something any PC manufacturer will replace with the exception of Apple. On a PC, no one even cares.

I mean my screen might have this barely noticable yellow discoloration at the bottom but it's still way better than any screen you could get 1 year ago.