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I love my 2010 15" MBP - but with Thunderbolt and the like, you might be better off with the 2011 13". If Thunderbolt becomes as standard as at least FW or even USB, that's going to be a HUGE plus, especially for grabbing video and editing.

 

This. There is no way to do this. The rate of change of computers basically guarantees that next years model of the same book will be significantly faster. ie Ivy bridge is projected to be 20-30% faster... and most likely it will be the same the year after.

Also we're probably due for a redesign in looks in a year or so. The current 13 in mbp is actually a step back in graphics, as it's about 20-30% slower in 3d stuff that's not running at 640x480 (cpu bound)

The older 15 inch has discrete graphics, and a core i series cpu, but the new 15 inchers have a quad core and faster graphics. I forsee that in the future we'll have more cores, and the OS will use more of them.

If you can wait, I'd say the ivy bridge refresh next year would be better, considering, we might see if thunderbolt catches on, or heck apple actually puts usb 3 into a laptop too. If not, either choice is about the same in terms of tech. The 15 inch is faster of course, but neither is going to be near top of the line, after 1, and especially 2 years.

The better theory would be to, spend less now, ie get a low end model, and sell and buy when the newer one comes out.

 

I suggest saving up just a *bit* more money, and buying the 2011 15" with 6490M with 256MB dedicated graphics card and quad-core processor, which will future proof you even further. It would drastically improve video editing/gaming abilities. You also get more screen real estate, albeit with a larger laptop, but for most users, that's more than welcome.

For $1,799, it's a pretty killer deal.

The 2011 13" isn't all that great for gaming/editing. At least not any serious gaming/editing.

I think the 2011 15" is more "middle of the road" and would likely be the better fit for you, even if it does cost a bit more. $300 more than the i7 13" and $600 more than the i5.

 

If that's all you do with a computer you don't need anything very powerful. Just depends on which screen size you prefer. In my opinion the 13" is too small unless you're constantly on the go, and 17" is too large unless you're never on the go (in which case, why not get an iMac?), but the 15" is just right.

 

Instead of hijacking the thread, you might want to start a new one and explain the issue in more detail.

 

Hey OP, I was in the EXACT same position as you are with the EXACT same needs. I took the plunge and went for the 2011 13" MBP i5, but I returned it. Screen was too small, I found it got very hot, very quick. For me, discrete card, whether they perform the same as integrated or not, there's gonna be heat issues with integrated, it's a no brainer.

For some I'm sure it's not an issue. I went ahead and instead purchased a 2010 15" MBP i5 instead. Granted the processor is not as powerful, but I really don't need it and can't tell a difference, I'll be honest, core 2 duo would probably suit me! I'm more than happy with my 15" MBP and it serves me well

As for thunderbolt, it may indeed be the future, but I do plan on reselling my MBP a month or so before the 2012 refresh, but thats personally just me. I wish you luck OP