Worth it?

You're comparing two very different computers. The first thing is first. Which do you need 13" or 17"?

 

Depending on your definition of performance, both computers will be able to keep up with quite a few duties, unless you're a hardcore video professional.

The key difference between the 17 and the 13 however is the portability and the screen real estate.

Do you need a Full HD resolution while significantly compromising on the portability aspect? If yes, go for the 17. If no, go for the 13.

Both are very capable machines but they have different target audiences.

 

that stil doesnt help, a 17inch is a desktop replacement, a 13nich and an ACTUAL portable computer.

what do u want

 

Purely going on this information, I would get a brand new 2012 13" and buy Apple care at some point over the next year.

 

Seems you're leaning towards the 17". Does it have any remaining warranty? If it does you can still purchase AppleCare before it expires and have another 2 years in case you have a repair issue. If it does not, then I agree with the previous poster and would go with the new 13" model and purchase AppleCare before the first year runs out.

 

Then probably the new one is better choice

How ever make shure ur have an ssd instid of an hard drive

 

This is just my view..

Other people I know that bought 17" were someone who has assistant to carry it around. They need real-estate screen bla2.. someone who is a pro photog / videographer

It just doesn't make sense. If you always carry your macbook around, you should buy something lighter like 13". If you like to have something that has better performance and maybe bring it 2 times a week, then go for 15" macbook pro 17" is just too big for ordinary users.

For me, desktop replacement is working laptop for travelling. You bring the laptop and after arriving at your destination, you put the laptop on the work table all day long. That's desktop replacement. If you always carry it around that heavy machine all day long, I'm afraid you will get 'shoulder-replacement' just kidding..

It is personal preference though..

 

Yes it is totally worth it!! You can use it for a year and sell it for the same price you bought it for!!

 

At that price I'd get the 17" without hesitation. Like some other people said basically you get way more screen estate (1920x1200 vs 1280x800), thinner bezel, more powerful CPU and GPU but of course it's going to be bigger and heavier.

If I were you I'd buy it, try it for a while, and if you find it too heavy you can just resell it easily for more than what you paid (your friend's price is too low) and get the 13" instead.