Buying MBP: Late 2011 13" or Early 2011 15"?

[MacsBestFriend]

The title sums it up. I'm about to buy a new laptop from macmall, and I can either get just the base early 2011 Macbook Pro 15 inch with a 2.5Ghz i5 and a case, or get the newer base 13 inch model with the OWC Data Doubler and a 120 GB SSD. In addition to that, I can also get a drawing tablet (I borrow one from my school currently), a case and an infrared remote with the 13.

I use multiple programs with CS5 right now, mainly Adobe Bridge, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash. I do a lot of work on autocad, too. I need to dualboot into Win7 for other autodesk apps and programming. Not to mention I'm a student so having with with me is important as is battery life.

Another concern is resale value, as I would like to sell it when there is a redesign in a year or two and get as much money back as possible. If I dont get the data doubler I can always buy it later on, too.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Naimfan]

Get the 15". Faster, more screen real estate, etc. Both will hold their value fairly well, the 15" might hold value a touch better.

 

[shaun319]

definitely go with the MBP 15 inch 2011. Much faster CPU and better resale value.

 

[mark28]

Neither. Save up for the Late 2011 15" MBP + AG screen. That's the best laptop on the market for your money.