A Comprehensive Review of the MacBook Pro 2017: A Classic Blend of Power and Portability
The MacBook Pro 2017 is a device that continues to resonate with users who value a combination of style, functionality, and reliable performance. Even years after its release, it remains a solid choice for professionals, students, and creatives. This article explores the design, performance, features, and relevance of the MacBook Pro 2017 in today’s tech landscape.
Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Sophisticated
Apple is renowned for its design prowess, and the MacBook Pro 2017 exemplifies this. Encased in an aluminum unibody, the laptop is both lightweight and durable. Weighing just over 3 pounds and measuring 14.9mm in thickness, it is highly portable and perfect for users who are always on the move.
The design retains Apple’s minimalist aesthetic, available in Silver and Space Gray finishes. Its build feels premium, with no flex in the body or screen, and the attention to detail is evident in the precision-cut edges. The slim bezels around the display add a modern touch, although they may appear dated compared to today’s edge-to-edge designs.
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Display: Retina at Its Best
The MacBook Pro 2017 features a 13.3-inch or 15.4-inch Retina display, depending on the variant. The display is one of the laptop’s standout features, offering a resolution of 2560 x 1600 (for the 13-inch model) or 2880 x 1800 (for the 15-inch model).
With support for the P3 wide color gamut and True Tone technology, the screen delivers vibrant colors, sharp text, and impressive brightness levels. True Tone adjusts the display’s color temperature based on ambient lighting, making it easier on the eyes during prolonged use.
Performance: Power Under the Hood
Processor Options
The MacBook Pro 2017 comes in two primary configurations:
- The 13-inch model is powered by Intel’s dual-core 7th-generation Kaby Lake processors, ranging from the Core i5 to Core i7.
- The 15-inch model steps up to quad-core processors, making it better suited for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
Graphics
The integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics in the 13-inch model and dedicated Radeon Pro graphics in the 15-inch variant cater to different user needs. While the 13-inch MacBook Pro is ideal for casual creative tasks, the 15-inch model provides the horsepower for professionals in graphic design and video production.
RAM and Storage
With up to 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM and SSD options ranging from 128GB to 1TB, the MacBook Pro 2017 ensures fast performance and ample storage. The SSDs are notably speedy, enabling quick boot times and smooth multitasking.
Real-World Performance
The device handles everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption effortlessly. Even several years after its release, the MacBook Pro 2017 remains capable of handling professional workflows, albeit with some limitations when it comes to high-end gaming or ultra-complex 3D modeling.
Keyboard and Touch Bar: A Mixed Bag
One of the most polarizing aspects of the MacBook Pro 2017 is its keyboard. The second-generation butterfly keyboard offers a shallow key travel, which some users appreciate for its responsiveness, while others find it less comfortable for long typing sessions. Additionally, the butterfly mechanism has been criticized for reliability issues, as keys can become unresponsive due to dust or debris.
This OLED strip replaces the traditional function keys and offers context-specific controls. While it’s innovative, its utility is subjective, with some users finding it indispensable and others considering it a gimmick. The Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button is a welcome addition, providing fast and secure login capabilities.
Ports and Connectivity: Adaptation Required
In its quest for minimalism, Apple equipped the MacBook Pro 2017 with only Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports. The 13-inch model has two or four Thunderbolt 3 ports depending on the configuration, while the 15-inch model exclusively offers four. While Thunderbolt 3 provides versatility and fast data transfer, the absence of standard USB-A, HDMI, and SD card slots necessitates the use of adapters or dongles, which can be inconvenient for some users.
For wireless connectivity, the laptop supports Bluetooth 4.2 and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, delivering reliable and fast wireless performance.
Battery Life: Reliable for All-Day Use
The MacBook Pro 2017 offers impressive battery life, with the 13-inch model lasting up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback and the 15-inch model offering slightly less due to its more powerful hardware. These numbers hold up well in real-world usage, making the laptop a dependable companion for a full day of work or study without needing to recharge.
Software: macOS Experience
The MacBook Pro 2017 ships with macOS Sierra but is upgradeable to the latest macOS versions, ensuring access to modern features and security updates. Features like Continuity, Handoff, and iCloud integration make it particularly appealing for users within the Apple ecosystem.
Relevance in 2024: Is It Still Worth It?
Despite being seven years old, the MacBook Pro 2017 remains a viable option for certain users, especially those on a budget. Its premium build quality, excellent display, and sufficient performance make it suitable for everyday tasks and light professional use.
Pros
- Premium design and build quality
- High-quality Retina display with True Tone
- Reliable battery life
- Compatibility with the latest macOS updates
Cons
- Limited port selection
- Potential keyboard reliability issues
- Aging processor and graphics technology
For users who prioritize modern hardware and cutting-edge features, newer MacBook models with Apple’s M1 or M2 chips are more future-proof. However, the MacBook Pro 2017 remains a capable and affordable entry into Apple’s ecosystem.
Conclusion
The MacBook Pro 2017 strikes a balance between design, performance, and functionality. While it may lack the raw power and advanced features of its successors, it is a dependable machine that continues to serve its purpose for many users. Whether you’re considering it as a primary laptop or a secondary device, its combination of elegance and efficiency ensures it remains a classic in Apple’s lineup.