Help! Macbook Pro 12 or 11

[Tbdbuckeyeitl]

I need to buy a computer today. Should i get the 15 inch macbook pro 2012 for 1699 or the 2011 for 1359 refurbished both will be taxed and i get an educators discount. I will use this for basic computer use and might also play some games.

Also do I need apple care or will i be fine without?

 

[RedCroissant]

I need to buy a computer today. Should i get the 15 inch macbook pro 2012 for 1699 or the 2011 for 1359 refurbished both will be taxed and i get an educators discount. I will use this for basic computer use and might also play some games.

Also do I need apple care or will i be fine without?

Definitely the 2011. If it's going to be a daily use computer for mostly basic computing tasks and then some games, then last year's model will be more than adequate. What are the specs of each of these or are they the base models?

 

[Tbdbuckeyeitl]

Base models. So get the 2011. Thanks for the help

 

[RedCroissant]

Base models. So get the 2011. Thanks for the help

You're welcome. That saves you money on the sale price and on the sales tax as well. Plus, you still get the initial one year warranty and it will be eligible for the Mountain Lion update program. Enjoy your new machine.

 

[Black.Infinity]

You can buy apple care later. Within one year from purchase date you can buy the Applecare

 

[Tbdbuckeyeitl]

Would I be able to tell a big difference in speed and graphics. What about only having a USB 2.0 and the new one has a 3.0. Will there be a if enough difference to get the new over the refurb?

 

[RedCroissant]

Would I be able to tell a big difference in speed and graphics. What about only having a USB 2.0 and the new one has a 3.0. Will there be a if enough difference to get the new over the refurb?

There is definitely a difference between the 3.0 and 2.0 speeds. However, there are TB adapters and even a thunderbolt adapter for externals. SO even though the next generation iMac might have usb 3.0, that wouldn't be enough of a change to make the wait worth it.

 

[apatel87]

I was debating the same and I ended up getting the 2011 brand new but the MD322LLA for 1399 with no tax at Microcenter in Boston since this is tax free weekend. The have the base 2011 MD318LLA for $1300 as well. Fantastic deal for a brand new if you have a microcenter nearby