MacBook Pro 15 Late 2011 MD385LL/A (aka "Ultimate") $1699 + tax at MicroCenter

MicroCenter is offering last year's 15-inch MacBook Pro model #MD385LL/A for $1699 + tax. Apple designates these machines as "Ultimate" because they ship from the factory and are sold at the company's retail stores with nearly every option. Two months ago, this same machine would have cost $2649. MicroCenter must have bought much of the remaining stock on the cheap and has passed the savings on. Key specifications for this particular model are as follows:

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

The key aspect of this particular notebook is its display. It's the high-resolution (1680x1050) matte option. IMO, it's the perfect resolution for a 15-inch notebook and the fact that there's no glare is the icing on the proverbial cake. I realize $1700+ is still a lot of money for a notebook with last year's technology, but it's the only game in town if you're a 16:10 aspect ratio die-hard and want something with reasonably modern internal components.

This deal is only available in stores, but doing a quick check shows most have 10 or more in stock.

Micro Center - Apple MacBook Pro MD385LL/A 15.4" Laptop Computer - Silver MD385LL/A

 

UPDATE:

Now $1,599.......... Apple MacBook Pro MD385LL/A 15.4" Laptop Computer - Silver MD385LL/A - Micro Center

 

And out of stock at the majority of stores, which is the only way you can take advantage of the price.