Macbook Pro. Late 2011 vs Upcoming 2012.

[thekev]

This whole farts analogy is getting out of hand!

As for the screen, there are rumours to suggest there might be a retina display MacBook, sure. Some similar hardware has been spotted and they've been releasing larger icons which may mean they're on the way for sure.

Q2 is pretty early! Ivy Bridge doesn't come out until April afaik, do you really think the MBPs could come out then?

Just feels too soon.

My gut feeling is they won't come out until the autumn is nearly here because we still have iPad 3 and iPhone 5 to get out of the way!

People are always optimistic on shipping dates. IPhone 4S is still new enough. It's unlikely to come before the laptops. For the next iPad I'd just look at scheduled events. Apple is likely to announce that one at a major event. Next thing... do not expect a retina display (even though that's just a marketing term anyway) on a macbook, especially not an ips display like you have on the ipad. IPS panel types have become significantly cheaper, but they're not common at this size, and it's unlikely to be within the budget of a laptop. Devices like the ipad have very low costs for certain items like the cpu/soc. Such a display would be significantly higher in cost for an item like the macbook air or pro which use stock TN panels that cost very little.

How far in advance do Apple tend to announce new MBP's. Do they tend to announce them a month or so in advance, or announce them and they're in the shops the following week?

It's all over the place. Usually they're available for order soon after any announcements (sometimes immediately) but they may have extended shipping times.

 

[snerkler]

People are always optimistic on shipping dates. IPhone 4S is still new enough. It's unlikely to come before the laptops. For the next iPad I'd just look at scheduled events. Apple is likely to announce that one at a major event. Next thing... do not expect a retina display (even though that's just a marketing term anyway) on a macbook, especially not an ips display like you have on the ipad. IPS panel types have become significantly cheaper, but they're not common at this size, and it's unlikely to be within the budget of a laptop. Devices like the ipad have very low costs for certain items like the cpu/soc. Such a display would be significantly higher in cost for an item like the macbook air or pro which use stock TN panels that cost very little.



It's all over the place. Usually they're available for order soon after any announcements (sometimes immediately) but they may have extended shipping times.

Well if there's no retina display what's the likelihood that they will do a hi-res/higher res screen with readable menu sizes for those without super vision that's needed for the current hi-res?

 

[floobie]

I went through this exact dilemma a few weeks ago. I even posted a thread about it here.

I ended up buying a new one now. For what I wanted my computer to do (Logic, lots and lots of plugins, need the ability to actually playback and mix what I record without constant overload errors), my old Macbook wasn't cutting it anymore. So, I upgraded to a 15" MBP. I'm pretty pleased with that decision. I went from having to freeze all but 3-4 tracks to get unreliable playback, to being able to leave all 25+ tracks unfrozen without ever having to worry about an overload error, and without the fans spinning at 6000rpm.

I also ended up with a bigger, higher resolution screen with deeper blacks and much better vertical viewing angles, dramatically better battery life, a firewire port for when I upgrade to a new audio interface, a thunderbolt port, an SD card slot, and a pretty damn powerful GPU for the occasional game.

I'm the kind of guy who likes to have one computer for everything. I hate moving files between them. So, I pretty much have the perfect computer for that purpose. This computer has just been an absolutely MASSIVE upgrade for me. So, I can't say I regret not waiting at all.

Besides, if the alleged redesign really does knock my socks off, I'll just sell this thing and buy a new redesigned one. I'll be out a bit of money, but I've also dramatically increased my productivity during the interim.

If you can wait, you might as well. But, I don't think that not waiting now is by any means an awful decision. These are still bloody awesome computers.

 

[snerkler]

I went through this exact dilemma a few weeks ago. I even posted a thread about it here.

I ended up buying a new one now. For what I wanted my computer to do (Logic, lots and lots of plugins, need the ability to actually playback and mix what I record without constant overload errors), my old Macbook wasn't cutting it anymore. So, I upgraded to a 15" MBP. I'm pretty pleased with that decision. I went from having to freeze all but 3-4 tracks to get unreliable playback, to being able to leave all 25+ tracks unfrozen without ever having to worry about an overload error, and without the fans spinning at 6000rpm.

I also ended up with a bigger, higher resolution screen with deeper blacks and much better vertical viewing angles, dramatically better battery life, a firewire port for when I upgrade to a new audio interface, a thunderbolt port, an SD card slot, and a pretty damn powerful GPU for the occasional game.

I'm the kind of guy who likes to have one computer for everything. I hate moving files between them. So, I pretty much have the perfect computer for that purpose. This computer has just been an absolutely MASSIVE upgrade for me. So, I can't say I regret not waiting at all.

Besides, if the alleged redesign really does knock my socks off, I'll just sell this thing and buy a new redesigned one. I'll be out a bit of money, but I've also dramatically increased my productivity during the interim.

If you can wait, you might as well. But, I don't think that not waiting now is by any means an awful decision. These are still bloody awesome computers.

Yeah from the research I've been doing any of the new 15 & 17" MBP are more than ample for the majority of people. It's all hinging on the screen for me.

