MBP 13" 2011 vs 2012?

[l0gikb0mb]

I'm thinking of going back to Mac after selling my 2012 Air last month and not finding an adequate PC replacement.

Things I didn't like about the Air were it's seemingly fragile nature, inability to upgrade, heat during intensive uses, and bad keyboard comparatively to my MBP 2010. Viewing angles as well.

So I'm going for the Pro, and wondering if the $959 (CDN) refurbished 2011 model would be OK instead of a NEW 2012 model? (refurbished is 1039 + tax and is only 40$ less than new + selling gift card). $1075 vs $1200 (after gift card sold)

Trying to weigh the pros and cons - I would like to do some light gaming like Minecraft once in a blue moon, is the 2012 version that much better? $125 worth? Mostly for recording, browsing, and light video editing.

 

[Spink10]

Do you mind not having USB 3? - If you dont mind go with the 2011

 

[T5BRICK]

For you it sounds like the 2011 model will be fine. Personally I'd buy the current model, but I'd like the extra graphical capability that the HD4000 provides over the HD3000.

 

[l0gikb0mb]

For you it sounds like the 2011 model will be fine. Personally I'd buy the current model, but I'd like the extra graphical capability that the HD4000 provides over the HD3000.

Will the difference be noticeable in games like Minecraft you think? Maybe Trine 2, and some other not-too-intensive games.

I don't care for USB 3.0 all that much, don't use any external devices.

 

[Dark Void]

Get a new one, why not?

 

[MaxPower72]

get the new model

 

[T5BRICK]

Will the difference be noticeable in games like Minecraft you think? Maybe Trine 2, and some other not-too-intensive games.

I don't care for USB 3.0 all that much, don't use any external devices.

I've read that it's up to 50% faster in 3D games. That would be enough for me to justify the cost difference.

 

[afinch1992]

get the current. the difference in resale value down the road will be 50-100, plus you get the better graphics and usb 3.0. i would highly suggest getting an external drive btw. just a simple less than $100 drive can save you a ton of headaches

 

[RedRallyeZ]

Do you mind not having USB 3? - If you dont mind go with the 2011

That was a big factor in my decision, i really like the increased speeds. Especially now that I rely so heavily on external storage after my SSD upgrade

 

[fleawannabe]

New MBP 13 for sure. Better graphics and USB 3

 

[Naimfan]

I'd suggest new also. Three reasons:

Current model has noticeably better graphics - may not make much difference to you yet, but is likely to as time goes by and OSX and apps use more graphics power;

USB3 is noticeably faster than USB2 - helpful for backups, connecting externals, etc.

The new is noticeably faster - and resale on it will be better.

The price difference in the grand scheme of things is not large. (Easy for me to say, right, since it's not my money.) If you were to consider a used 2011 model, then sure - the value proposition is different, because a used machine should be considerably less than either refurb you're looking at.

 

[clyde2801]

Just to throw some almost baseless speculation into the mix...

Agree with the consensus that the 2012 is the better choice over the slight discount offered on refurbished 2011's. A used 2011 for a bigger discount would make more sense.

BUT...

Let's just say the rumors of of a 13" rMBP being released in October turn out to be true. IF that happens, you may pick up a great deal on a slightly used 2012 cMBP on CL as some owners will try to short sale their current systems to buy the new model.

Yes, I realize that this is all speculation and innuendo. However, it may involve waiting at most a couple of weeks to see if this scenario occurs.

 

[afinch1992]

Agree with the consensus that the 2012 is the better choice over the slight discount offered on refurbished 2011's. A used 2011 for a bigger discount would make more sense.

BUT...

Let's just say the rumors of of a 13" rMBP being released in October turn out to be true. IF that happens, you may pick up a great deal on a slightly used 2012 cMBP on CL as some owners will try to short sale their current systems to buy the new model.

Yes, I realize that this is all speculation and innuendo. However, it may involve waiting at most a couple of weeks to see if this scenario occurs.

agreed. Just wait a few weeks and things will become a little easier. For me, i was looking at the same decision and have decided to wait until october to see how prices go. As it is, brand new or just opened 2012s are going for $900-950 on my local craigslist. That is what Im planning to pay, but a couple of weeks couldnt hurt

 

[Zedsdead185]

Trying to weigh the pros and cons - I would like to do some light gaming like Minecraft once in a blue moon, is the 2012 version that much better? $125 worth? Mostly for recording, browsing, and light video editing.

Well, whilst i wouldn't recommend it as a gaming machine, I have the mid 2009 macbook pro and it runs minecraft on full settings with no problems at all.

 

[Krazy Bill]

Another factor to consider is that refurb should be able to run Snow Leopard... if that's your preference.

Newer models can't.