Hey guys! Let's dive into the MacBook Pro 2017. While it's a solid machine, it's not without its quirks. If you're thinking about picking one up, or you're already rocking one, you'll want to know about these potential drawbacks.

Keyboard Issues

One of the most talked-about issues with the 2017 MacBook Pro is its keyboard. Apple used the butterfly mechanism, which was designed to be thinner and more stable than traditional scissor-switch keyboards. However, this design proved to be quite problematic. Dust and small particles could easily get stuck under the keys, causing them to become unresponsive, sticky, or even repeat characters. Imagine you're in the middle of an important presentation or trying to finish a crucial project, and your 'E' key suddenly decides to type 'EEEEEEEE' – not fun, right? This issue was so widespread that it led to numerous complaints and even a class-action lawsuit against Apple. The butterfly keyboard was used from 2016 to 2019, and many users experienced these problems. While Apple did offer a repair program to address these keyboard issues, it was still a significant inconvenience for many users. If you're considering a 2017 MacBook Pro, be sure to check the keyboard thoroughly. Type on every key multiple times to ensure they are all responsive and don't stick. Consider purchasing a keyboard cover to prevent dust and debris from getting under the keys. Alternatively, if you're comfortable with it, you can try using compressed air to clean the keyboard regularly. The keyboard issue is a major factor to consider when deciding whether to buy a 2017 MacBook Pro. Despite its other strengths, this flaw can be a deal-breaker for many users who rely on their laptops for heavy typing tasks. Apple eventually moved away from the butterfly keyboard design, acknowledging its shortcomings and returning to the more reliable scissor-switch mechanism in later models.

Limited Ports

The MacBook Pro 2017 comes with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, and while these ports are incredibly versatile, they can also be a pain. You only get these ports, and depending on the model, you might only have two of them. This means you'll probably need dongles or adapters for many of your older devices. Want to plug in a regular USB drive? Dongle. Need to connect an HDMI cable? Dongle. Trying to use an SD card reader? You guessed it – dongle. This can be especially frustrating if you're used to having a variety of ports readily available. The lack of ports can also make your setup look cluttered, with dongles and adapters dangling from your laptop. Plus, carrying around multiple dongles can be a hassle, especially when you're on the go. While Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports offer fast data transfer speeds and can support multiple displays, the inconvenience of needing adapters for almost everything can outweigh the benefits for some users. If you rely heavily on older peripherals or need a variety of ports for your workflow, you might find the limited port selection on the 2017 MacBook Pro to be a major drawback. Consider whether you're willing to invest in the necessary adapters and if you can tolerate the added clutter they bring. Some users opt for docking stations, which offer a wider range of ports in a single device, but these can be expensive and take up desk space. Ultimately, the limited port selection is a compromise that you'll need to consider carefully before purchasing a 2017 MacBook Pro. It's a trade-off between modern connectivity and the convenience of having a variety of ports built-in.

Price

Even now, a used MacBook Pro 2017 can still set you back a pretty penny. When they were new, these machines were expensive, and even on the used market, they hold their value relatively well. For the price, you might be able to get a newer laptop with better specs and fewer potential issues. You have to weigh the cost against the performance and features you're getting. Are you paying for the Apple brand, or are you getting a machine that truly meets your needs? Sometimes, spending a bit more on a newer model can save you headaches in the long run. Newer laptops often come with improved processors, more RAM, and better battery life. They may also have addressed some of the common issues found in older models, such as the keyboard problems in the 2017 MacBook Pro. Before making a decision, research the prices of comparable laptops from other brands. You might be surprised to find that you can get a more powerful machine for the same price or even less. Consider what features are most important to you and compare the specifications of different laptops. Are you primarily using your laptop for web browsing and email, or do you need it for demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design? Your answer to this question will help you determine whether the MacBook Pro 2017 is worth the investment. If you're on a tight budget, exploring alternative options might be a smart move. While the MacBook Pro 2017 has its strengths, its price point may not be justified for everyone.

