2011 vs. mid-2012 macbook pro 15 inch non-retina?

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Level 1

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2011 vs. mid-2012 macbook pro 15 inch non-retina?

Team,

I am in the market buy a new laptop 15". My primary use is ms office and running statistical analysis. I cannot afford retina display so let's rule it out. Now I am stuck between 2011 vs. mid-2012 model. I am getting 2011 model for $1100 with apple care upto March 2014. The other option is buy refurbished mid-2012 model from apple for $1529+tax. I can get apple care plan for $150. The differenc now is about more than $550.

Should I save $550 and buy 2011 model if there is no significant difference? OR

Buy brand new mid-2012 model+apple care?

Please help and vote.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8), i5 4gb ram

Posted on Feb 25, 2013 7:00 PM

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Answer 1

poikkeus1

Level 4

2,475 points

Feb 25, 2013 7:41 PM in response to manmit

There's not a really signficant difference in performance. However, I think many users would approve of swapping out the drive for a superfast SSD. My 2009 MBP with 512GB SSD is so fast I don't even want to upgrade.

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Answer 2

Feb 25, 2013 7:59 PM in response to manmit

I would go for the mid-2012 model if only for the USB 3.0 ports - that's really the only thing that is lacking in my late 2011, which I bought in March of 2012. I sure wish that I had some USB 3.0 ports. You'll also get a faster processor and a better GPU with the 2012 model - and you can't beat the AppleCare at 1/2 the price you'd usually pay.

Even though I have a late 2011, my vote is for the 2012 model...

Good luck,

Clinton

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