Hey guys! So, you're curious about the MacBook Pro 15-inch from 2017 in 2023, huh? That's a solid question, and one a lot of people are asking! Considering how tech evolves, is this aging machine still got it? Or is it a relic of the past better left untouched? Let's dive deep and find out if this laptop is still worth your hard-earned cash in the current year. We'll cover everything from its specs and performance to its real-world usability, so you can make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

Let's kick things off with the design and build quality. The 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch, even by today's standards, is a pretty sleek machine. It sports that classic Apple aesthetic: a unibody aluminum design that feels premium and robust. It's got that iconic minimalist look that still turns heads. The color options were limited, typically space gray or silver, so no wild colors here, but they are timeless choices. Compared to the newer models, it's a bit thicker and heavier. However, back in 2017, it was considered quite a portable powerhouse. You're looking at a laptop that feels solid in your hands, not flimsy or cheap. Apple always nails the build quality, and this model is no exception. The sturdy chassis gives a sense of durability that inspires confidence. Over the years, this MacBook Pro has proven its resilience, as many of these laptops are still in use today. The build is one of its strongest selling points. It's a machine built to last, which adds to its potential value in the present day. It still feels modern enough that you won't be embarrassed to pull it out at a coffee shop or in a meeting. And let's be honest, the way a device looks and feels matters! So, if you're a fan of elegant design and solid construction, you'll still appreciate what the 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch brings to the table. In terms of wear and tear, the aluminum body can show some scratches and dings over time, especially if you're rough on your devices. But in general, the build is durable and capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use.

Display Quality and Features

Next up, the display. The 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch featured a gorgeous Retina display. Back then, it was one of the best screens you could get on a laptop. It still holds up pretty well today. The resolution is crisp, colors are vibrant, and the brightness is good enough for most situations. Whether you're editing photos, watching movies, or just browsing the web, the display provides an enjoyable visual experience. One of the key features of this display is its wide color gamut. It covers a large portion of the P3 color space, which means it can display a wider range of colors than a typical laptop display. This is particularly beneficial for creative professionals who work with images and videos, as it provides more accurate color representation. It wasn't the brightest display Apple has ever made, but it's more than sufficient for indoor use and even comfortable enough for outdoor use on a cloudy day. The display also has excellent viewing angles, meaning the image quality doesn't degrade much when you're looking at the screen from off-center positions. The Retina display is sharp and clear, making text look incredibly smooth and images appear incredibly detailed. You'll definitely appreciate this if you're used to working on lower-resolution screens. It's an immersive experience that enhances your productivity and entertainment. The display's anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare, so you can work comfortably even in brightly lit environments. Overall, the display on the 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch remains a strong point. It's still a joy to use and offers a quality viewing experience that many modern laptops struggle to match.

Performance and Specs

Let's get to the juicy part: performance and specs. The 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch came with some serious power under the hood. The processor options ranged from Intel Core i7 to Core i9 processors, which were considered high-end at the time. Depending on the configuration, you could also get up to 16GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage. The base models with the i7 processor and 16GB of RAM performed well for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, email, and document editing. When you step up to an i9 processor and more RAM, it can handle more demanding tasks, such as video editing, photo editing, and other creative workloads. The SSD storage is another major plus. It's fast, which means that the system boots up quickly, applications launch quickly, and files are transferred quickly. The graphics card (GPU) is also a significant factor in the performance of this laptop. The 2017 model offered options like the Radeon Pro 555 or 560, which were good enough for the time. They could handle some gaming and were well-suited for creative tasks. In 2023, while these specs might not be cutting edge, they still hold up pretty well. If you're mainly using the laptop for everyday tasks, it will perform smoothly. Even with more demanding tasks, the laptop can still hold its own, especially if you have a model with a high-end processor and ample RAM. However, be aware that the performance may not be as snappy as the newer models with the latest processors and graphics cards. The age of the components is the limiting factor. The 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch is still capable of handling various tasks, from work to entertainment. But consider your specific needs. If you're a heavy user who needs the fastest possible performance, you might want to consider a newer model. If your needs are more basic, this model will still be a capable machine.

Ports and Connectivity

Now, let's talk ports and connectivity. This is where the 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch shows its age a bit. It was one of the first MacBook Pros to ditch most of the traditional ports in favor of Thunderbolt 3 ports. This means it has four Thunderbolt 3 ports. These ports are versatile and can be used for charging, data transfer, and connecting to external displays. The downside is that they require adapters if you want to connect to devices with older ports, such as USB-A devices or an HDMI monitor. The headphone jack is still there, which is a big plus. You will appreciate it if you're someone who uses headphones regularly. The MacBook Pro also supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2. These provide fast wireless connectivity. Compared to the newer models, the lack of traditional ports is a limitation. It means you'll have to carry dongles or adapters to connect to some of your existing devices. This can be an inconvenience, especially if you often connect to external devices. The upside of the Thunderbolt 3 ports is that they provide fast data transfer speeds and allow you to connect to a wide range of devices with the right adapters. They're also future-proof to a certain extent. If you are a user who prefers a streamlined setup, with fewer cables and clutter, the Thunderbolt 3 ports could be seen as an advantage. Ultimately, whether the port selection is a pro or a con depends on your specific needs. If you frequently use legacy devices, you'll need to factor in the cost and inconvenience of adapters. If you primarily use modern peripherals, the Thunderbolt 3 ports will serve you well. Overall, the port selection is a reflection of its time. It was a step toward the future of connectivity, but it does come with certain tradeoffs.

