Apple MacBook Pro 17 - Early 2011

Overview

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 14 expert reviews

Excellent:

5
Good:

6
Average:

1
Bad:

2

Pros:

Ultra-solid unibody construction, Gorgeous high-resolution display, Fast, efficient Core i7 processor, Intel Thunderbolt, FireWire 800, ExpressCard 34, Superb speakers, Above-par battery life, Backlit keyboard

Cons:

Glossy screen catches glare, doesn’t recline far enough, No SD card slot, crowded USB ports, Scarce Thunderbolt accessories, for now, Unnecessarily condensed keyboard, No Blu-ray drive option, Steep price premium, No user-replaceable battery

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Last revision on April 22, 2020

Reviewers Liked

Ultra-solid unibody construction, Gorgeous high-resolution display, Fast, efficient Core i7 processor, Intel Thunderbolt, FireWire 800, ExpressCard 34, Superb speakers, Above-par battery life, Backlit keyboard

Reviewers Didn't Like

Glossy screen catches glare, doesn’t recline far enough, No SD card slot, crowded USB ports, Scarce Thunderbolt accessories, for now, Unnecessarily condensed keyboard, No Blu-ray drive option, Steep price premium, No user-replaceable battery

Expert reviews and ratings

It’s highly desirable, but ultra-expensive; unless you need its power and big, high resolution screen, the 15in version is better...

By Expert Reviews on September 15, 2011

I admit the MacBook Pro is not perfect – actually, it is bloody expensive at a mere quid short of £2,100. Add to that the cost of any of the aforementioned adapters, which might involve a new found love of the ExpressCard/34 slot, if you get...

By RegHardware on August 23, 2011

The 2011 MacBook Pro refresh is far more radical than it might seem. At a glance, the aluminium unibody Apple MacBook Pro line-up â€“ including this top-of-the-range 17-inch model â€“ look pretty much the same as their...

By TechRadar on July 27, 2011

100

A powerful processor, a good quality panel, an impeccable finish, a graphics card that can handle a good few games titles and really excellent battery life: this is what you get with this 17 inch machine. Even its little imperfections (lack of number...

By DigitalVersus on April 15, 2011

From the outset, Apple's MacBook Pro has been the standard-bearer for professional notebook computers. Apple's extra-mile engineering sets the bar for performance, durability, build quality, longevity, ergonomics, battery life, and connectivity....

By InfoWorld on March 30, 2011

The MacBook Pro 17“ is without a doubt a very impressive laptop. The excellent combination of powerful performance, light weight case and long battery life is unmatched. It's clearly developed for Mac OS X and only when using this operating...

By NotebookCheck on March 29, 2011

If you’re looking for a notebook with all the power and creature comforts of a desktop, it’s hard to find a homier setup than Apple’s 17-inch MacBook Pro....

By Digital Trends on March 22, 2011

Apple’s most expensive notebook, this 17-inch MacBook Pro, offers similar specs to the high-end 15-inch model. but bigger screen (obviously), three USB ports instead of two and an ExpressCard/34 slot instead of an SDXC reader, but the two...

By T3 Magazine on March 11, 2011

It's a monster of a laptop, with Sandy Bridge power and long battery life. But the price is pretty monstrous too....

By PC Authority on March 09, 2011

The 17in MacBook Pro is a powerful desktop replacement laptop that's also equipped with a great screen, long battery life, several useful design touches as well as a comfortable keyboard and touch pad too. It's expensive though and the lack of...

By IT PRO on March 02, 2011

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