13" HELP!!- 2011-i7 vs 2012-i5

[LOTW]

Hi all, I was considering the base 2012- 1.8GHZ i5 with 4GB ram and 128GB but was talked into a 2011 model #A1369 with 1.8GHZ i7 with 4GB ram and 256GB for $20 more, as they only had 1 left, so I bought it on a whim understanding that if I made the wrong decision, I had a couple weeks to return it for the 2012 model.
I figured I was better off with the i7 and 256GB vs the i5 128GB, however perhaps the new processors are better among other improvements and realize I could have upgraded the ram to 8GB on the 2012 for $90 as well I see the 2012 model seems to have a better graphics processor.....argh!
Am I better off with this 2011 model or should I return it and get the 2012?
Thanks in advance for your input,

 

[seared.ahi]

Hi all, I was considering the base 2012- 1.8GHZ i5 with 4GB ram and 128GB but was talked into a 2011 model #A1369 with 1.8GHZ i7 with 4GB ram and 256GB for $20 more, as they only had 1 left, so I bought it on a whim understanding that if I made the wrong decision, I had a couple weeks to return it for the 2012 model.
I figured I was better off with the i7 and 256GB vs the i5 128GB, however perhaps the new processors are better among other improvements and realize I could have upgraded the ram to 8GB on the 2012 for $90 as well I see the 2012 model seems to have a better graphics processor.....argh!
Am I better off with this 2011 model or should I return it and get the 2012?
Thanks in advance for your input,

That's a tuffy. I think you got a pretty good deal though, but only if your 2011 is in new unused condition.

Sometimes it's best not to think about what's current or what the latest specs are. When you do that, you'll realize you got a pretty good deal.

 

[B2FiNiTY]

I have both and I really like the 2012 better in many different small ways.

USB 3.0, more possible ram, faster SSD

however, the difference in 128 vs 256gb is pretty significant.

 

[Barna Biro]

The 2011 model is nice, but you should get the 2012 one.

 

[LOTW]

The 2011- was new in the box and not refurbished and appreciate I have a 2 week window to return. I suppose the 2012 i7 256GB would cost considerably more, so I would be looking at the 2012 i5 and note it is 1.8GHZ as well...is the 2011 i7 any better than the 2012 i5 and is the newer graphics 4000 vs 3000 significant? I think if I go for the exchange I will opt for the extra $90 for 8GB Ram so here is how they stack up in Canadian dollars...

2011- 1.8/i7- 4GB ram- 256GB- 3000graphics- 2.0 usb =$1249
2012- 1.8/i5- 4GB ram- 128GB- 4000graphics- 3.0 usb =$1229
" " 8GB ram " " " = $1319

Gonna need some more advice guys, thanks for your input and keep 'em coming!

 

[Panini]

The 2011- was new in the box and not refurbished and appreciate I have a 2 week window to return. I suppose the 2012 i7 256GB would cost considerably more, so I would be looking at the 2012 i5 and note it is 1.8GHZ as well...is the 2011 i7 any better than the 2012 i5 and is the newer graphics 4000 vs 3000 significant? I think if I go for the exchange I will opt for the extra $90 for 8GB Ram so here is how they stack up in Canadian dollars...

2011- 1.8/i7- 4GB ram- 256GB- 3000graphics- 2.0 usb =$1249
2012- 1.8/i5- 4GB ram- 128GB- 4000graphics- 3.0 usb =$1229
" " 8GB ram " " " = $1319

Gonna need some more advice guys, thanks for your input and keep 'em coming!

The 2011 i7 can't turbo boost if I remember correctly so it's capped at 1.8Ghz whereas the 2012 i5 can turbo up to 2.8Ghz. Also, HD 4000 is a lot faster than HD 3000 as far as graphics cards go. It's about 50% faster which will make a difference if you play games or watch HD video often. If you're just going to browse (which I doubt since you care an awful lot about the processor you're getting) then you should just stick with the i7.

Bottom line: What is more important to you? Better processor + graphics or more storage? If the former, choose 2012. If the latter, don't change.

PS. If you care about graphics, upgrading the 2012 model to 8GB ram will make a considerable difference since it ups your vram from 384mb to 512mb. This means better textures and higher resolutions. If you find you need to play games on a smaller screen/lower resolution, the 2012 + 8GB of ram will be worth it.

 

[poppakristof]

The 2011 i7 will boost to 2.9