MBP 17" Refurb - Worth it?

Skip Lion, wait for Mountain Lion. Unless you have specific need for Thunderbolt or USB3, get the MBP, it's a good price.

 

I run a lot of windows and that's why I love using Spaces. You can put your Apps in specific windows, leaving your desktop screen less cluttered. Also called Mission Controlled.

You can go to an Apple store and try out each Application you use. They have all the latest design software. I like and use the 15.4in because I need to visit a client or work outside of the home. If you're not going to be mobile then go with the 17in.

Using a fast external drive will help with transferring files. My set up I have a HD that 7200rpm connected via firewire. When moving photos and PS files, its pretty fast.

 

This is a 2010 machine. I don't think there is much performance improvement over a 4 years old Core 2 duo.

The quad core "Sandy Bridge" CPUs brought a big performance boost, but those were only sold in 2011.

Working on a 17'' machine is great. If you can't afford a refurb 2011 model, the 2010 machine is still a great choice.

 

The step up in performance from a Core 2 to a Core I is massive.

Even an i3 is almost as fast as a Core2 Quad at similar clock speed - I remember comparing benchmarks of the i3 iMac (pre sandy bridge) to my Q6600 based desktop and they were comparable, even though the i3 was only dual core.

 

Although it appears Apple is trending that way, it's not guaranteed you will need the "previous" OS to get the next one. For Lion, Snow Leopard was a requirement, but Tiger users did not require Leopard to get Snow Leopard.

That point, however, is moot. What I meant is that Lion has been buggy for me, and I would suggest avoiding it as long as possible, until you have to upgrade your OS, weather to a (hopefully) stable Lion, or to Mountain Lion, even if that means purchasing Lion, only to purchase Mountain Lion moments later.

I suggest upgrading your OS based on need, not simply because "you can."

 

If your looking for a sandy bridge model for less than $100 more you can get the early 2011 model brand new. I've purchased from MacMall before and had a good experience. Plus no tax unless you live in CA or IL. Just another option.
http://www.macmall.com/p/product~dpno~8300862~pdp.gdchhcf?emOmni=null&source=APPINSDRMWB30384

 

Personally, I find that to be a boat load of money to throw at an older system that has at least some parts that are 'used'. I would not. If you are looking at spending that much money, spend a few hundred more for a 2011 or 2012 refurb with the quad core CPU. The performance difference is more than enough to justify the price IMO. Furthermore, you can upgrade the 2011- models to 16 GB of RAM and use the 6.0 Gbps SSDs at 6.0 Gbps speeds. While both may not sound necessary now, in another two years, 16 GB of RAM may be a must have for users of even standard programs. Two years ago, 4 GB or RAM was plenty...today...not so much.

 

Sorry the discount didn't show up, I should have told you the only way to get the 3% discount is by ordering through a link on www.appleinsider.com. I guess they have a deal with MacMall...my bad. That's a great system and will last a long time. I just picked up a 15" early 2011 model 2.3ghz with the upgraded HR AG screen at a great price and love it. Enjoy

 

IMO, the 2010 model is not worth it without a substantial discount. What does the 2011 model improve on?

Quad core vs dual core
50% more hard drive space
twice as much graphics memory
Can upgrade to 16GB ram, twice as much, eventually up to 32GB ram, four times as much!
Thunderbolt to support two screens, plus four other devices whereas the 2010 model can only do one external screen and no devices off of the same physical port...

Refurb 2011 is the way to go, you may get lucky like me and receive a system with 8GB ram for the price of a 4GB system...

 

So you saved 50 bucks? Woot Woot!! That's Charlie Sheen winning right there..

 

The end-user value is just that, but as you know, Apple charges a bit more than $50 for the 8 GB RAM upgrade.

 

right, so getting it from apple is a sunk cost, and its so easy to do yourself.

 

Those both look like solid purchases. I bought 8 Gb from OWC at about the same price. I can't speak to the SSD price, however, because I haven't installed one.

 

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eBay or Craigslist could have been an option if you did not buy it yet and willing to spend time searching. I picked up an excellent condition 2010 MBP 17" anti-glare with AppleCare for $1375 about 10 months ago.