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I would select the 2011 model. It is a second generation core i7 and therefore is quad core - the 2010 model is only dual core. The 2011 model also has better graphics.

my company gets discounts from apple. i can get a 15 inch basic model for about 1691 usd. thats about 32 usd dollars more then the refurb.
but when do you think the refresh is going to be. is there going to be a big difference if apple decides to put in the new processor by intel (fogot what its called)
 
but when do you think the refresh is going to be. is there going to be a big difference if apple decides to put in the new processor by intel (fogot what its called)

Good question - nobody knows for sure. But if you look in the buyer's guide you will see that people are predicting the new mobile Ivybridge CPU will be available in May, so refresh will be after that. I cannot see that Apple would use 2011 technology in the refresh and you should expect to see the new CPU. This will, of course, result in a performance boost.
 
Good question - nobody knows for sure. But if you look in the buyer's guide you will see that people are predicting the new mobile Ivybridge CPU will be available in May, so refresh will be after that. I cannot see that Apple would use 2011 technology in the refresh and you should expect to see the new CPU. This will, of course, result in a performance boost.

you think the performance boost is going to be big or just slightly noticeable.
 
you think the performance boost is going to be big or just slightly noticeable.

Performance boost is 10-20%, negligible. The main advantages are Ivy Bridge's power savings (maybe an extra hour or two of battery life) and faster integrated graphics, and cooler running capability (fan speed, noise and heat).
 
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