Product ReviewsApple MacBook Pro A1297 17" Laptop - MC725LL/A (February, 2011)

Beauty + Functionality = Value: My “New” MacBook Pro 17". Gratitude galore!

We are very pleased with this purchase. Surprised was I to acquire it; thus, thanks to my benefactor. I required the larger size for what I do as a music composer/arranger, and as a designer of bulletins, programs, and presentations, etc., and was saddened that Apple had discontinued this size, so a “USED” computer was the only logical resolution to that thorny and unanticipated challenge.

I am delighted with the size, the speed, the screen quality of the 17" MacBook Pro. This computer accompanies me, even at church, for notes, for scriptural references, for overhead presentations, and for whatever else is requested. As for presentations with the Keynote application — similar but infinitely superior to PowerPoint —, although I have the capability to connect the computer to an overhead projector, this 17" monitor can be effectively used as the screen itself. My 24" iMac also serves this purpose with flying colors (no pun intended).

My sons and sons-in-laws, daughters and daughters-in-law, and now, even my wife (but no wife-in-law) have basically the same quality model, except smaller (15" and 13" MacBook Pros and a MacBook Air), so, one might say we are a Mac Family! Only one son has not, as yet, taken the proverbial plunge. Even one son-in-law, a computer guru, has moved to the “light,” using PCs only when absolutely necessary. And we have iPads as well, and iPhones, where feasible.

The list of what I dislike about the computer is very short:

• The scroll direction is reversed, compared to former models. Were I to know what might be done to remedy that “problem,” and then to actually put that knowledge to use, that would be a good thing to witness and utilize. I would be even more appreciative were it to transpire. Even so, I believe that to be a software situation, not associated with the computer’s functionality.

• The battery life is shorter than I had anticipated, with no way of inserting a second charged battery in its place as the charge has been depleted.Read full review...

Great notebook if you can afford it. Worth the investment in my opinion.

I bought this product because I was disappointed with my HP Dv7 17.3" notebook. This surpasses my Dv7-4296nr in several ways, even though almost all of the specs are very comparable. This Macbook runs faster and more smoothly than my PC (even Windows 7 works better on it), and has a much higher resolution. I was wary of getting a Macbook because I wasn't sure if I wanted to use a notebook that was not as wide as my 17.3" PC. However the resolution more than makes up for it. Running games like Half-Life 2 Episode 2 is a lot of fun on this machine, moreso than on my old PC. However, some of the very latest games like Deus Ex: Human Revolution seem to fall behind my PC in graphics. It may just be that I'm running it at the same resolution as my PC, and it's very noticable. I'll have to look into it. The other downside I feel is the speakers. My PC had Beats audio, which is a built-in surround sound gimmick HP is marketing. This model is supposed to have subwoofers, but it only has two speakers that I see. And the sound is only slightly more muffled than my PC was. However if you want really good sound you should probably have special speakers for that anyway.

I haven't been able to find any products that support the Thunderbolt interface yet. I suppose we're going to be seeing a lot more of that in the future. For now, it's useless to me, unless I buy an extra monitor from Apple. That's really not in my price range. We'll see what else comes out during the next year.

These MacBooks get very expensive. But if you know you need a good solid notebook that works without a hitch, even running Windows 7, this is well worth looking into closely. Especially now, while they've been around for a while, and the newer models are taking center stage.Read full review...

2011 17" MacBook Pro

Major improvement over the previous 2008 model. 2011 Unibody i7 models are the last of the 17" screens which easily allow two page views. Very bright display. The 1080p Matte Display is suggested. Very solid construction. The one we purchased already had the logic board replaced by Apple. Still better or equal to the current 15" MacBook Pro Models.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: ace7733

A thing of beauty, perfect in every way ! But! Buy! Buy!

The top of the line, this is my second one, Iet my daughter take our dual core to college with her ! My first one is 6 years old running like a dream, my second one, a quad core as listed is a screamer with 4gig and 7200 rpm sata 2 layer. The picture is a dream but can't wait to see the retina display ! Neither machine has ever so much as burped, unlike their IBM/ Microsoft counterparts that are getting bigger and faster, but stuck has only one speed......stopped ! All in all these COMPUTERS are next to perfect and I would recommend them to anyone serious about computing power and not games ! Don't get me wrong it will play games as most designers choose the Apple G5 or some such Apple equipment ! So go out and buy with confidence your last, best and first "Real" computer !Read full review...

A Great laptop

If you're looking to buy a affordable fast reliable big screen 17 inch laptop Apple? Look no further. This laptop is a beast. The last of its kind. This is Apples last 17 inch size laptop computer. So they put there best into it as a final farewell. I purchased this badboy in Jan.2020 and It has impressed me greatly. Makes all my other laptops seem slow. You do not have to take my word for it. Just try it for yourself and you will not be disappointed. But you better hurry. They seem to be selling out fast.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: geeks

The best Apple has to offer in 2011!

This is the Macbook of the future -- today! You could not ask for a more powerful laptop than this! The laptop has the best CPU chip inside, excellent space with hard drive capacity, and overall design of an A+! I have serviced other computers, but nothing like this! I cannot say anything bad about this model.

Go get one today!Read full review...

Great

Awesome laptop great screen size love it

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: goroostr

Even two years later this laptop is still the best mac portable!!!

The biggest and best laptop offered by apple. If you upgrade the ram to either 8gb or 16gb and put an ssd in it then it will absolutely fly! starts up in ~15 seconds with a samsung 840 ssd. programs open instantly and the wifi is the best in any laptop i have used to date. A little heavy but still very lightweight considering it is a 17 inch laptop!Read full review...

Top notch

Reallly good deal. Pretty much got a top of the line maxed out Mac book with the exception of the small HD which is no biggie for half the cost. And on top of that. It came to my door a day early. 5 starsRead full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: macsupercenter

2011 MacBook 17in

Guys, this MacBook I just got literally looks like it came fresh out of the box. I absolutely recommend because I think I got more than I expected. Also good job guys for making this feel like a whole new computer.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: itsworthmore