Which of these two MBPs is better?

[jbsmithmac]

Im looking yo buy a new MPB, however note that I rarely buy the latest models, rather the previous generation or older. So my research tells me that the MD322LL/A is from late 2011 while the MD103LL/A is from mid 2012. But for some reason I keep finding the MD322LL/A costing more (except here, shown below). So which one is better? My primary use is Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CS5. I see subtle differences in specs, but would I really notice a difference?

 

[calderone]

http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...s-between-macbook-pro-mid-2012-late-2011.html

That should give you a pretty good run down of the differences.

 

[jbsmithmac]

http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...s-between-macbook-pro-mid-2012-late-2011.html

That should give you a pretty good run down of the differences.

Yeah I've checked out everymac's site and can see the differences. I guess what I am asking is would I notice a performance difference in the two machines?

 

[Rhinoevans]

Yeah I've checked out everymac's site and can see the differences. I guess what I am asking is would I notice a performance difference in the two machines?

No

 

[Mr MM]

Yeah I've checked out everymac's site and can see the differences. I guess what I am asking is would I notice a performance difference in the two machines?

depends on what you do, in terms of gpu its going to be a significant upgrade

 

[jbsmithmac]

depends on what you do, in terms of gpu its going to be a significant upgrade

Mostly photo editing - Lightroom and Photoshop. No gaming, etc. My understanding that the better GPU is something to look at for fast moving graphics like games, etc?

 

[Freestar007]

For photo/video use, the biggest thing that you may miss if you go 2011 is USB 3, which will let you buy inexpensive external hard drives and have excellent transfer speeds. The processor/graphics card won't perform that differently for your needs, but the 2012 will run a little cooler on your lap.

As a photographer myself, I would also recommend the higher-res antiglare screen.

A refurb 2012 from Apple is an easy way to save - refurbs are like-new or better from Apple. Watch http://www.refurb.me/ for what you want. The antiglare 2012 appears to be the same cost as the 2011 you were loooking at. (edited b/c I had a link to a 2011 model)

Regardless of laptop, the biggest performance boost will come from a SSD - Samsung 830 is cheap right now - http://www.macmall.com/p/Samsung-Electronics-Portable/Removable-Drives/product~dpno~9009921~pdp.hadgfac. You can also upgrade memory down the road as you see fit.

 

[alphaod]

For some $127 difference I would definitely get the newer [MD103LL/A] model. It's faster, has a better GPU, has faster SATA connectivity (6Gbps in both HDD and optical bay), has USB 3.0

 

[jbsmithmac]

For some $127 difference I would definitely get the newer [MD103LL/A] model. It's faster, has a better GPU, has faster SATA connectivity (6Gbps in both HDD and optical bay), has USB 3.0

This is what I've decided to get. Thanks all!!