I think that I will update it in 3-4 years ( maybe if I am lucky in 2 and a half years), if is a redising upcommig I will avoid the 1st gen beacuse of bugs .
now that I gave you more info ,what do you recommend me ?
If you want to :
a. avoid redesigns
b. want a MBP 17"
c. ex-PC person who might put high value on a ExpressCard slot
You could pull the trigger in January. From latest responses looks like you would have to wait until May for an update (Even though 17" doesn't use dual cores, Apple isn't going to release "half" of its MBP line up that just needs quads and the other half a month later. )
Since you want to "hold" for 4-5 years, if the May version isn't a redesign and you spending large for the device anyway, you could possible sell that 2010 version and buy the 2011 version for a couple hundred extra.
I wouldn't be surprised if the ExpressCard disappears off the 2011 17" version and is replaced with a second TB port. (Apple might sell an ExpressCard dongle for those stuck with legacy cards. Some 3rd party vendor is very likely to pop up with one if they don't. ). Two TB ports means those that need the ExpressCard dongle (or hook to disk/storage/capture) can use one port that still leaves another for docking station (display, etc.) duties. Sure you can daisy chain but this is even more flexibility which goes to justifying value at the $2,400+ price point.
It may even loose the optical drive (Apple is out to kill off optical drives on all Macs. The 17" model might possibly get a special "legacy tech" pardon like the ExpressCard previously did, but I wouldn't count on it. A "living in previous decade" , ExpressCard/PCMIA/DVD/VGA output box hanging off TB. ). So yes, I think the 17" model it will likely get a redesign.
Without the redesign criteria, it is a coin toss. A 2011 model will be better suited for use 3-4 years from now and 5 more months is small compared to the 4 year wait for next increment. However, both the 2010 and 2011 model is substantially better than your current laptop. Both will likely be "fast enough" for what you outlined.
[ Not sure what is driving the need for the 17" model though. As a student I would expect a stronger need for something that is portable. But if mobile notes/browsing/etc. is covered by something else and don't need to move the 17" very often then can the utility. A smaller MBP and an external screen (e.g, simple but quality 3rd party Display Port 23" model) is cheaper and easier to use when at home. ]
