I am in the market to upgrade my 2010 MBP. I have had great luck buying refurbs from Apple, and am underwhelmed by the recent MBP refresh (I like upgrading ram/drives), so I think I should jump on one now. I think I'm going to upgrade the 2011 MBP. I'd like to have the Thunderbolt port along with the quad i7.

For those of you who have used this model, is there any reason to purchase the hi-res display for everyday use? I prefer the glossy display, but the higher resolution may come in handy. Are there any hardware/software issues with this generation of MBP?

If Apple continues down the path of "disposable" $2000 laptops, this may be my last laptop purchase, so I would spend the extra cash now to maximize the life of the machine.

You do know that they still sell a new model of the old style, right?

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C(-)ris

If you wait a couple months until they have the new models as refurbs, last year's models will be discounted even further.

Chris... You are correct. I guess when I said that it might be my last laptop, I stated that partially because I also have an iPad, and see that device replacing a laptop for many purposes. Writing code requires a computer, which is why I also have a need for something more versatile than an iPad. So, I could upgrade again down the road since Apple is still producing non-Retina MBP's, but maybe I'll be retired by then (one can dream)!!

DavidS... good point. No need to rush now is there! A couple months will save me some cash.

I think the current value king is the refurb 15" Early 2011 2.0 quad core. At $1229 it costs nearly the same as a new 13" dual core.

[www.refurb.me]

WTH are you talking about?

2012 MBPs drives and ram are fully upgradeable by the user, total DIY parts. "upgrading" to a 2011 MBP wont get you anything less than a 2012 MBP, since they are the exact same machine physically. If anything you *want* a 2012 over a 2011 for its USB 3 ports. really fast (fasterthan FW800) for cheap.

If anything, waiting 6-8 months -- by 2013 would be alb to get you a "regular" MBP with a retina display. Its the obvious next step for the MBP

And I wish people would stop throwing around the work "disposable" like they know what it means. MBPRD is hardly "disposable" -- regardless if the battery is a not a DIy part.

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The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs [www.fakesteve.net]

From what I have heard, the battery is not the only non upgrade-able component in the MBPR.

if you want a 17" MBP, go for it
if i had the dough to do it, I would

Yes, there are some instances where a 17" would be awesome! But, I was really just wondering...

For those of you who have used this <2011> model, is there any reason to purchase the hi-res display for everyday use? I prefer the glossy display, but the higher resolution may come in handy. Are there any hardware/software issues with this generation of MBP?

if i were buying a MBP, i'd buy the hi-res antiglare.

but that's me.

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[www.giyf.com]

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hotdogthemovie
For those of you who have used this <2011> model, is there any reason to purchase the hi-res display for everyday use? I prefer the glossy display, but the higher resolution may come in handy.

I think nearly everyone who gets the hi-res anti-glare display is getting it because they prefer anti-glare over glossy. The higher resolution is just a nice bonus.

Higher resolution is nice but if you actually prefer glossy I would just get that.

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hotdogthemovie
From what I have heard, the battery is not the only non upgrade-able component in the MBPR.

True. Can't upgrade RAM and the SSD is a non standard seemingly Apple proprietary connector. I wouldn't buy one because I'm not wedded to the Mac OS. There are other systems that better fit my price point and requirements.

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silvarios

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hotdogthemovie
From what I have heard, the battery is not the only non upgrade-able component in the MBPR.

True. Can't upgrade RAM and the SSD is a non standard seemingly Apple proprietary connector. I wouldn't buy one because I'm not wedded to the Mac OS. There are other systems that better fit my price point and requirements.

True enough. Since its standard with 8 gigs -- which is pretty healthy -- I dont really see that as an issue. And the boost to 16 gigs @ $200 isnt unresonable. Drives will soon be offered by our lovely forum sponsor, just like they offer them for the 2010 and 2011 MBAirs. [blog.macsales.com]

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The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs [www.fakesteve.net]

I'm strictly anti-glare, and the 2011 hi-res, anti-glare is a keeper. If you like the glossy, go for it... the only drawback, and I'm assuming it's the same for the glossy, is that w/ the 2011 hi-res screen, the other (lower) video resolution options are kinda weird sizes for the laptop's screen.

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I'm rather happy with my 2011 17in hi-res glossy quad core i7. The 17in screen has spoiled me. If you get the 17in refurb you will love it.

I got the HiDef Matte screen when I ordered my August, 2009 17" MBP. I much prefer the anti-glare screen. I'm very sad to see Apple abandoning the 17" screen. My 17" MBP has been a desktop replacement for years now.