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    RMBP 13" Late 2013 vs Mid 2014 (256 GB model)

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by fyre31, Aug 12, 2014.

  1. fyre31

    fyre31 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey guys, I've been waiting for the 2014 refresh of the RMBP for quite a while now. Needless to say, I was pretty disappointed when they announced the refresh with just a minor speed bump (albeit twice the RAM for the base model). However, I've already decided that I'm getting the Macbook now (within the week) instead of suffering the waiting game for any longer. I'm going to be needing much more than 128 GB (will be installing Windows apps through Parallels or Bootcamp) so the RAM bump is pretty much useless for me.

    Now, my question is this: Are there any other changes with the 256 GB model 2013 -> 2014 other than the measly .2 speed bump? Like a newer/different SSD, or RAM module? In my area, the 2014 model is about ~$100 more expensive than the old one. I think that much difference wouldn't justify just a .2 speed bump, but I might reconsider if the newer model has something else updated that wasn't mentioned in the the release (as is typical of Apple).
     
    fyre31, Aug 12, 2014
    #1
  2. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Aside from the speed bumped processor and increased base RAM, there is nothing new or different between the 2013 and 2014 models. If they're available in your area, you should consider a refurbished unit. They offer significant savings and carry the same warranty as new.
     
    saturnotaku, Aug 12, 2014
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    fyre31 likes this.
  3. fyre31

    fyre31 Notebook Enthusiast

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    We don't have refurbs here sadly. Anyway, thanks for your reply. Guess I'm going with the late 2013 version :)
     
    fyre31, Aug 12, 2014
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  4. Diversion

    Diversion Notebook Deity

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    Nothing has changed except for the now 8gb base ram (thank you, Apple!) and faster CPUs.. However, the sweet spot is the new i5-4308U 2.8ghz since it's 400mhz faster than the old '13 base AND the GPU has the same clockspeed as the i7 model.. It's also faster than the '13 i7 model.

    The new 3.0ghz i7 seems nice, but 200mhz for $300 and slightly more CPU cache? Doubtful you'd ever notice a difference, I am a bit of snob though and like just buying the i7 of any model just to know that i'm getting the fastest experience but I went with the 2.8ghz i5 and this thing smokes.. Definately noticeably faster than the '14 MBA base model at 1.4ghz..
     
    Diversion, Aug 13, 2014
    #4