Late 2013 rMBP 13 vs Mid 2012 rMBP 15

[shadowjeff]

I am in the market for a new computer, after an unfortunate water spill on my 2011 mba 13, and would like advice on which rMBP to get:

1. A refurbished late-2013 rMBP 13 with 2.4 Ghz i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB Iris configuration for roughly $1,500 (inclusive of taxes).

2. A used mid-2012 rMBP 15 with 2.3 Ghz i7, 8GB RAM, 256GB, GT650M with Applecare till June 2015 for $1,600.

Laptop usage would mostly be watching movies/tv shows, web browsing and some occasional gaming, such as League of legends, which i'm sure the rMBP 13 can easily handle as well. Portability isn't really an issue here, since I usually bring my iPad mini and would bring my laptop along only when i have group meetings. The only thing holding me back from the rMBP 15 is that it's essentially a two years old computer and used, whereas the rMBP 13 is very new.

Which do you guys think would be a smarter buy?

 

[Baylor2014]

For $100 more you are getting: dedicated graphics, more cpu power, and a larger screen for movies and games.

Take the 15"!

 

[alphaod]

Or you could get a refurbished Late 2013 Base 15" for $1700

For $200 you get a way faster computer and warranty. I'm suggesting this because I assume you mentioned the 15" because you're seriously considering a computer in that size.

 

[Apple_Robert]

My vote is for the 13"

 

[shadowjeff]

Or you could get a refurbished Late 2013 Base 15" for $1700

For $200 you get a way faster computer and warranty. I'm suggesting this because I assume you mentioned the 15" because you're seriously considering a computer in that size.

Ya coming from a MBA, I have been thinking of getting something with a bigger screen estate. I could either go for the 15" or get an external monitor for the 13". The 15" baseline rMBP will set me at $2,000 with taxes included, It's certainly very tempting though. I should probably just pay the extra $500 now, since I'm hoping the laptop can last me for 4-5 years.