Student in search of a MacBook Pro

[dfresh]

Hi,
I am a university student looking to buy a MacBook Pro. I plan on replacing the HDD with an SSD and upgrading the RAM myself. I also may replace the SuperDrive with the HDD, which I know how to do safely. What concerns me is what MBP I should get. I was looking at the refurb store, and saw a 2011 and 2012 model. I will do a little bit of gaming including COD 4 on Mac App Store and Left 4 Dead 1 and 2 on Steam. Which MacBook should I get and should I buy refurbished or from the education store?

 

[snaky69]

Hi,
I am a university student looking to buy a MacBook Pro. I plan on replacing the HDD with an SSD and upgrading the RAM myself. I also may replace the SuperDrive with the HDD, which I know how to do safely. What concerns me is what MBP I should get. I was looking at the refurb store, and saw a 2011 and 2012 model. I will do a little bit of gaming including COD 4 on Mac App Store and Left 4 Dead 1 and 2 on Steam. Which MacBook should I get and should I buy refurbished or from the education store?

Whichever store has the configuration you want for the lowest price is where I'd buy if I were you.

The 2012 models have a much better graphics card(in the 15") if you are into gaming at all.

All in all both are very capably machines, it really depends what you'll be using it for.