Is there a huge difference between the 2011 and 2012 Macbook Pro models? I am considering buying a refurbished October 2011 model from Apple instead of the newest version, but I don't want to be missing out on anything amazing. I would be getting one of the 13" models, not the retina version by any means.
Thank you for the help! I'm not super savvy with tech lingo, and it's tricky for me to decipher the differences!
MacBook Pro
Aside from slightly faster CPU and GPU, and faster buss speeds for the RAM, I would say that the most important difference is that the newer MBPs have USB 3 connectors which means noticeably faster data transfers to and from USB 3 equipped external HDDs.
For 90% of the work an average user, the speed differences will not be noticeable. And in those other cases the time differences will be slight. 10% to 15% longer?
Having purchased two refurbished MBPs, I can attest that they are for all practical purposes of the same as a new one. Same warranty, eligible for Apple care and cosmetically the same as a 'new' one.Do the math and see what your bank account allows. With the recent price drop for the refurbished units, they represent a good value.
Ciao.
Aside from slightly faster CPU and GPU, and faster buss speeds for the RAM, I would say that the most important difference is that the newer MBPs have USB 3 connectors which means noticeably faster data transfers to and from USB 3 equipped external HDDs.
For 90% of the work an average user, the speed differences will not be noticeable. And in those other cases the time differences will be slight. 10% to 15% longer?
Having purchased two refurbished MBPs, I can attest that they are for all practical purposes of the same as a new one. Same warranty, eligible for Apple care and cosmetically the same as a 'new' one.Do the math and see what your bank account allows. With the recent price drop for the refurbished units, they represent a good value.
Ciao.
I wouldn't say there's anything 'huge' or 'amazing' between the two Macs. The new MacBook Pro does have many improvements such as USB 3.0 (faster USB), SSD (faster storage and responsiveness) and new processors.
Although these are good things there are no 'groundbreaking' new features, just improvements. And chances are unless you're a gamer or someone who uses CPU/GPU intesive software, you may not even notice the improvements (besides the fact that it's thinner and starts up a little faster).
Writing this on a MacBook Pro (Early 2011)!
Thank you for your advice! I ordered a refurbished Macbook Pro, as it seems to be a great value and not much different for my needs. You two are awesome! 🙂
How do you know if it s refurbished? I bought a macbook pro 15" in march, 2012, but it s "late 2011" I guess the 2012 hasn't come on the mkt yet when I got mine. But this macbook has been a disappointment, the internet is low, and freezes all the time... do you have the same problem? some pages cannot be loaded... it seems like many ppl have similar problems, my mac 2009 was so much better!!!
i can only hope for you that you bought a 2012 and not a 2011 model back then...
because if you bought a 2011 macbook pro you lost!
it has a construction failure that will destroy it sooner or later
see this thread of all the victims:
2011 MacBook Pro and Discrete Graphics Card
and the worst thing is: apple doesn't take responsibility
Macbook Pro 2011 vs. 2012
