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The 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro without a Touch Bar can still handle everyday work, but it is a used, aging Intel laptop—not a good default choice for demanding modern creative workloads or buyers who need a newer macOS release. Its sharp, bright Retina display and capable trackpad remain appealing; the key buying questions are the specific unit’s battery and condition, its limited ports, and whether macOS Ventura is recent enough for your apps.
Is the 2017 MacBook Pro without Touch Bar still worth buying?
It may suit light-to-moderate work such as browsing, email, documents, and modest photo editing if the individual laptop is in good condition and its price reflects its age. It is a poor fit when you need sustained processing power, broad built-in connectivity, or software that requires a macOS version newer than Ventura.
This review concerns Apple’s 13-inch 2017 model with two Thunderbolt 3 ports and physical function keys, identified as A1708 / MacBookPro14,1—not the four-port Touch Bar version. Apple’s official specifications describe it as the “MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)” (Apple technical specifications).
What are the display and everyday performance like?
Retina display
Apple specifies a 13.3-inch IPS Retina display with a 2560-by-1600 resolution, 227 pixels per inch, 500-nit brightness, and wide P3 color (Apple technical specifications). In its 2017 review sample, Notebookcheck measured an average luminance of 564 cd/m² and reported low color deviations against the P3 reference (Notebookcheck review). That measurement describes one tested panel, not a guarantee about the brightness or condition of a used screen today.
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#1 Best Overall
- MacBook Pro Retina 13.3-inch (2017) - Core i7 - 16GB - SSD 512 GB
Processor and graphics
The base configuration has a 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz and integrated Iris Plus Graphics 640, according to Apple (Apple technical specifications). Notebookcheck found its tested configuration adequate for everyday browsing, email, and light photo editing, but noted that heavy sustained work challenged cooling and could lead to fan noise and reduced clocks (Notebookcheck review).
For context, Notebookcheck’s 8GB-memory, 128GB-SSD test unit scored 145 single-core and 362 multi-core in Cinebench R15. Those are historical results from one machine and an older benchmark; they are not a direct measure of how it compares with current laptops. The review also found the Touch Bar configuration had stronger cooling, while this two-port model’s larger battery supported longer runtimes in its tests.
Rank #2
- Quad-core 8th-Generation Intel Core i5 Processor
- Brilliant Retina Display with True Tone technology
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
- Ultrafast SSD
How many ports does it have?
There are two Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C ports. Apple lists charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt transfer speeds up to 40Gb/s, and USB 3.1 Gen 2 up to 10Gb/s (Apple technical specifications). The compact port selection means USB-A accessories and multiple wired devices may require a compatible USB-C adapter or hub. The Touch Bar version has four Thunderbolt 3 ports, so check the exact model rather than relying on a broad “2017 MacBook Pro” listing.
How long does its battery last?
Notebookcheck recorded 11 hours 21 minutes in a Wi-Fi browsing test and 11 hours 23 minutes in a video test on its 2017 review sample; the review lists a 54.5Wh battery (Notebookcheck review). These are controlled historical test results, not expected runtime for a laptop that has been in use for years. Battery age, cycle history, and prior use can make a particular used unit perform very differently.
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Rank #3
- Renewed products look and work like new. These pre-owned products have been inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers, which typically perform a full diagnostic test, replacement of any defective parts, and a thorough cleaning process. Packaging and accessories may be generic. All products on Amazon Renewed come with a minimum 90-day supplier-backed warranty.
- 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz
- 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 memory
- 256GB SSD storage. Operating temperature: 10 to 35 celsius (50 to 95 fahrenheit ),storage temperature: -25 to 45 celsius (-13 to 113 fahrenheit )
What memory and storage configurations should you check?
Apple lists 8GB of onboard memory as standard, with a 16GB configuration option, and SSD capacities that vary by configuration; the base model was sold with either 128GB or 256GB, with options up to 1TB (Apple technical specifications). Verify the installed memory and storage on the actual machine before buying rather than assuming a listing reflects the base configuration or that these components can be upgraded later.
What is the newest macOS it supports?
Apple’s current compatibility information lists macOS Ventura as the newest compatible operating system for the two-port 13-inch 2017 MacBook Pro (Apple macOS compatibility page). If your work depends on a newer macOS release, or an app vendor requires one, confirm compatibility before purchasing. Software support and compatibility pages can change over time.
Rank #4
- 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 13.3" Space Gray
- 16GB Memory RAM, 256GB Solid State Drive
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640
- Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, two "Thunderbolt 3" ports (USB-C connector), and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
What should you inspect before buying one used?
- Battery: Ask for battery condition and cycle information, and check whether the reported condition matches the seller’s description.
- Display and keyboard: Check the screen for visible damage or defects and test every key, including the physical function-key row.
- Configuration: Confirm memory and SSD capacity on the device itself, not only in the listing.
- Ports and charging: Test both USB-C ports and confirm the included charger is present and working.
- Return terms: Prefer a seller who clearly states the return window and what happens if the laptop has an undisclosed fault.
- Service status: Check Apple’s coverage and service information for the exact serial number and your region before assuming repair is available. Apple says Mac laptops may qualify for battery-only repair for up to ten years after last distribution, subject to parts availability; this policy does not establish that a particular unit can be serviced now (Apple service and parts information).
How does it compare with the Touch Bar model?
| Factor | Two-port model without Touch Bar | 2017 Touch Bar model |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C ports, per Apple. | Four Thunderbolt 3 ports, per Notebookcheck’s comparison. |
| Controls | Physical function keys. | Touch Bar. |
| Cooling and sustained workload | Notebookcheck reported that heavy sustained loads challenged cooling in its tested model. | Notebookcheck reported stronger cooling in the Touch Bar configuration. |
| Battery test context | Notebookcheck measured 11h 21m Wi-Fi and 11h 23m video runtime on its review sample. | Not stated in the cited sources for a directly comparable test. |
The configurations differ in more than the top-row controls, so compare the exact specifications and condition of the two machines under consideration. Neither should be treated as an automatic choice for demanding current workloads based on historical review results.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz
- 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 memory
- 512GB SSD storage
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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