Ok.... Whats the big difference??

[revelated]

light use of protools, web browsing

Since everyone is going into a Retina war - some apologists, some realists - I thought to just answer your question.

Your 2011 is fine. Put a Samsung 830 SSD in it, max out the ram to 16. It'll feel like a new machine at a fraction of the cost (Around $300)

All of the 2012 machines are having issues. I would keep what you have. There's honestly nothing wrong with it. If you're that committed to getting something new it really comes down to the weight: do those extra pounds matter? If yes, get an Air. If no, get a Pro.

 

[Queen6]

All of the 2012 machines are having issues

Of that I seriously doubt, unless you can provide some reputable statistics. Of the polls conducted here, the ones that ask straightforward questions, not the ones loaded by the "Hater`s" and "Troll`s" 85% - 90% of Retina owners are pleased with their purchase. There is no doubt that a new model may have initial production issues and there will always be a percentage of uncontrollable failures.

In general the 2012 machines are as good as any previous Mac, my own base Retina has zero issues, as does my Late 2011 15" MBP, as does my Early 2008 15" MBP, as did my PowerBook`s. All the 2012 system`s i have personally seen are the same no obvious issue. Just like any other company that produces or tenders a service; Apple`s Mac`s have a failure rate, same as Lenovo, HP, Dell etc Apple will be striving for that number to be as low as possible.

Bottom line there is no reason not to buy a 2012 Mac, other than not needing one, and guess what the chosen few will no doubt be issuing the same rhetoric once the 1013 Mac`s arrive

 

[lcseds]

All of the 2012 machines are having issues. I would keep what you have.

Another unqualified, baseless opinion. Your reply became worthless after you typed this. Senseless.

 

[revelated]

Of that I seriously doubt, unless you can provide some reputable statistics.

Another unqualified, baseless opinion. Your reply became worthless after you typed this. Senseless.

I shouldn't have to do this for you two. Really, I shouldn't.

https://www.google.com/search?q=201...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

You've got

• Retina: screen retention issue
• Retina: heat issue
• Retina: EFI processor throttling issue
• Retina: can't put on a palm rest
• MBA: Freezing issues
• MBA: Throttling issues
• MBA: noise interference issues
• MBP: Battery life degradation
• MBP: Adobe freezing issues
• MBP: Mountain Lion battery issues

As I said. Issues with 2012 models. Keep what you have, upgrade it.

 

[Queen6]

I shouldn't have to do this for you two. Really, I shouldn't.

https://www.google.com/search?q=201...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a


As I said. Issues with 2012 models. Keep what you have, upgrade it.

You can perform the same Google search for any given year the MBP has been in production and come up with a myriad of negative results;

2011 MacBook Pro issues

2010 MacBook Pro issues

2009 MacBook Pro issues

2008 MacBook Pro Issues

2007 MacBook Pro issues

2006 MacBook Pro issues

So employing this logic you should never buy a Mac including the illustrious 2011`s. I really shouldn't have to repeat, anyway "on forums such as this, those with issue, those that believe they have been aggrieved and the "Haters" will by far make the most noise. If you search carefully you will find several poll`s that reflect this."

My own Retina has no issue: no IR, it runs significantly cooler than my Late 2011 2.4 i7 15" MBP sat right next to it on the same desk, no loss in frame rate, no throttling if it is, it`s not obvious, palm rests critical stuff eh. What I do see as a loose observation year after year is that those who don't actually own the latest release tend to make the most noise, more so than ever this year with Retina. Apple`s hardware is not perfect, equally it`s not the tragedy that some paint it out to be year on year.

As the individual you must filter the content of the internet very carefully, everyone is a "Pro", everyone the "expert", for the most part they are not, some are well informed, most far from it . If you need help to make a significant purchase, or qualification on hardware, wait for a recognised source, not the kid with 10 minutes hands on in Best Buy

 

[coolweirdo]

ok with all these rumors im gonna wait and see if the rmbp is released next week thank god there are at least rumors on this mbp

 

[cocacolakid]

The retina is a lot more powerful. Quad core vs dual core. Upto 16GB ram (8GB standard) vs 8GB maximum (and 4GB standard).

You can run 16GB RAM in the early 2011, late 2011, and 2012 MBP just fine.

http://www.everymac.com/systems/by_capability/actual-maximum-ram-capacity-of-macs.html


If I were the OP I would do as others said, put a nice SSD in and upgrade to 16GB of RAM. You can even take the current HD and mount it in the optical drive slot and have two hard drives with plenty of storage and the speed of an SSD. Amazon has some great prices on the Samsung 830's right now.

Total cost to do all of that would be well under $300 and you'd have a machine that has features the MBA and rMBP do not have (more power than the MBA and far more storage than either).

 

[locoboi187]

I shouldn't have to do this for you two. Really, I shouldn't.

https://www.google.com/search?q=201...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

You've got

• Retina: screen retention issue
• Retina: heat issue
• Retina: EFI processor throttling issue
• Retina: can't put on a palm rest
• MBA: Freezing issues
• MBA: Throttling issues
• MBA: noise interference issues
• MBP: Battery life degradation
• MBP: Adobe freezing issues
• MBP: Mountain Lion battery issues

As I said. Issues with 2012 models. Keep what you have, upgrade it.

No screen retention for me. The only heat my retina produces is at the top above the keyboard so doesnt bother me. I don't need/want a palm rest... As for the EFI processor thing, i guess

 

[MaxPower72]

For all suggesting Retina model, he obviously doesnt need a Retina for his use.

Web browsing and light use of protools can be done fine with HD4000.

But to be more clear, 2011MBP would be fine as well.
I dont know what model of 2011MBP but 8~16GB RAM, SSD, and Optibay upgrade can make your Mac faster then ever.

I agree don't fall for the Retina Craze just yet, wait until next year at least and upgrade your MBP 2011