2010 15" MBP 2.66 i7 or new 2011 13" 2.3 i5

[Wicked1]

Trying to decide even though the two machines are really different, which is a better machine for most basic duties including ripping DVD library.

I use this for the most basic functions plus a little COD4 in Boot Camp, but I am trying to decide which has a better value to it.

 

[Hellhammer]

The 2010 model has a lot better GPU so for gaming, it is a lot better option. CPU wise they are about the same.

 

[Wicked1]

Yes, but for the difference of $300 I can get the 15" and keep it for 3 years with the better GPU and larger screen for now, just wondering how the Dual Core i7 chip is? and how the Nvidia Graphics card works.

 

[Hellhammer]

Yes, but for the difference of $300 I can get the 15" and keep it for 3 years with the better GPU and larger screen for now, just wondering how the Dual Core i7 chip is? and how the Nvidia Graphics card works.

The i5 in 13" MBP is dual core too. Like I said, CPU wise those two machines are pretty similar but there is a huge difference in GPU power.

 

[Maven1975]

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If number crunching is your type of thing, get the 13".

I would rather the 15" because its a better rounded computer. If games are remotely a possibility, you would appreciate having the dedicated GPU.

Only other thing is the thunderbolt port. Too bad those talked about external GPUs are far off in the distance. That will be the equalizer with the MBA.

 

[Wicked1]

Is anyone using a 2010 15" MBP with the 2.66 i7 Dual Core

How are they with gaming, I assume all basic functions are good, and I am also wondering how well the i7 2.66 will do when decoding a DVD as apposed to my uMB 2009 2.4 C2D which I just gave to my wife.

Right now I am using a 2009 2.0 Ghz C2D Mini, and it kills me how long it takes to decode a dvd to import into iTunes, it just takes soooo long.


Anyone know if you can load Vista 32 Bit Ultimate on the Boot Camp Partition? I know the new models only support Win 7 but what about this model, I already own Vista Ultimate 32 and do not want to buy more MS Junk Software.

 

[Vantage Point]

I have a 2010 15" 2.4 i5. The 2.66 i7 is 15% faster in geek benchmark tests and also runs cooler than the 2.66 (15% wasn't a big enough difference for me so instead I invested about $200+ to upgrade the ram and hard drive myself) The 13" 2011 geek tests a bit faster than the 2010 2.66. (My current MBP geeks out at 5127 - you can do your own test on your Mini for comparison by downloading it here)

The difference, as already mentioned is the 15" have a dedicated graphics card and the 13" does not. I'm not a game player so it makes no difference to me. Personally, I would go with a refurb 15" with the graphics card if I was you - I like the bigger screen plus I use an external monitor as well

I had a 2010 13" MBP with a 2.4 C2D which would be 20% faster than your current Mini. I can say this, there is no comparison between the 2.4 C2D I had and my 2010 i5 2.4 - at least 50% faster and in some tasks it closer to 100% or more faster.

 

[Wicked1]

I am looking at the 15" Refurb i7 2.66, but if Apple gives my son a school discount on the 13" i7 2.7 I might go that route instead, especially that the discount is also on the AppleCare, and there is no discount on AC for a Refurb. All good info and thanks for all the input.