In simple terms is the 2011 graphics any good or not and will games work in the future? I'll be honest I don't understand the benchmarks and tech speak etc.... Sorry for my ignorance lol. I just want to know if this computer will play all games now and in the future.
I think the reason people are hesitant to answer that question is because it's very subjective. I mean, what does "good enough" mean to you? Is it 30 fps? more than 30? more than 60 fps? At what resolution? At ultra high quality? or would you be OK with medium quality? Would you be willing to play the game at medium quality at 30 fps if it meant you saved $440? Would you spend $440 for high quality at high res for most games?
What does "in the future" mean? Does that mean 1 year? 2 years from now?
These questions are really only answerable by you. You know what you want in gaming speed and detail, you also know how much $440 means to your bank account.
As I said, if it were me, I'd go with the newer model because for $440, getting a better chip, faster RAM, USB 3 AND much better graphics is totally worth it.
Plus, the 2012 would keep its value for longer and if you think about it - if in three years you want to sell it and the 2012 model allows you to get another 150 or so bucks for your laptop when you sell it, then you've only really spent $290 more than the 2011 model for all of those benefits you've used in the time you've owned it.