Looking to buy a refurbished MacBook Pro for video editing. Need suggestions on what to look for.

Typically there's only one model per year that has a discrete graphics circuit, which is what you want. You can't pick and choose the card. It either has one or is doesn't. I think there were different levels of onboard graphics memory in some of the older machines, but that's about it. Also, that's typically not on the 13" models but is on the 15" (or the 17" if you can find one).

If you go with a Retina, make sure it has all the RAM and SSD space that you want, since there's no way to upgrade either.

Try browsing through here. Note that only that first model listed is a non-Retina.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_pro/15

If you can find one of these on the second hand market, it should serve your needs well. It will accept up to 16 GB RAM (1600 MHz as well as 1333 MHz) and the HDD can be replaced with a SSD if need be. A 2.4 GHz CPU will be adequate, but if you find one a 2.5 GHz CPU, it will a little more icing on the cake. 🙂 The best 17" MBP from Apple.

http://support.apple.com/kb/sp646

I have one.

Ciao.

The GPUs on 13" MBPs have always been inferior to those of the larger units. For serious video editing, the larger display is also a virtue. Note the resolution on the 17" models is 1920 x 1200, a good fit for HD video.

Ciao.

To add to what Oglethorpe said... all of the Macbook Pros have onboard Intel graphic circuitry. The higher end models also have a separate GPU, for example from Nvidia. Those are the machines the gamers or graphic intensive people usually want. That's what I was talking about.

Be careful with the 2010. It has a known issue with the GPU, causing frequent kernel panics if it goes bad.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4088?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Let me offer a couple of other points you may find of interest. If you cannot locate a 17" MBP within your budget and are willing to settle for a less expensive 15" model, look for one that has the high resolution option. The resolution is 1680 x 1050 instead of the standard 1440 x 900.

In all cases, I consider an antiglare display a better choice compared to the glossy. I have had experience with both.

Do not become obsessed with a quad core CPU. If an application cannot take advantage of parallel processing afforded by a quad core CPU, it will not be any faster than a dual core CPU of the same speed. I have run some crude but valid tests that confirm this fact.

Ciao.

I have to agree with Oglethorpe. Every MBP I've purchased has been with the antiglare display. One of the reasons I shy away from buying a new model is that it's not offered anymore. And I also agree on the higher resolution model. I have a mid-2010, which is what I advised you to stay away from, but I've already had the motherboard exchange. I'm going to keep this one as long as I possibly can. With an SSD in it, it's been a great machine.

The RAM is always something you can upgrade later, as well as swapping the drive for an SSD. Given that you want to do higher end video stuff, I'd personally be looking for the discrete GPU, anti-glare screen, and higher resolution. For video, probably the 17" as well.

I see these as your priorities in assessing a MBP in order of importance;

discrete GPU (eliminates all 13" MBPs).

Resolution, high as possible. !7" MBP, 15" MBP with high resolution option, !5" normal resolution option.

Anti glare if available.

RAM and storage can be modified later if the situation warrants. These can be almost ignored when making the decision or a comparison.

Ciao.

The 2010 isn't high-res, isn't anti-glare, and has the potential for the problem I mentioned earlier. He says he replaced the screen, but if it develops that problem it needs a motherboard swap. That's around $700.