Keyboard and Touchpad

Let's get into the keyboard and touchpad. This is a critical area for many users. The 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch features Apple's butterfly keyboard. This is a low-profile keyboard with a shallow key travel. While it may look sleek, the butterfly keyboard has received mixed reviews over the years. Some users love the feel of the keyboard, while others find it uncomfortable, and some have experienced problems with key sticking. The touchpad is the large, smooth Force Touch trackpad. This trackpad doesn't have a physical click. It uses haptic feedback to simulate the clicking feel. The touchpad is generally excellent. It's responsive, accurate, and supports various gestures, which can significantly enhance your productivity. It's a joy to use. The butterfly keyboard is the biggest concern. If you're considering buying this MacBook Pro, it's essential to test the keyboard. See if you like the feel. Some users adapt to it quickly, but others never get used to it. The key sticking issue is a significant potential problem. This can cause keys to repeat characters or not register keystrokes. This issue is more prevalent on older models. Be aware that the butterfly keyboard has been known to be problematic and may require repairs. The touchpad, on the other hand, is a strong point. It's one of the best touchpads on the market. If you can live with the butterfly keyboard, the touchpad will make up for it. The overall experience of the keyboard and touchpad is a mixed bag. The touchpad is great, but the keyboard is a potential point of failure and may not be to everyone's liking.

Battery Life

How about the battery life? The 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch offered decent battery life for its time, but it's not going to impress you in 2023. You can expect to get around 4-6 hours of real-world use on a single charge, depending on your usage. If you're doing heavy tasks like video editing or gaming, the battery will drain faster. If you're mainly doing light tasks, you might get a bit more. Compared to the latest MacBook Pros, the battery life is considerably shorter. Newer models have much better battery efficiency, allowing you to work longer on a single charge. The battery has aged over time. Its capacity has likely decreased, resulting in shorter runtimes. When buying a used 2017 MacBook Pro, check the battery health to get an idea of its current performance. You might consider replacing the battery if it's not holding a charge well. Ultimately, the battery life is one of the weaknesses of the 2017 model. It may not be ideal if you need a laptop that can last all day on a single charge. However, if you are mainly using it at home or in a place where you have access to a power outlet, the battery life may not be a major concern.

Price and Value in 2023

Let's talk price and value in 2023. One of the main advantages of buying a used 2017 MacBook Pro is the price. You can typically find these laptops for a much lower price than newer models. This can make it an attractive option if you're on a budget. The value depends on various factors. This includes the configuration of the laptop (processor, RAM, storage), its condition, and the price you pay. Generally, you can find a used 2017 MacBook Pro for between $500 and $800, depending on the factors listed above. However, the price varies widely. Before you buy, do your research and compare prices from different sellers. Make sure to check the laptop's condition carefully and look for any signs of damage or wear and tear. You will also have to consider the potential cost of repairs. The butterfly keyboard is a common point of failure, so factor in the cost of a keyboard replacement. You also have to consider the age of the components, which may not be as reliable as a newer laptop. While the 2017 MacBook Pro can be a good value, it's not a clear winner in terms of price. You should look at what other options are available in the same price range, including newer used laptops or even some new budget-friendly laptops. You might find a better value with a newer model, even if it has slightly lower specs.

Should You Buy It in 2023?

So, should you buy the 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch in 2023? The answer isn't a simple yes or no. It depends on your needs and budget. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Pros:

• Relatively affordable: You can find these laptops at a lower price than newer models.
• Good performance for everyday tasks: The i7 and i9 processors are still capable.
• Excellent display: The Retina display is still sharp and vibrant.
• Premium build quality: The aluminum unibody design is durable and feels great.

Cons:

• Butterfly keyboard: Known for potential issues and may not be suitable for everyone.
• Limited ports: Requires adapters for older devices.
• Shorter battery life: Compared to newer models, the battery doesn't last as long.
• Ageing components: Might not be as reliable as newer models, and future software support may be limited.

If you're on a tight budget and mainly need a laptop for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing, the 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch could be a good choice. However, make sure you're comfortable with the butterfly keyboard. Make sure the price is right. Consider the condition of the laptop and the potential cost of repairs. If you need a laptop for more demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, you should consider a newer model with more powerful components. You should also consider a newer model if you need long battery life or if you frequently use legacy devices. The 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch is still a capable laptop. It can be a good value if you find one in good condition at the right price. But it's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Guys, make sure you do your homework!