Which Macbook is a better value?

[Bum Hole]

I'm currently deciding what laptop I should buy for my University needs.

 

I intend on using it for web browsing, word processing and maybe a bit of video editing.

 

The two deals are the following:

 

1. 2011 Macbook Pro $650

2.4 GHz Intel Core i5

(8gb + 2gb) 10 GB 1333 MHz DDR3

Intel HD Graphics 3000 512 MB

256 GB Vertex4 SSD 

 

2. 2012 Retina Macbook Pro (Base Configuration) $800

2.5 GHz Intel Core i5

(4gb + 4gb) 8GB 1600 MHz DDR3

Intel HD Graphics 4000 

128 GB SSD

 

What is a better deal and if I plan on reselling the laptop in a year or two, which one will lose my the least money?

 

Thank you for your help.

[PetiteBob]

It depends do you want a better display and less ram at faster speed or 2 more gigs of ram at slower speed and a bigger SSD

[Dietrichw]

I would go for the retina unless you really need the extra storage onboard

[Nishizumi]

I'd go and get the Retina Macbook. It should last you longer than the 2011 Macbook, even if it isn't as upgradable. Also, if you take good care of it, it would resell pretty well.

[KWelz]

I would also suggest the Retina.  You can replace the SSD with a larger one if you need too.

[PetiteBob]

I would also suggest the Retina.  You can replace the SSD with a larger one if you need too.

Or just use an external 

[Thebman712]

it really depends, do you want the retina or not

 

i would say that the 2011 mbp is a better deal and has more upgradeablity but the 2012 mbpr is a nicer device

[KWelz]

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Air-Retina/Apple-MacBook-Pro-Retina-2012-Drive-Internal-Flash

[Goose Legs]

I'd go for the Retina. The display is better, and they tend to get better battery life than previous models. 

[Decon]

I'm currently deciding what laptop I should buy for my University needs.

 

I intend on using it for web browsing, word processing and maybe a bit of video editing.

 

The two deals are the following:

 

1. 2011 Macbook Pro $650

2.4 GHz Intel Core i5

(8gb + 2gb) 10 GB 1333 MHz DDR3

Intel HD Graphics 3000 512 MB

256 GB Vertex4 SSD 

 

2. 2012 Retina Macbook Pro (Base Configuration) $800

2.5 GHz Intel Core i5

(4gb + 4gb) 8GB 1600 MHz DDR3

Intel HD Graphics 4000 

128 GB SSD

 

What is a better deal and if I plan on reselling the laptop in a year or two, which one will lose my the least money?

 

Thank you for your help.

if web browsing get the retina.  

[Root]

I'm currently deciding what laptop I should buy for my University needs.

 

I intend on using it for web browsing, word processing and maybe a bit of video editing.

 

The two deals are the following:

 

1. 2011 Macbook Pro $650

2.4 GHz Intel Core i5

(8gb + 2gb) 10 GB 1333 MHz DDR3

Intel HD Graphics 3000 512 MB

256 GB Vertex4 SSD 

 

2. 2012 Retina Macbook Pro (Base Configuration) $800

2.5 GHz Intel Core i5

(4gb + 4gb) 8GB 1600 MHz DDR3

Intel HD Graphics 4000 

128 GB SSD

 

What is a better deal and if I plan on reselling the laptop in a year or two, which one will lose my the least money?

 

Thank you for your help.

I would get the second choice. Also, is the i5 a quad core or dual core (15" or 13" MBP)? As long as you keep good care of it you shouldn't lose that much money, maybe $100-200 of a lose depending on when you sell it. The storage you can upgrade, if it's upgradable, or buy an external hard drive. You're only losing 2GB of RAM which isn't an issue for what you need.