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2010 15" i5/2.4 refurb or 2011 13" i5/2.3 sandy?

Z

zer0sum

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 19, 2008
45
0
I know there have already been a lot of threads on this already, but they are kinda hard to search for.
Just wondering what peoples thoughts are...

2011 13" sandy - $1199
2010 15" refurb - $1269

Obviously the 15" has more screen real estate and resolution, but the 13" has the new sandy bridge processor.
Thunderbolt isn't usable yet, so its really a wash

I have a 2010 13" with 8gb ram and SSD at the moment and do heavy VMware work so the res does annoy me a little. I love the portability though as I travel a LOT!!

It broke just the other week and took out my 240gb SSD and is in getting fixed.
It will need Applecare purchase by April as the 1 year standard warranty will run out so its time to work out other potential options.
So, I could fork out for applecare or just get a new 13" :)

If the new 13 was 1440x900 I would of jumped on it in an instant.
Now I am stuck looking at refurbs and waiting for Lenovo, Sony, Samsung, Acer to bring their sandybridge refreshes out :(

I have even been tempted by the envy 14 with the radiance 1600x900 screen but the only ones you can find are refurbs from ebay
 
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Well, you're coming from a 13" so going to another, faster 13" would make the most sense especially if you travel a lot. And it's not like you're getting that much more resolution going to the 15" - most likely more machine to lug around. I'd go for the 13" 2011 model - but that's just me.
 
foulmouthedleon said:
Well, you're coming from a 13" so going to another, faster 13" would make the most sense especially if you travel a lot. And it's not like you're getting that much more resolution going to the 15" - most likely more machine to lug around. I'd go for the 13" 2011 model - but that's just me.
Click to expand...

That is the way I am leaning...but this damn 1200x800 is killing me :(
 
good question you have there..power or screen? I guess you have to decide what is more important...power or the visual aspects.
 
discrete graphics also in the 15" if that matters to ya. Both CPU's will handle your VMwares nicely though, but yeah sounds like screen resolution and size could be important for you. Have you looked at at 15" in person much? Try a best buy or apple store.. wouldn't hurt since you're investing some money into either.

Also to add I've had the 2007, 2008 and 2010 13" MBPs and finally moved on up to the 15" since I was tired of the 1280x800. Like others have said 1440x900 BTO on 13" and I would've kept the i7 I had purchased.
 
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I do a ton of VMware work as well, I upgraded over the weekend from a 2009 13" to a 2011 15" Hi-Res... all I can say is WOWOWOW what an amazing difference the 15" Hi-Res has made in my day.

Go 15"

go to the store and put a 13" on top of a 15", difference in size is negligible IMO.
 
Today I returned that exact 13 and bought that exact 15 at apple.com

After researching the subject I expect the 15 to be better in various ways.

If going for that 15, better hurry...it will not be there for long.
 
I was in similar boat. 1440 on 13" woulda made it an easy choice. Went with refurb 15". I love the larger screen.
 
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13".
 
Was in the same boat a week ago, screen resolution and discrete graphics of the 15 won for me, adding SSD and 8gb of ram and it will fly on a budget ( for apple )
 
I had the exact same debate and went with the 13". I carry it to work every day and 15" is just to big even though I do very much want the faster GPU and high resolution screen. 15" would also be $200 more as I would have to get the upgrade screen. I am spending the $200 on a 120 GB Intel SSD.
 
CBeckstrand said:
I had the exact same debate and went with the 13". I carry it to work every day and 15" is just to big even though I do very much want the faster GPU and high resolution screen. 15" would also be $200 more as I would have to get the upgrade screen. I am spending the $200 on a 120 GB Intel SSD.
Click to expand...

I had a 15" and then moved down to the 13" and have been really happy with it apart from the screen rez.

I am feeling like I would have to go for the upgraded screen as well.

GPU is not important as I game on my desktop beast :D

I am really hanging out for Anandtech or someone to do a really comprehensive review comparing the 13/15/17 2011 to 2010 models.
 
Think they'll have this price for a few months? I'm going to need one for school, but I don't really have the money right now... Think the 15" will be 1269 for long?
 
theman123 said:
Think they'll have this price for a few months? I'm going to need one for school, but I don't really have the money right now... Think the 15" will be 1269 for long?
Click to expand...

They keep reappearing in the store every few days.

You can check how many there are by adding one to your cart and then changing the quantity to 999.
It will then refresh and tell you "For orders that exceed nine units, please contact our business specialists at ..." and update with the amount remaining for sale
 
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