The MacBook Pro 2017 marked a significant shift in Apple’s laptop lineup, introducing a new design language, performance upgrades, and a controversial port selection. This model, released in late 2016, quickly became a subject of debate among tech enthusiasts and professionals alike, with some praising its power and sleek aesthetics while others criticized its departure from traditional design elements.
The 2017 MacBook Pro featured a thinner and lighter design compared to its predecessors, with a new Touch Bar replacing the function keys and a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button. The display, a Retina display with a higher resolution and wider color gamut, offered a stunning visual experience.
Under the hood, the laptop boasted powerful Intel processors, faster SSD storage, and improved graphics capabilities, making it a formidable machine for demanding tasks like video editing and software development.
2017 MacBook Pro: A Comprehensive Review: Macbook Pro 2017
The 2017 MacBook Pro marked a significant shift in Apple’s laptop lineup, introducing a redesigned chassis, new input methods, and powerful performance enhancements. This model was lauded for its sleek design, impressive display, and robust performance, but it also faced criticism for its port selection and controversial keyboard.
This review delves into the key features, strengths, and weaknesses of the 2017 MacBook Pro, offering a comprehensive analysis of its impact and value.
Design and Build
The 2017 MacBook Pro adopted a more minimalist aesthetic compared to its predecessors, featuring a slimmer profile and a unibody aluminum construction. The design was praised for its sleekness and durability, but the thinness came at the cost of reduced port selection, a topic we will explore in detail later.
The overall build quality was exceptional, with a solid feel and a premium look and feel.
Display
The 2017 MacBook Pro offered a stunning Retina display with a high resolution and excellent color accuracy. The display technology used varied across different models, with some featuring a standard Retina display while others boasted a brighter and more vibrant True Tone display.
The display was a significant improvement over previous generations, offering a more immersive visual experience.
Performance
The 2017 MacBook Pro was equipped with powerful Intel processors, ranging from the dual-core Core i5 to the quad-core Core i7. The graphics performance was enhanced with dedicated AMD Radeon Pro graphics cards, providing a substantial boost for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.
The performance improvements were substantial, allowing the 2017 MacBook Pro to handle a wide range of tasks with ease.
Ports and Connectivity
One of the most controversial aspects of the 2017 MacBook Pro was its port selection. Apple opted for a minimalist approach, replacing the traditional USB-A ports with USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports. While this provided faster data transfer speeds and greater versatility, it also meant users needed to purchase adapters or dongles to connect older peripherals.
- Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
- One headphone jack
The reduced port selection was a major point of contention, with many users finding it inconvenient and limiting. However, Apple argued that the move towards USB-C was necessary to future-proof the MacBook Pro and promote a more streamlined and unified port ecosystem.
Battery Life
The 2017 MacBook Pro boasted impressive battery life, with Apple claiming up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge. The actual battery life varied depending on usage patterns and tasks performed. However, in general, the 2017 MacBook Pro offered a competitive battery life compared to other laptops in its class.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The 2017 MacBook Pro introduced a new butterfly keyboard mechanism, which was designed to be thinner and more responsive. However, this keyboard design was plagued by reliability issues, with many users experiencing key sticking, repeating, or failing altogether. The touchpad, on the other hand, was widely praised for its smooth and responsive operation, offering a comfortable and intuitive user experience.
Software and Operating System, Macbook pro 2017
The 2017 MacBook Pro shipped with macOS Sierra, Apple’s latest operating system at the time. macOS Sierra offered a streamlined and user-friendly interface, along with a suite of productivity and creativity tools. The software experience was generally positive, with users praising its stability and ease of use.
Price and Value
The 2017 MacBook Pro was priced at a premium, reflecting its high-end features and performance capabilities. The starting price for the base model was around $1,299, while higher-end configurations could cost significantly more. Despite its high price, the 2017 MacBook Pro offered a strong value proposition for users who required a powerful and portable laptop.
Final Conclusion
The MacBook Pro 2017 represented a bold move by Apple, pushing the boundaries of laptop design and performance. While its innovative features and powerful capabilities attracted many users, its lack of traditional ports and the controversial Touch Bar generated significant debate.
Ultimately, the 2017 MacBook Pro stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing the limits of technology, leaving a lasting impact on the laptop landscape and sparking discussions about the future of computing.