Battery Life

While Apple claimed impressive battery life for the 2017 MacBook Pro, real-world usage often tells a different story. Depending on what you're doing, you might find yourself reaching for the charger sooner than expected. Heavy tasks like video editing, gaming, or running multiple applications simultaneously can drain the battery quickly. Even everyday tasks like browsing the web and writing documents can impact battery life if you have a lot of tabs open or are using power-hungry applications. Over time, the battery's capacity can also degrade, further reducing its lifespan. If you're constantly on the go, you might find the battery life of the 2017 MacBook Pro to be a limitation. Consider carrying a charger with you or investing in a portable power bank to stay powered up throughout the day. You can also try optimizing your settings to conserve battery life. Reduce screen brightness, close unnecessary applications, and disable features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you're not using them. Monitoring your battery usage can also help you identify which applications are draining the most power. Activity Monitor can provide insights into which processes are consuming the most energy, allowing you to make informed decisions about which applications to close or limit. Ultimately, the battery life of the 2017 MacBook Pro can vary significantly depending on your usage patterns and the condition of the battery. If you prioritize long battery life, you might want to consider newer models or alternative laptops with better power efficiency. While the 2017 MacBook Pro is still a capable machine, its battery life may not meet the needs of all users.

Overheating

The MacBook Pro 2017, especially the models with more powerful processors, can sometimes suffer from overheating. When the CPU and GPU are under heavy load, the laptop can get quite hot, which can lead to performance throttling. This means the computer will slow down to prevent itself from overheating, which can be frustrating if you're trying to do demanding tasks. Overheating can also shorten the lifespan of the components inside your laptop. To mitigate this issue, make sure you're using your MacBook Pro on a hard, flat surface to allow for proper ventilation. Avoid using it on soft surfaces like blankets or pillows, which can block the air vents and cause the laptop to overheat more easily. You can also try using a laptop cooling pad to provide additional airflow. These pads typically have fans that help dissipate heat and keep your laptop running cooler. Monitoring your CPU and GPU temperatures can also help you identify when your laptop is overheating. There are various software tools available that can display your laptop's temperature in real-time. If you notice that your temperatures are consistently high, you might want to consider limiting the number of applications you're running simultaneously or reducing the intensity of the tasks you're performing. In some cases, overheating can be caused by a buildup of dust inside the laptop. If you're comfortable with it, you can try opening up your MacBook Pro and cleaning out the dust with compressed air. However, be careful not to damage any of the components inside. Overheating is a common issue with many laptops, especially those with powerful processors. While the MacBook Pro 2017 is not immune to this problem, there are steps you can take to minimize its impact and keep your laptop running smoothly.

Integrated Graphics

For some models of the 2017 MacBook Pro, particularly the 13-inch versions, you're stuck with integrated graphics. This means the graphics processing is handled by the CPU, rather than a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics are fine for basic tasks like browsing the web and watching videos, they're not ideal for more demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. If you're a creative professional or a gamer, you'll likely find the integrated graphics to be a limitation. Games may run at lower frame rates or require you to reduce the graphics settings. Video editing may be slower and more prone to stuttering. If you need a laptop for graphics-intensive tasks, you'll want to consider a model with a dedicated graphics card. The 15-inch MacBook Pro models typically come with dedicated graphics cards, but they're also more expensive. Alternatively, you could consider a different laptop altogether that offers better graphics performance for the same price. Before purchasing a 2017 MacBook Pro, think about what you'll be using it for. If you primarily need it for basic tasks, the integrated graphics may be sufficient. However, if you plan on doing any gaming or video editing, you'll want to look for a model with a dedicated graphics card or consider a different laptop altogether. Integrated graphics technology has improved over the years, but it still can't match the performance of a dedicated graphics card. The limitations of integrated graphics are a factor to consider when deciding whether the 2017 MacBook Pro is the right choice for you.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The MacBook Pro 2017 is a capable laptop, but it definitely has some drawbacks. The keyboard issues, limited ports, price, battery life, overheating, and integrated graphics (on some models) are all things to consider before making a purchase. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide if it's the right machine for you. Good luck!