Looking to buy a new Macbook Pro - advice needed

[Venga_2015]

Hey MacRumors

I am looking to buy a new Macbook Pro.

I’ll lay down a bit of information about myself and then the two options i have in an attempt to shed some light on the situation!

Me

Im a Graphic Designer. I spend about 9 hours a day on either Photoshop, Illustrator or In Design. I never do 3D work and rarely do any animation. I occasionally code.

I don’t game on the machine. 95% of the free time is spent on the internet either browsing or watching tv.


Macs

I have two options when it comes to Macbook Pros to buy.


OPTION 1 (Second hand but in amazing condition - very well looked after)

Macbook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Early 2013)
Processor - 2.4 GHz Intel Core i7
Memory - 8GB 1600 MHz DDR3 - (This CAN’T be updated because it is fused to the motherboard)
Graphics - Intel HD Graphics 4000 1536 MB PLUS Discrete NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M
Storage - 256 GB Flash Storage

PRICE - Unsure - need to make an offer - £2000 Brand new.


OPTION 2 (A new machine)

Macbook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, New)
Processor - 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz
Memory - 16GB 1600 MHz DDR3 - (I would update too 16GB when purchased.)
Graphics - Intel Iris Pro Graphics
Storage - 256 GB Flash Storage

PRICE - £1599


The main differences between the two machines are:


OPTION 1
Discrete Graphic Card

OPTION 2
Turbo Boost of 3.4GHz on professor
16GB Ram


So in a rough attempt to sum up

1 - Which machine is better suited for me?
2 - How much should i offer for the second hand machine?
3 - Is a discrete graphics card better than extra 8GB ram + a brand new mac?

Or surprise option 4 - are apple planning to release a new Macbook Pro anytime soon!?



Any help on this will be massively appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Well you know what apps you use and wether that graphics card will help your work, not us, if not i suggest you do some research as it's your job.

Remember you can't upgrade RAM in any retina macbook what you buy is what you are stuck with.

If it was me I'd go for the discrete graphics on a new one, if my job relied on it I would invest in it. A few hundred dollars over the 3-4 years I used the machine would be paid back tenfold, also the higher spec one has 2x as much storage and I think you'll find that the biggest bonus.

We are looking @ around march/april for new rMBP's maybe as early as feb or late as may.