The 2017 MacBook Pro - A BEAST (with a Catch) in 2024!

[@zircoben]

Thanks so much for checking out the video! I didn’t make the bit about the keyboard very clear - by checking the battery cycles, you see if the keyboard has been replaced and overall how much use it’s gotten. A lower cycle count CAN indicate it got a battery/keyboard replacement by Apple, but ask anyone you’re buying it from if that is the case.

[@stevie-4238]

I was lucky enough to buy a 13" one for just 75$, the seller told me, that it won't boot up, but it just didnt have an operating system, went out and bought an adapter and put a 512GB SSD, works really good!

[@zircoben]

Whoa, awesome find!! They're solid little computers, right?

[@JittiphatR]

I have exactly this model, and I could say that it is actually a beast. The only two things it needs are a new battery replacement and frequent cleaning.

[@zircoben]

I love to hear that! The 15 inch really is awesome!?

[@mask4436]

Will it be good for Java development? Cs engineering mainly

[@JittiphatR]

​@@mask4436 Actually, I am a Computer Science student! I've been using it for Python, C, and Swift. I have also used it for Figma to design a mobile application and for creating a game with Construct 2 (running the program with a virtual machine). I have never used it for Java development before, but based on the information I have found on the internet, I'm sure it will be fine for that too!

[@dwightlilly4208]

And you are a lot smarter than most for simply replacing a battery rather than the machine.

[@fedism]

I have this MBP, love the design, I use it without a case and is very sleek, everything runs well on it, replaced keyboard, under the recall for the keyboard for free and replaced not only the keyboard, but the battery and speakers as well!

[@zircoben]

That's awesome!! You'll be set for awhile then!

[@AdamUngier]

What do you mean by under recall?

[@fedism]

@@AdamUngier not really a recall they didn’t call it that but you could replace keybed up to like 5 yrs after purchase. It replaced the speakers, battery and keybed. Now I have an m1 air and gave the 2017 mbp to my sibling be loves it.

[@buddlightyear8557]

Still rocking mine till this date. Did a battery swap and upgraded the ssd to 1 TB. Fun fact, a1708 is the last MacBook with upgradable storage, as the future versions have it soldered on. If and when it dies, which do you recommend I buy. I don’t want to spend too much, and miss the SD card reader and hdmi mostly. Cheers ❤

[@TWAN330]

There’s on I just got back from looking at for $199 but it has only 128gb of storage and 8gb of ram I know the ram isn’t upgradable but can I upgrade the ssd on this and can you help me by telling what to get thanks 🙏

[@zircoben]

Love it! As long as the keyboard treats you well, it’s a gem of a computer! I would recommend an M1 MacBook Air once it dies. They’re getting somewhat cheap at this point on the used market.

[@zircoben]

Yes you can! How many battery cycles does it have?

[@monikamorkeviciute9550]

How is your SSD performing after upgrade? I have one with 128GB SSD and it is the only thing bugging me. However I have read that SSD tends to slow down a lot after upgrade.

[@Samos900]

@@buddlightyear8557 no way, I’m so doing this. I’m putting in a new battery and getting that 128GB storage upgraded

[@dwightlilly4208]

Thanks for your thoughts, however the vast majority disagree with your view to get a newer machine. These are the top selling machines in the refurb marketplace. Why? Well most people are tired of the Apple product virus that owners catch which causes them to want to splurge always on the next and greater technology. However, just a few years ago the apps and ability were the talk of the town. Now suddenly they are dogs. A battery can be replaced and a goofy key repaired. I have a 2012 that is still going strong.

[@zircoben]

Thanks for the comment! My whole channel revolves around getting used technology, and I never recommend getting the latest and greatest! I just like to tell people how it is. This machine in particular has 1. a chronically bad keyboard, 2. no software support (now not even getting security updates) 3. performance that is about 25% of the M1 Air. Not even touching battery life differences between the two. In my opinion, spending even as low as $200 on one of these is a poor decision when an M1 can be found for $450-500 if you're actually counting on the machine for more than basic use.

[@autoavengers]

My mid 2012 died 2 days ago a shortsge on the board probably looking at 2015/17.

[@MorganTheGorgon]

@@zircoben I agree, the vast majority of people would be better served spending a little bit more to get an M1 machine that will run better and age even better than a machine that's already 7, 8, 9 years old. It just isn't practical for anyone doing anything more than microsoft word and facebook, and even then, a lack of security updates will pose a danger at some point, and certain software and websites won't be supported. Apple silicon was such a jump that even lightweight users would benefit massively from getting a 2020 model or newer. M1 Macbook Airs can be found on Swappa for between $400-$500, and that price is a no brainer for a device that's so much better.

