Another 'Which MBP' thread...

[Bbguns]

Thought I'd get some info from those who've been around Macs longer than me...

I'm comparing a late 2011 15" MPB with the 2012 version. I can get the 2011 with the i7 2.5 and high resolution anti glare screen for around $1400 from Microcenter. I'd upgrade the RAM as soon as possible and consider a SSD later. My main concern is the difference in speed and longevity between the 2011 and the 2012 (for comparison, I'm looking at the 2.6 i7).

I'm a 'typical' user...productivity, photo editing, general home use, etc.

Any thoughts?

 

[PapaVBnMOMO]

Have u considered the refurb 2012, biggest difference is usb 2 vs usb 3

 

[Spink10]

I would go with the 2011 MBP unless you need USB 3 - I purchased the late 2011 15 MBP right after the 2012 MBP came out and saved $1000 of retail + no sales tax. Absolutely love my machine 🙂

In the future there most likely will be an OS that doesn't work on 2011 but does on the 2012. However, when it comes to actual performance - if your 2011 is struggling - the 2012 model will also be struggling for the most part.

 

[yusukeaoki]

In CPU wise, there is no difference to be honest.

However, USB3 and 650M is a big change.
Even though difference between 6770M and 650M isnt that big.

Whats your price range first?

 

[Dark Void]

I would go with the 2011 from Microcenter.

 

[Bbguns]

Thanks.
My budget is up to around $2k. The Microcenter MBPS originally listed for around $2600 so the current price is a substantial discount. Even after adding the RAM, the cost is well below $2k. My only other Mac is a 2006 17 MBP that was the top of the line at the time. I usually like to get the best I can afford for longevity. In this case, the 11 seems like a pretty fat deal despite being a generation older.

 

[afinch1992]

Thanks.
My budget is up to around $2k. The Microcenter MBPS originally listed for around $2600 so the current price is a substantial discount. Even after adding the RAM, the cost is well below $2k. My only other Mac is a 2006 17 MBP that was the top of the line at the time. I usually like to get the best I can afford for longevity. In this case, the 11 seems like a pretty fat deal despite being a generation older.

go for the 2011. throw in a ssd and you'd still be around 2k with a machine thats going to last you atleast 3-4 years depending on your use and needs later on

 

[Orlandoech]

Id go for a 2012 refurb, it will has USB3 which is becoming more and more available and mainstream. This will give you more future longevitity and the fact Ivy Bridge is faster, especially HD4000 vs HD3000.