Macbook Pro - Early 2013, 2.8Ghz vs Late 2013, 2.3Ghz? UK vs US Models?

1) They are almost the same in terms of power but the Haswell (newer) one is more power efficient.

2) I would say no real difference but it would depend on the complexity of the videos you are editing.

3) As long as you can put up with the 1 row return key then no there will be no difference, you can even remap the keyboard if you need to (the 3/£ key etc.).

4) Another difference is the SSD used. The new model uses PCI-e based flash storage which the older model does not have, I think the speed difference is very significant and is something especially you would probably notice working with video files. The GPU and processor speed are insignificant in your case however in my opinion the additional battery life and faster SSD justifies purchasing the newer model.

Good luck with your purchase, this is a great opportunity. The price difference really annoys me. I am looking at a Mac Pro which is ~$6799 in the US and over $10k here. I am considering flying there and doing nothing else than purchasing the machine. The iDevices and notebook price difference is one thing but that is a complete joke, lol.

Jon P D,

when comparing new Mac prices between the UK and the US, keep in mind that UK prices include VAT, but US prices exclude sales tax (for those jurisdictions charging sales tax). Another difference is that the Sales of Goods Act (1982 in Scotland, 1979 elsewhere in the UK) mandates a seller’s warranty in the UK which exceeds the minimum specified by EU Directive 1999/44/EC, and for which no analogue is mandated in the US; the cost of providing those years of warranty is another part of that price difference.

James McConville wrote:

That is why I will be planning on make a purchase via eBay or Craigslist and having the macbook sent to my hotel in New York.

This may entail risk, especially if you do not inspect the MBP prior purchase.

Also, I thought aplecare is international?

Yes, but if you purchase second hand, then the MBP must be in the first year of warranty in order to be eligible for Applecare.

Ciao.

James,

I’d replied to Jon P D rather than to you about the price difference between the US and the UK, because you had stated that you were choosing between two used models, both currently covered either by the manufacturer’s warranty (for the Late 2013 model) or the AppleCare Protection Plan (for the Early 2013 model) — thus, neither sales tax nor the seller’s warranty would be an issue for you, although import duty might be.

Yes, both the manufacturer’s warranty and AppleCare are international; you’ll have no problems there, as long as you’ll be receiving proof of purchase, and whichever MacBook Pro’s current owner follows Apple’s instructions for transferring warranty or AppleCare coverage respectively.