Would love to hear how this model is working for those who really need the dedicated graphics card and what kind of activity it takes for it to switch to that card. I'm having a hard time deciding between that and the newest MBP 15" with antiglare screen and USB 3.0. Need to use the new filters in CS6 Photoshop.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
You wont get a new 17" because they are not making that size anymore. I do love my 2011 15".😍
I can still get one brand new eligible for applecare - wanting to know if there any lingering issues - really needing the discreet graphics switching to work well. Thank you for your reply.....any issues with yours.
Wanting the one with 1gb vram.
"I can still get one brand new eligible for applecare"
Used or new old stock?
The only issue I've had so far is faulty battery that was replaced under AppleCare. Other than that smooth as silk. 🙂
Old Stock....
Does your graphics card switch when it supposed to without issue?
The only 17" MBPs that are available from Apple are in the refurbished section. I purchased one about two months ago and I am very satisfied with it. For me, the large display is a very important criteria.
The 2012 MBPs do have slightly faster CPUs/GPUs but I do not consider the 2011 MBPs outdated in that regard. I am a bit envious of the lack of USB 3 capability, but that is somewhat mitigated by the use of a eSata adapter which comes fairly close to USB 3 speeds (real world).
Though I cannot say with absolute certainty, these may actually be 'new' MBPs. The reason is that according to the serial number of mine, it is allegedly 17 weeks old. The 2012 models came on sale on June of 2012.
Note that the 2011 refurbished MBPs come with Lion and offer a free upgrade to Mt. Lion. Better yet, in my opinion, they can also run Snow Leopard if there is a need to run PPC applications. Naturally you get the same warranty and support benefits with a refurbished unit that you do with a new one.
When I bought my MBP, there were 8 configurations available, now it is down to three. If you have an interest in aquiring one perhaps a quick decision may be prudent.
Ciao
I do love my Early 2011 17" anti-glare screen, especially since it runs OS X Snow Leopard, thus PPC based software and can direct boot Windows and Linux too.
Graphics switching is effortless and seamless, but I usually keep it on discrete all the time as to balance the wear and heat over the two processing units.
IMHO, starting with 10.7 and on, Apple went down the path of stupidity and alienating their long time hardcore users.
There is a store that still has them and hopefully will for the next few daysuntil I make my decision - I was thinking about getting refurbished from apple but no antiglare screens with 7200 HD are available, and I want 1gb vram.
I was reading somewhere that the late 2011's can't run Lion, but the early's can....and the early's had graphics card switching issues, and I'm wondering if the late's do. I too am not so nuts about not having usb3, but really want that 17" antiglare screen...must learn more about that eSata adapter.
thank you
I have a late 2011 MBP. Adding RAM and installing HDDs is very easy. Before you do and upgrade through the vendor, do some research regarding the cost involved. This is especially true if you order from Apple. Third party upgrades invariably are more cost effective than having Apple do it.
All 2011 models can run Snow Leopard, Lion and Mt. Lion. The information you read is incorrect. I have installed all three OSs on my MBP at one time or another.
This link should give you a good guide as to what can be done with the express card slot:
http://www.sonnettech.com/product/computercards/index.html
Ciao.
Do you keep it on discreet by using gfxCardstatus or is there an option to do that in the OS...I am really wanting to keep it on discreet, but didn't know if that would be harmful or create an issue with the battery - but what you say about wear and heat is encouraging.
Very disappointed in the choices of Apple computers now - really hope I don't have to switch back to Windows in the future. I have been so happy with my last gen PPC tower - only one KP in 7 years and still running great, and late 2007 iMac running flawlessly.
Do not be dismayed. Everytime Apple releases an new OS the nay sayers and bad mouthers declare it the worst OS Apple has come out with. Same happened with Panther, Tiger, Leopard and Snow Leopard and continues with Mountain Lion. If anything ds store has been alienated. I, OGELTHORPE and thousands of others have not been.🙂
I'm still running SL on the iMac for programs needing rosetta and looking forward to loving Mountain Lion....but cannot deal with shiney screens.
Graphics switching can be set in System Preferences to what ever choice you desire.
I have great respect for ds store's knowledge base (far greater than mine overall regarding computers) , but there have been occasions where I have disagreed with him. Personally in this area I feel that he is making too much of what at best I would consider a nit. What wear and tear that there may be, in my estimation may shorten the MBP life span by a minute or two, if that. I am now prepared for a Russian novel' answer from him with minute details on this subject. (I say that with humor, not sarcasm)
It will have some affect on battery drain and will stress the GPU, but not to unsustainable levels.
Ciao.
My last two MBPs have antiglare displays. My first one is a glossy display which is wonderful in a dark room.
I concur with your preference.
Ciao.
I don't mind using integrated card for general stuff, but when I use the new Photoshop filters, I want to be certain that I am utilizing Mercury playback. I imagine there is a way that you can tell.
I am just a pro user - not a geek, but read a lot and am not afraid to follow directions and upgrade my machines myself, which, of course means ordering more ram at the same time. Am wondering if upgrading eSata will void Applecare....
Thank you guys sooooo much for your feedback - you have both helped me decide to order when I get home from work tonite.
Do you still love your late 2011 17" MBP - thinking about buying one