[@joncu8604]

I'm looking at a 2017 16' 238 cycle 16gb 2Tb one for $300. I'm on the fence. I'm not an IOS user so I don't know if its still worth it without the software support. It's for my son's school.

[@Mohamedfile00]

I’d say thats a pretty good deal, but if u extend your budget a bit more u could get an m1 macbook air possible for less then $500, which would be significantly more powerful, but considering its just for school he should be just fine with that macbook

[@zircoben]

I agree completely with this last comment!

[@Sovative]

wow that's a beast of a price, I got mine for 700$ here in the UAE as prices never seem to go down over here in Uae. so far I don't regret the purchase at all and the Touch Bar seem's like a very useful thing actually and I like it a lot, even the spare parts are cheap and aren't as expensive as everyone thinks and it's really easily to replace too.. the addition to having intel so you can have bootcamp at your own will is also a very big bonus in my books

[@zircoben]

@@Sovative Love to hear it! I adore the Touch Bar; and boot camp is super useful. Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@allworksnew]

​@@Mohamedfile00where could you get an m1 for less than $500? not facebook marketplace, craigslist or ebay....I've tried

[@ibraboumedian1892]

thanks for your videos! enjoyed every one on this channel

[@zircoben]

Thanks so much man! 😁

[@danandlaundry]

Mine has a few minor issues with the keyboard and the left fan is always on full pelt regardless what I'm doing on it. Aside from that it works great. Good screen and good speakers

[@zircoben]

It’s too bad with the keyboard, and weird with the left fan? Luckily MacBook fans usually have a bit better of a tone to them than your typical windows PCs

[@danandlaundry]

@alwl89-el4sl NO WAY

[@yaswanthyash1835]

Macbook pro a1707 is still best for programming in 2024 I wanna buy it Please reply

[@zircoben]

I’d probably get the M1 instead at this point! The 2017 is aging fast.

[@Hanata99]

@@zircoben does M1 get sot hot for 4 hours zoom call? My MacBook Pro A1708 is broken after I used it for Zoom call (3x a week for 4h) and now I'm using Windows laptop for that and it works perfectly fine. I wanna use MacBook again and kinda figure out should I get M1 or M2 for air version.

[@Aid_en007]

​@ZircoBen for real? The mbp 2017 isn't a good buy 😕?

[@Hanata99]

@Aid_en007 oh pls...mine is MacBook Pro A1708 and I even wanna buy M2 this year. It's already easy to get overheat, and not worth it 😅

[@Aid_en007]

@hntrn499 just planning to get one actually.. would be my first ever Mac, switching from touchscreen windows pc the touch bar is a feature I'd love to try out

[@lochnes76]

i was also looking at the MB Air M1but the price got me going back to 2015 which I have all my slots, than again its similar to my older one so 2016-2020. keeping it short, it came down to the 2017 MacBook or MB Pro. You're right for the long run but The MacBook 12'' is decked out compared to there pro, I'll just use Windows on my old one. thanks for the input

[@zircoben]

Of course! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@maxi_ploetz]

Man, just found this video... nice to see that other people still like and use ,,this" Macbook from 2017! The only thing I should change is the battery and maybe upgrade to an SSD, also sadly the MB likes to delay sometimes while typing or using some apps/programs. I figured that, especially in Excel... it's a bit annoying.But still I like it a lot!

[@zircoben]

It's a great little machine, but yes, it is slowly aging! The hardware itself is so nice though, it's aged incredibly well.

[@Gabi-mn5yt]

I got myself a refurbished macbook pro 2017 15”, 16gb ram, 512SSD. I was wondering if that’s still okay for college work like web browsing and casual editing. I’m not sure if it was worth €550, please let me know!

[@zircoben]

I definitely wouldn’t get it for that price! try to find an M1 model instead.

[@zircoben]

if you already bought it though, it should be fine to do the basics!

[@Gabi-mn5yt]

@@zircoben i refunded it after further considerations😅

[@zircoben]

@@Gabi-mn5yt Oh, good!! I think that's the right move.

[@theemclane4037]

Can you do this one for 2024

[@Kostyaboy]

Hello! I bought a MacBook Pro 2017 “13” (256 SSD, 8 RAM), the battery has 549 cycles, but the charge lasts 5-6 hours. Bought it for $246. Do you think this is a good deal?

