We have quite a few of the '10 & '11 15" models (approx. 200) all have been quite reliable.
The only issue we have had is controlling (force) which graphics services to use per a given app. So the built-in Intel graphics can be over-ridden using instead the AMD Radeon HD 6750M.
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Apple's desire to be auto-magic is a bit flawed here, as it is expecting people to need the same thing. In truth our needs are sometimes opposite to their design goal (needing the better GPU on battery). I can't fault Apple for trying to make a dual GPU system work based on power Vs users needs, as the general public most likely doesn't understand the ramifications of using a given GPU unit. I suspect that is why Apples newer systems are moving away from the dual GPU setup (at least the built-in GPU's are much better in todays models).
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Apple's desire to be auto-magic is a bit flawed here, as it is expecting people to need the same thing. In truth our needs are sometimes opposite to their design goal (needing the better GPU). I can't fault Apple for trying to make a dual GPU system work based on power Vs users needs, as the general public most likely doesn't understand the ramifications of using a given GPU unit. I suspect that is why Apples newer systems are moving away from the dual GPU setup (at least the built-in GPU's are much better in todays models).
Here's a good write up on how to do some control while it's not perfect it does help: [http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/macbook-pro-unibody-faq/macbook-pro-unibody-switching-between-graphics-processors.html|Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A - Updated July 27, 2012]
We have quite a few of the '10 & '11 15" models (apron. 200) all have been quite reliable.
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We have quite a few of the '10 & '11 15" models (approx. 200) all have been quite reliable.
The only issue we have had is controlling (force) which graphics services to use per a given app. So the built-in Intel graphics can be over-ridden using instead the AMD Radeon HD 6750M.
Apple's desire to be auto-magic is a bit flawed here, as it is expecting people to need the same thing. In truth our needs are sometimes opposite to their design goal (needing the better GPU on battery). I can't fault Apple for trying to make a dual GPU system work based on power Vs users needs, as the general public most likely doesn't understand the ramifications of using a given GPU unit. I suspect that is why Apples newer systems are moving away from the dual GPU setup (at least the built-in GPU's are much better in todays models).
Here's a good write up on how to do some control while it's not perfect it does help: [http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/macbook-pro-unibody-faq/macbook-pro-unibody-switching-between-graphics-processors.html|Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A - Updated July 27, 2012]
We have quite a few of the '10 & '11 15" models (apron. 200) all have been quite reliable.
The only issue we have had is controlling (force) which graphics services to use per a given app. So the built-in Intel graphics can be over-ridden using instead the AMD Radeon HD 6750M.
Apple's desire to be auto-magic is a bit flawed here, as it is expecting people to need the same thing. In truth our needs are sometimes opposite to their design goal (needing the better GPU on battery). I can't fault Apple for trying to make a dual GPU system work based on power Vs users needs, as the general public most likely doesn't understand the ramifications of using a given GPU unit. I suspect that is why Apples newer systems are moving away from the dual GPU setup (at least the built-in GPU's are much better in todays models).
Here's a good write up on how to do some control while it's not perfect it does help: [http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/macbook-pro-unibody-faq/macbook-pro-unibody-switching-between-graphics-processors.html|Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A - Updated July 27, 2012]