need help choosing the best macbook pro out of 3 options

[R4indr0ps]

Sorry I moved this thread to macbooks. I didn't see it when I posted originally!

Hi, I'm looking to get a new macbook pro for my final year for my BFA in design and illustration. Because of the people I work with and the school I go to, only Macs are used, so I would like to avoid any compatibility issues now and when I graduate.

I currently use my PC for Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and some gaming (LoL, WoW, FFXIV, Overwatch... pretty much a lot of online multiplayer games).

I have been given a few choices between these macbook pros and was wondering if they're good deals or not. The offers I have are NOT for refurbished models but new in box items.

(All info from Apple.com)
13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.4GHz Dual-core Intel i5 with Retina Display
Originally released October 2013
13.3-inch (diagonal) Retina display; 2560-by-1600 resolution at 227 pixels per inch
8GB of 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
256GB Flash Storage1
720p FaceTime HD camera
Intel Iris Graphic
http://www.apple.com/shop/product/FE865LL/A/refurbished-133-inch-macbook-pro-24ghz-dual-core-intel-core-i5 = $1000 (originally $1200)

13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.8GHz Dual-core Intel i5 with Retina Display
Originally released July 2014
13.3-inch (diagonal) Retina display; 2560-by-1600 resolution at 227 pixels per inch
8GB of 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
512GB Flash Storage1
720p FaceTime HD Camera
Intel Iris Graphic
http://www.apple.com/shop/product/FGX92LL/A/Refurbished-133-inch-MacBook-Pro-28GHz-Dual-core-Intel-i5-with-Retina-Display = $1250 (note sure on price?)

13.3-inch MacBook Pro 3.0GHz Dual-core Intel i7 with Retina Display
Originally released July 2014
13.3-inch (diagonal) Retina display; 2560-by-1600 resolution at 227 pixels per inch
8GB of 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
512GB Flash Storage1
720p FaceTime HD Camera
Intel Iris Graphics
http://www.apple.com/shop/product/G0RB1LL/A/Refurbished-133-inch-MacBook-Pro-30GHz-Dual-core-Intel-i7-with-Retina-Display = $1400 (originally $1800)

Also I feel that since these models from late 2013-2014, does that mean they're more than likely clearance ones? Should this matter when buying a macbook?

Thanks for reading.

 

[BadAsAl]

If they are new in box then I wouldn't worry about them being clearance, just means they are probably just selling off old stock.
Since they are all the same screen type and size, and have the same RAM, you are basically looking at storage and processor for comparison.

BTW - you can easily upgrade the SSD to a higher capacity later but the RAM is part of the Logic Board so cannot be upgraded.

To compare processors using passmark.com benchmarks:
#1 has an I5-4258U that scored 4049
#2 has an I5-4308U that scored 4633
#3 has an I7-4578U that scored 4959

Boiled down:
If you go for option #2 over option #1 you are paying $250 for 256GB additional storage and +-15% increase in processor power
If you go for option #3 over option #1 you are paying $400 for 256GB additional storage and +-23% increase in processor power
If you go for option #3 over option #2 you are paying $150 for +-8% increase in processor power

If storage is not a concern, I'd go with #1.
If storage is a concern, I'd go with #2.