I saw an article today on how Best Buy is slashing prices on the 2011 models of the MBP's and MBA's. If you aren't in the market for a retina display, and you can get discounts on top of what Best Buy is already offering on sale, doesn't it seem pointless to get the new MBP's and MBA's? The only difference is a small processor bump, but that's it. Unless USB 3 is really important to you, doesn't it seem smart to get the 2011 models that are nearly just as good?
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Thoughts on MBP and MBA upgrades- non retina
- Thread starter Trey M
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Depends.
Primary differences are a clock increase.
USB 3.0
Faster SSD (makes a difference)
Faster iGPU (OpenCL compatible HD4000 graphics)
If the saving are more than $100 I'd say the 2011 model is decent but the features above to me are worth $100.
I forgot about the newer GPU's...but I doubt faster SSD will see much of a real-world improvement. For $100 you might as well get the newest model, but as far as $200-$300 discounts some stores are offering, it'd be a lot harder then.
@Stetrain oh yes forgot about the HD webcam.
Yes if I was saving $200 or more i'd definitely go with the 2011 model.