 

[GuitarG20]

You're right there, in that I don't have a choice if I need it now, which I do. But I don't specifically need a MacBook Pro. If I'm going to be shelling out £1500 for a machine, I expect it to last a few years and with another model just around the corner, it might make sense to wait 90ish days before the next one comes out and to just buy something cheaper in the meantime, such as a desktop with similar functionality.

Even if you buy one now and they come out with a new one, the 15" and 17" are beasts. It will last you 5-6-7 years, redesign or not. I mean, seriously? 8 (virtual) cores can't get boggled down anytime soon.

 

[lewisflude]

A great machine it is.

I'm feeling the same way.

Buy MacBook Pro this Saturday, sell it if I want if I really want to buy one of the new ones.

I'm sure I could get A good 70% of my money back, right?

 

[Maven1975]

I don't think everyone should assume that the next MBP is going to have a Retina display. Im pretty sure there will be a hefty premium for that. My bet is on IPS+

In addition, There is not much room depth wise to shave off the current form unless they want to ditch the ability to allow us to upgrade the HD. If they do go to proprietary HD's, I for one would be happy to have a 2011 MBP for this ability alone.

They can shave some weight off by removing the DVD drive and using an edge to edge display. Also, if they decide to use an external GPU option, they could shed one of the internal batteries.

One things for sure. If they decide to equip these with Retnia displays, playing games at native resolution will require a much more powerful card than what is currently offered. Thus, making a external GPU mandatory.

It will be interesting to see if the i5 has thunderbolt. I have been hearing that one would be able to connect their iPhone to their laptop and play their games and content on their computer this way. Although, 2011 has thunderbolt already.

There will be a painful sacrifice it they play around too much with the MBP form. So much, that a user would pay a premium for a good 2011 over a revised 2012. Apple has me in this boat right now because the 13" MBP would be perfect with a GPU, the Air is not enough, so I am using and after some time loving a 15" laptop.

Good luck.

 

[lewisflude]

I don't think the MBP needs a Retina display. The option for a higher resolution display is already there if people need it. Replacing that option with "retina display" technology is totally doable.

For people like my parents, having a higher resolution screen by default will interest them. People love specs.

For someone working in the back of a car, on a train or in a cafe, having an external graphics card doesn't really make any sense. There's no reason why they couldn't fit a 1GB card by default into the 13" and 15" MacBook Pros by default and then offer an upgrade to 1.5-2GB of dedicated memory if people need it.

I don't see a reason for Apple to refresh the look of the MBP line, although it might be nice. MBPs simply don't look dated yet. I think the current unibody design still has one or two more years in it.

Seems I have nothing to lose!

Bonus Question! Should I go for a hi-res (antigloss or not) screen if I chose to buy a MacBook now, and should I go for a 7200RPM hard drive. I can probably afford around £200-300 of upgrades if I want to.

Happy valentines day!

 

[mzjin]

I don't think the MBP needs a Retina display. The option for a higher resolution display is already there if people need it. Replacing that option with "retina display" technology is totally doable.

For people like my parents, having a higher resolution screen by default will interest them. People love specs.

For someone working in the back of a car, on a train or in a cafe, having an external graphics card doesn't really make any sense. There's no reason why they couldn't fit a 1GB card by default into the 13" and 15" MacBook Pros by default and then offer an upgrade to 1.5-2GB of dedicated memory if people need it.

I don't see a reason for Apple to refresh the look of the MBP line, although it might be nice. MBPs simply don't look dated yet. I think the current unibody design still has one or two more years in it.

Seems I have nothing to lose!

Bonus Question! Should I go for a hi-res (antigloss or not) screen if I chose to buy a MacBook now, and should I go for a 7200RPM hard drive. I can probably afford around £200-300 of upgrades if I want to.

Happy valentines day!

Ugh. "Retina" displays on laptop -NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN. Laptop displays are already "Retina" because you are VIEWING them from a 1-2 feet away, not sticking the thing in your face like a tablet or phone.

 

[dekka007]

Retina display won't happen in my opinion.

What sort of GPU horsepower would be needed to push all those pixels around in SC2 etc.

Apple have always gone middle of the road GPU's never high end which a retina display would need.

Bonus Question! Should I go for a hi-res (antigloss or not) screen if I chose to buy a MacBook now, and should I go for a 7200RPM hard drive. I can probably afford around £200-300 of upgrades if I want to.

AG yes - will never buy another glossy macbook pro. AG just looks right. 7200rpm no keep your money for a SSD and optibay put stock HD in optibay and SSD in the HD bay.

 

[lewisflude]

They may be middle of the road GPUs but I can see them covering 80% of use cases pretty well.

I'm getting all excited now! In the last 10 minutes Windows has crashed 3 times.

Partly the fault of Windows 7, partly the fault of my old laptop.

 

[throAU]

I went the 500gb 7200rpm option (500gb 7200 and 750gb 5400 were same price option) for what little additional speed it will give me (still slow storage though, need to get an SSD) and hires glossy.

Why?

Because I'm not likely to use it outside, and the other big reason: I hate dirty laptop screens. Edge to edge glass means I can clean it more easily. Yes, the gloss is a little annoying sometimes, but the colour is great, and the glass prevents it getting damaged as easily.