[@zircoben]

It's a decent deal! Especially outside of the states if that's where you are. how are you liking it so far?

[@dominiccota7730]

Mine has an issue where when it shuts off it takes forever to power back on. Then it says it reported a problem. Anyone know the issue ?

[@joel_himself]

prob your gpu failing i have this issue with my MBP late 2012 it has an i7 and 16gb with a gt 650m

[@preciousgfx3449]

@@joel_himselfHi same issue on my MacBook Pro 2015, were you able to fix yours?

[@joel_himself]

@@preciousgfx3449 oh nah I just bought a 2020 MacBook Air the issue is unfixable as the dedicated gpu of itself is fried so either you disable it from starting on startup which if you have ever updated to Catalina its impossible for some reason or you get a board change with a good gpu or buy a pc

[@Arnold250]

Is it worth for djing gigs,MBP 2017 non touch bar ?

[@DeejayLazWorldwide]

Need to know this

[@zircoben]

I'm not sure how intensive the software associated with DJing is on these computers, but they're not the strongest anymore and I'd probably get an M1 instead.

[@MadyanMohammed]

Thank you. I have a question is it good for editing or gaming? and I saw one on Facebook for €500 is that a good deal?

[@zircoben]

I wouldn't do it - I would only pay about 300 euros for one of these at this point! If it's a 15" model you can get away with some gaming, with the dedicated graphics. I wouldn't try much on the 13"!

[@jakesullivannn]

I've recently traded in my 2020 13 inch m1 MacBook Pro for a 2023 MacBook 15 inch M2 Air for the bigger screen size and better price.. and I mean how cool the first ever 15 inch air. while a lot of people love them for their basic needs it has failed to handle my daily tasks and gaming. It overheats bad since there aren't any fans! The computer is great which is why I'm keeping it but I am ordering a MacBook Pro 2018 15 inch 16gb ram 512 storage for $480 as my daily computer, is this a good deal or should I buy the 2015 MacBook Pro spec out??

[@zircoben]

Let me know if you've already done anything, but I wouldn't buy either one of those machines at this point! I'll admit that I am a bit confused that the M2 air was performing so badly - but if a fan is crucial to your workflow I think the M1 or M2 Pro is probably a good place to be. The 2018 MacBook Pro is a decent machine, but it has a keyboard that I would stay far away from, and that machine runs VERY hot and loud. The 2015 is simply getting too old at this point to recommend, and OpenCore isn't a great option to run the latest OS, especially with apple's support as a whole for x86 (Intel) processors presumed to be quickly on the decline. I hate to say it, but yeah, if you need a machine that has a fan, I think the M1 Pro 14" or 16" is probably the place I'd go to if you're on a budget- but those aren't cheap I know!

[@jakesullivannn]

@@zircoben thanks so much for responding! i did end up ordering the 2018, but might return it because i found a m1 16” for a steal on amazon renewed!! & ik crazy, a few of my friends have the same macbook and never experienced the same issue. guess i just got a dud loll

[@zircoben]

@@jakesullivannn Oh, I like the plan with returning and getting the M1 16"! I had that machine for a few weeks and it was an absolute beast! Enjoy the 2018 for a bit though, and especially the Touch Bar!

[@jakesullivannn]

@@zircoben just posted a short of it on my channel!! i’m amazed of the quality of it better then what i was expecting tbh! i definitely have to keep it for a few days! its a joy having the touch bar back again 😍

[@zircoben]

@@jakesullivannn Love the music choice for the short! Watched your little review too; it's in gorgeous shape. I bet the keyboard has some life left in it if you did want to keep it around. Touch Bar is such a joy, especially with iMessage and emojis!

[@aland6132]

i want to buy it for trading and small design i find one the corei7 and ram 16GB 512 ssd and 1.5 intel iris 650 should i buy it? is good for me?

[@zircoben]

No, I wouldn't do it! $650 is a lot for one of these, they're coming on 8 years old and have major issues with the keyboard.

[@SlopeStudios]

How do you get those new apps on the bottom screen?

[@zircoben]

On the Touch Bar?

[@my_name_is_ram]

this was a really good video that helped me decide. Thank you!

[@zircoben]

thank you for the comment! what did you decide?

[@my_name_is_ram]

@@zircoben so the deal was 350 euros for a 2017 i7 macbook pro with touchbar. The issue is that i don't really NEED a macbook at the moment. It's such a good deal though so it made me consider. Had to know the pros and cons and your video made me decide to save my money and maybe go for a refurbished m1 or even an ipad pro later down the line. Especially since the 2017 mbp isn't gonna get updated anymore. So thanks again!

