I'm about to buy a 13.3" MacBook Pro i5. There's a Late 2011 for sale near me and I'm considering buying it. Am I missing out on much not getting the most recent version? Are there any major differences in performance? I appreciate any help. Thanks!
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MBP 13.3" i5 Late 2011 vs Mid 2012
- Thread starter Kyle47
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Not a huge increase in CPU performance, around 10%. But USB 3 is a big increase over USB 2 and Intel HD Graphics 4000 is a good increase over Intel HD Graphics 3000. Up until recently Amazon had the base 13" MBP for $1020. So keep that in mind.
Three main differences:
1. Ivy Bridge processor - slightly faster and cooler; potentially better battery life.
2. USB3 vs. USB2 - speeds up transfers, etc., and really speeds up Time Machine backups with an external USB 3 drive.
3. HD4000 graphics - notably better than HD3000 in the Late 2011.
Depends on the price difference - if it's only $50-150, go new. If it's $200 or more, I'd probably go used and then put Applecare on it.
1. Ivy Bridge processor - slightly faster and cooler; potentially better battery life.
2. USB3 vs. USB2 - speeds up transfers, etc., and really speeds up Time Machine backups with an external USB 3 drive.
3. HD4000 graphics - notably better than HD3000 in the Late 2011.
Depends on the price difference - if it's only $50-150, go new. If it's $200 or more, I'd probably go used and then put Applecare on it.
1. Cowboom has the current-model (USB 3.0, Intel HD 4000 etc) i7, 750GB 13" Pro for $999.99, refurbished. http://www.cowboom.com/product/1234824
2. Apple has the current-model refurb i5/500GB 13" Pro for $1,019 - http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD101LL/A/refurbished-macbook-pro-25ghz-dual-core-intel-i5
3. Microcenter often has the current-model open-box 13" Pro (i5/500GB) for $899.99 - check your local store
2. Apple has the current-model refurb i5/500GB 13" Pro for $1,019 - http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD101LL/A/refurbished-macbook-pro-25ghz-dual-core-intel-i5
3. Microcenter often has the current-model open-box 13" Pro (i5/500GB) for $899.99 - check your local store
The 2011 is great. I bought an early 2011 for my wife for $725 and upgraded it with a hybrid drive and 8GB RAM for less than $200. It flies. She doesn't do anything that taxes the HD-3000 (games), and it has Thunderbolt so USB-3 isn't vital for us. So practically, it's indistinguishable from the 2012 and cost a whole lot less.