Should I buy late 2011 pro 13" 2.8GHz or mid 2012 13" 2.9GHz?

Since you're asking the question seemingly based on specs, that suggests specs don't actually matter. Let me guess: iTunes, internet, word processing, "occasional video editing and photoshop" ? Either one will be fine.

 

You can get a refurbished 2012 13" 2.9 i7 for 1269 on apple.com now, go to the refurbished section...
EDIT: oops looks like I bought the last one, only has the base model 2012 for $1019

 

Yes, but when the improved HD4000 graphics in the 2012 be a better choice for the long run?

 

lol - i can imagine the OP reading the first sentence and smiling all over his face, until he reads the edit

 

Why do you generalise people like this? At the end of the day, if they have the computer for these basic tasks there is nothing wrong with wanting it to do them with the best performance?

Do people have to be movie directors in order to have the best machines? Do you think there needs to be a little qualification so people can have them?

 

You need to figure out if the extra spec bump is needed and if it is, is it worth the extra coin. These questions are difficult for others to answer because we all use and need our laptops for different reasons. One persons satisfied base model purchase is another persons buyers remorse.

 

Yes, but ultimately don't let people bully you on here by making you think you are buying a machine too fast for what you need, there is no compromise for performance!

 

Yes there is: money. If OP is going to get a performance gain that s/he doesn't need, then why bother spending an extra ~$250 for something that isn't going to be used? I understand the concept of 'future proofing' something but there's a point that you hit where the performance increase and the extra cost just don't meet up.