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Is The 2011 MacBook Pro 13" High End Right For Me?

TheLegend

TheLegend

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 16, 2010
82
0
I've done a LOT of searching on the forums, and I think it's time I make a thread :D

Well I'm looking to use it for primarily web browsing, Traktor Pro 2 (DJ Software), iTunes and whatnot, and a bit of StarCraft 2. I know the 13"s don't have great graphics, but I'd hopefully be able to run StarCraft 2 on a slightly lower resolution.

I've been told that there isn't a noticeable performance difference between the i5 and i7 13" MBPs this year, and it will be my first computer purchase since January 2007 and my first Mac purchase, so even a straight-out-of box i5 would be a nice change.

I don't want a 15" or 17", and I plan to give this laptop away to a relative after my 3 years of Apple care and buy the newest MBP.

I only need about 200 GB of space on my hard drive, my current hard drive is 140 GB and I still have a bit of space left. People I've asked and posts I've read have hinted towards a SSD being a more worthwhile purchase over the i5 to i7 upgrade, and increasing the RAM.

So do you think the High End 13" MBP is for me? Or what would you guys recommend to me?

Thanks.
 
I think that the low end would be a better purchase for you; it's what I plan on purchasing also. If you want to upgrade something, you should definitely start with an ssd, but even that upgrade isn't necessary.
 
josejose33 said:
I think that the low end would be a better purchase for you; it's what I plan on purchasing also. If you want to upgrade something, you should definitely start with an ssd, but even that upgrade isn't necessary.
Click to expand...

+1. Use the money on RAM or SSD. You'll actually "feel" those upgrades. Much better bang for the buck.
 
TheLegend said:
and I plan to give this laptop away to a relative after my 3 years of Apple care and buy the newest MBP.
Click to expand...

You don't say how long until your AppleCare runs out on the current machine.

If you can wait until the next *real* upgrade for the MBP13 you'll get:

- Unibody redesign in liquid metal
- Discrete GPU
- Longer Battery life because of no ODD
- Higher screen resolution
- Cheaper SSD's as standard
- Ivy Bridge processors

Just to name a few.

Or... Maybe NOT! :eek:

LOL!

So do you think the High End 13" MBP is for me? Or what would you guys recommend to me?
Click to expand...

No. Low end is more cost effective. You'll only get maybe a 10% increase in CPU power in the 2.7 and that won't help so much with gaming. (It's the same IGP in both MBP13 flavors).

Plus... (And I haven't heard but I suspect)... the fan in the 2.7 will drive you nuts.
 
Well since I was originally prepared to spend 1450 (Price of MBP High End 13 with Student Discount in Canada) Versus 1150 (Price of MBP Low End 13 with Student Discount in Canada), that gives me 300 bucks of wiggle room.

Thanks for your help.
 
Last edited:
I've decided to opt out of the SSD, and I'll just be getting the $50 upgrade from 320 GB to 500 GB, mainly because of the "why not" mentality.

So, that leaves the question of RAM. Is it really worth it in the end? I'm not going to be straining the computer very hard, and I've heard RAM that isn't used heavily can kind of "wither away and lose effect"as a computer tech I asked responded. Is there any truth to that?
 
I would buy the computer with its 4 GB standard and then use it and track your usage in activity monitor to see how much RAM you actually use with your usage. If you're not using the 4 GB that is in it, then the upgrade to 8 GB doesn't make a whole lot of sense. The upgrade to the SSD is what will make the most difference, but you can do that whenever you want. Buying a 3rd party SSD and installing it yourself is more cost effective anyway.
 
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