YMMV, but they were my deciding factors.

 

[snerkler]

Bonus Question! Should I go for a hi-res (antigloss or not) screen if I chose to buy a MacBook now, and should I go for a 7200RPM hard drive. I can probably afford around £200-300 of upgrades if I want to.

Happy valentines day!

Hi-res is a preference thing, and can cause issues, see my thread here https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=14323459&posted=1#post14323459

I still don't know what to do and am trying to find out if people had similar issues when they first got the hi-res but then got used to it?

 

[lewisflude]

The things that appeal to me about the matte screen over the glossy.

I'm a programmer, I sometimes work with bright lights behind me, although most of the time I code in the dark, and the reflections *could* bother me.

The extra pixels will make it easier to see more tracks when I'm producing music in my spare time. Although this is just a hobby for me, it's still important I consider it when buying a laptop.

Now, the things that appeal to me regarding glossy over matte:

More vibrant colours, movies look better. Glass screen is easier to clean as dude above me said. Sturdier?

I'd like to get the 7200rpm option.

 

[Wrathwitch]

For what it's worth: Here's my take on your question.

If what you have will cause fail results or bad results for the person contracting you, don't use your current set up.

If buying another cheapy computer to get the work done until you can see what Apple offers wil do the job, go for it. You did mention being able to cobble some bits and pieces together to fabricate a patch fix?

Face it, you really want to see what is coming down the pipe, I can sense it. I am also in the same boat as I really want to buy the newest MBP as for me the machine WILL be lasting me for a min 4 years (esp with the top end price tag I will be paying for).

As far as no Optical drive, I think it is rubbish simply because the MBP is not the same as MBA, it is designed to be a small powerhouse that is portable. This includes any media you may need to install via disc. Not carrying around a stupid external CD reader/writer... Just stupid imo. Maybe consumer needs are changing, but not so rapidly that all CD based media will be erradicated by the next refresh that they put out.

If Apple is going to go with getting rid of all optical drives for their laptops they had better start updating the Mac Pro so serious users can make use of the machines to their full capacity.

Sorry bout the rant LOL!

Either way I am sure you will find what fits best for your current AND future needs.

Peace!

 

[lewisflude]

No problemo! Rants are awesome sometimes.

I spend 7-8 hours in front of a computer most days.

2GHz Centrino Processor

13" Display

Windows 7

3GB Ram

As someone who loves programming, I can honestly say that my hardware is getting in my way. When I compile code, it takes way longer than it should. On decent hardware, compiling times can be close to 25% of the time I spend waiting.

I totally wish I knew what was coming! But as ever, noone really knows right now.

My "patch fix" as I mentioned, is rebuilding an old desktop I had with £500 spare cash I have lying around, leaving me with £1500 for when the new MBPs come out in a few months.

 

[Liquinn]

So according to wiipedia, Haswell is slated for Q2.

So if the MBPs get released in July 2012, Haswell will be only 8 ish months away :/

 

[lewisflude]

Would Apple skip Ivy Bridge and go straight to Haswell?

 

[that1guyy]

Would Apple skip Ivy Bridge and go straight to Haswell?

No.

 

[iMarvin]

Hey guys, I'm thinking of buying a macbook 13" or 15". What are the possibility that apple removes the user interchangeable RAM and HDD? Id love to buy the cheapest one and slapping a small SSD drive and 8 Gb ram in there.

The thing is if you look at the "future of laptops" macbook Air, they have removed both of those options. I would consider my self an average user and the macbook would not be my primary computer since i have an iMac also. So the processing power is more than enough, the only thing is the battery life. Is there any new technology that allows for a more efficient battery and thus longer battery life?

 

[lewisflude]

I personally think Apple will continue to allow Pro users to manually change things like RAM and battery.

 

[sparky1499]

At the OP:

How about you spend your £500 on used MBP from Ebay, sensibly avoiding the nVidia 'ahem' issue, and use it until the 'new' MBP comes along and has been in the hands of the public for a while?

I think throAU said that the current MBP in 15" or 17" is a rocket ship. I'd agree...

 

[stevelam]

Retina display IS worth waiting for in my opinion, as is a redesign of the unibody.

Any other opinions?

Its extremely doubtful the next MacBook will have retina display

 

[lewisflude]

At the OP:

How about you spend your £500 on used MBP from Ebay, sensibly avoiding the nVidia 'ahem' issue, and use it until the 'new' MBP comes along and has been in the hands of the public for a while?

I think throAU said that the current MBP in 15" or 17" is a rocket ship. I'd agree...

That's a very sensible idea you have there and I'll certainly consider it.

One thing I should point out, it's a client who would be buying the MacBook pro for me. With the addition of an educational discount and the fact the client has agreed to claim back the VAT as a business expense, a defauly MacBook Pro is only costing me £1100, as opposed to £1549.

£1100 for a late 2011 MBP seems to me like a better deal than 1600 for a 2012 MBP.

 

[sparky1499]

I'd go ahead and pull the trigger then. I can't see the next model MBP having a ridiculous power increase over the current model...