Should I go for the 2010 15" 2.4GHz model or the 2011 2.0 GHz Quad Core?

[tifa]

Have to say I'm really disappointed with the 6490 GPU. Plus the 2010 models are all on sale today at the student store. So I narrowed down to two choices today.

1. 2010 lowest end 15.4" model
2.4 GHz i5 Core with NVIDIA 300M and 320 GB HHD
$1399

2. 2011 lowest end 15.4" model
2.0 GHz i7 Quad Core with 6490M GPU and 500 GB HHD
$1699

So with one should I choose?
I do not game at all. But I like to open many apps simultaneously (ie. Safari, iTunes, iPhoto, Pages etc.)

Also is it necessary to switch to high res? Is it gonna make a difference when watching movies?

(I really don't want a refurb one so that's out of my options)

This is the laptop I'm gonna keep for about 2 years. (Maybe I'll switch to the redesigned one next year if it does come out.)

Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Frosties]

The new one with the new port. It will make a difference in the future. I have the previous 15" with the high-rez anti-glare screen. I can only tell you the the resolution is great for me and my use. Movies usually is better on glossy, that is the only reason for the glossy one as I see it. Any other use anti-glare is better for me. Go and play a movie and use one at the store. It's a too personal choice.

 

[tifa]

If I add 4GB extra RAM aftermarket for the i5 2.4GHz model, is it gonna boost up the speed significantly?

 

[Frosties]

If I add 4GB extra RAM aftermarket for the i5 2.4GHz model, is it gonna boost up the speed significantly?

ONLY if you use up the standard 4GB. What use will you have? The standard applications you listed is just fine with 4GB in most cases. I would wait and see if it was needed. RAM is very easy to add after purchase.

The previous macbook pro 2.4 i5 was a top-seller and many apple sellers recommended it in many cases over the previous i7 equipped top model. You can later drop in a solid state drive if you need faster start up speed on applications than a hard drive can give you.

 

[pricej636]

I think you will be just fine with the older model and save yourself some cash. The apps you listed that you run simultaneously would run fine on any MBP, even the 13" older models.

 

[strang]

Pretty sure the lowest end 2010 MacBook Pro has a NVIDIA GeForce 330M, instead of the 300 OP lists.

I would know. I have one.

330M > 6490M. So if you game at all, I'd consider the 2010 model with this price difference.

 

[tifa]

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Pretty sure the lowest end 2010 MacBook Pro has a NVIDIA GeForce 330M, instead of the 300 OP lists.

I would know. I have one.

330M > 6490M. So if you game at all, I'd consider the 2010 model with this price difference.

Yeah my bad, it's a typo...should be NVIDIA 330M.
I actually don't game at all. But I think I'm going with the 2010 model anyways cuz I want to save the money towards next year's lineup : )

 

[strang]

I'm probably sticking to my MBP until Haswell arrives in 2013. Upgrading every year is so expensive .

 

[hfletcher]

Upgrading every year is so expensive .

Agree with you there!

I'd go for the cheaper, older one. It'll do pretty much everything, and while not Quad, the dual i5's are still very powerful. Also, as said previously, the 330M is reasonable.