2.0 i7 2011 MBP vs current model

[X Cruz 187]

Hey guys ? I'm looking @ purchasing a

2.0 GHz i7 Quad Core
4 GB ram
AMD Radeon HD 6490M graphics
Intel HD 3000 graphics
500 GB hard drive
Thunderbolt

On the apple refurb. Store the price $370 less than the new MBP current model,
is the new MBP worth the extra money or should I go with the refurb.?

Usage is not the factor but, I want to be able to play games, maybe?
I like the idea of USB 3.0 & bluetooth 4.0
Thanks for all the help.

 

[miles01110]

It will be fine for you.

 

[AlanFord]

I have exact same model, just upgraded to 8 gb of ram and its great. It suits all my needs. Office, browsing, cad programs so if money is an issue for you go for it. It is still a powerful machine.
Dont use usb at all, doing everything over wifi so new usb3 is not a must for me.

 

[The-Pro]

Only 370 less I find a bit little. the 2.2 i7 with the 6750M should be that much.
I dont even see any 2.0 versions available on the refurb, but the 2.2 is $1359. it has a much better graphica card aswell

 

[paulrbeers]

If you are going to game, do not go with the 6490M. Anandtech did a review last Spring comparing the 6490M vs the 6750M and the 6750M was about twice as fast. It's the only reason I ended up going with the 2011 Early High End Early Macbook Pro vs the Base. Processing wise the 2.0Ghz vs 2.2ghz quad core isn't going to matter, but gaming on the 6490M will be lackluster at best.

 

[X Cruz 187]

Only 370 less I find a bit little. the 2.2 i7 with the 6750M should be that much.
I dont even see any 2.0 versions available on the refurb, but the 2.2 is $1359. it has a much better graphica card aswell

Well that price is based on the fact I have a student discount -$100 + -$100 for apple app. store card when you purchase a new Mac.

First I looked @ the
$1,099
2.4 GHz i5 (2010)
Nvidia GT 330M + intel hd
320GB hard drive

Then I thought for only $130 more $$ I should upgrade to the
$1,229
2.0 GHz i7 (2011)
AMD Radeon 6490M + intel hd 3000
500GB hard drive

Now your right, I agree $1,359 for the 2.2 i7 W/ 6750M, but i can get this brand new @ Microcenter $1,399 but then i'm only $200 away from the new MBP

I know I may be thinking way too much into this I just want the best bang for my buck,

P.S. I already orderd the 2.0 i7 W/ 6490M thinking of returning it?
Thanks

 

[The-Pro]

Well that price is based on the fact I have a student discount -$100 + -$100 for apple app. store card when you purchase a new Mac.

First I looked @ the
$1,099
2.4 GHz i5 (2010)
Nvidia GT 330M + intel hd
320GB hard drive

Then I thought for only $130 more $$ I should upgrade to the
$1,229
2.0 GHz i7 (2011)
AMD Radeon 6490M + intel hd 3000
500GB hard drive

Now your right, I agree $1,359 for the 2.2 i7 W/ 6750M, but i can get this brand new @ Microcenter $1,399 but then i'm only $200 away from the new MBP

I know I may be thinking way too much into this I just want the best bang for my buck,

P.S. I already orderd the 2.0 i7 W/ 6490M thinking of returning it?
Thanks

the GT 330M in the 2010 version is mostly faster then the 6490M just so you know.

Best deal is definitely the 1359 for the 2.2GHz. You wont regret spending the 120 more over the 2.0.
You can always say then im only this much from the next model. But you need to look at it as a whole. The 2.2GHz is 260 more then the first option you looked at, but a brand new one would be 460 more, thats nearly another 50%. If thats worth it for you is up to you but I think buying refurbished last years versions is the best thing to, especially in your case.