[@Akg.Rachet69]

I could've gotten the quad core i7 model with 16gb of ram it would've been better than the 13 inch dual core i5 model with 8gb of lpddr3 ram, now tbh I was gonna buy a 2nd MacBook and get an M1 Max MacBook Pro 15 inch but I decided ill just save for a Dell ALIENWARE laptop from 2017 which will ultimately be better for gaming, and ngl the 2017 MacBook Pro can handle most games it supports very well after installing optifine mod and playing Minecraft 1.20.1 forge which is the 1.20.1 mc mod api and I tweaked the settings on 720p I got an average of 120 to 144 fps and a high of 209 fps, and I installed windows 10 with bootcamp and I was able to play persona 5 royal at 1600x900 resolution low settings 100% render scale a lil over 60 fps and I was able to play watch dogs 1 on low settings 720p at 45 to 60 + fps and gta 5 at 1080p 60+ fps in story and 720p around 60+ fps for gta online and I was able to play Fortnite's current season chapter 5 season 3 performance mode at like 45 fps being the low and 60 being the average and the highs were like 90 to 100+ fps now this was on 1080p I dropped it to 720p and fps was 60 being the low 90+ fps being the average and 120 to 144fps being the high it actually shocked me tbh sadly It crashed due to over heating but I found I can buy a laptop cooler which will help with overheating so over all my take on the MacBook pro from 2017 is that is a good laptop in 2024 depending on ur use and it can just get by and as of today that I am typing this I learned my MacBook is still getting updates I can get version 17 for safari and Ventura 13.6.8 so that's cool again my advice to y'all is if u decide to buy the 2017 model get the i7 model with 16gb of ram cuz if my i5 8gb ram model is performing the way it is then the i7 model will be even better the i7 in the 2017 MacBook Pro is gonna be 7th gen which is very good imo I personally use a 3rd gen i7 with a gtx 1060 in my current desktop atm and it shreds anything I throw at it so hope what I said helped have a good day y'all

[@zircoben]

Love it!

[@icecreamlove98]

I could buy a macbook pro 2017, 13" for 80 dollars...would you say it`s worth it?

[@zircoben]

I would totally do that! Have fun with it.

[@glitchtv3363]

Bro 80 dollars 😅 I think it’s came with an avocado in the back not with apple logo 😭🤣🤣

[@rhemanachrist]

@@glitchtv3363🤣🤣

[@djwalkerfemaledj]

I just ordered this from eBay for my DJING for £275 I hope its good?

[@zircoben]

Oh sweet! did you get the 15" model? How is it so far?

[@logan979]

you are running Ventura on this ?

[@zircoben]

Yes I was

[@logan979]

@@zircoben TY

[@williammauzhendi8730]

Hey I'm about to but one is it still okay to use it

[@zircoben]

I wouldn’t buy one, if you at all can, I’d get a 2020 M1 model! It will cost more, but it will be much faster, the battery will last far longer, and it will get software support for years to come

[@JetLi2618]

i still have this one

[@DeejayLazWorldwide]

Battery life keyboard how is it

[@zircoben]

How is it for you now?

[@Balithazzarr]

I ordered one with 500 storage and 16 ram but it has no Touch Bar?

[@zircoben]

Ohh yeah! It has the 2.3 GHz CPU right? The 16GB models are rare!

[@Balithazzarr]

@@zircoben It says 3.3 i5. I just realized the seller has i7 same yea 2015-2017 for the same price, it also has more storage but it only has 1 year warranty compared to the three year warranty that I got on mine. I don't understand why they were the same price but oh well, im liking this fine as my first laptop

[@zircoben]

@@Balithazzarr The warranty will be HUGE if anything goes wrong with the keyboard! I think it's a good move!

[@Balithazzarr]

@@zircoben thanks, that's a good point.

[@zircoben]

@@Balithazzarr For sure!

[@John.A.Sunday]

Will it be good for coding and programming ?

[@zircoben]

I wouldn't recommend it, the keyboard will likely have issues.

[@ezeterrence.o475]

So i saw this 2019 16 inch i7, 512gb for £400 is that a good buy or a sham?

[@SandiMardiansyah]

I think it is still worth it, I still use a 16-inch 2019 MBP for my work but mine is a Core i9, 32 GB RAM Or if you have more budget better go for the M1

[@zircoben]

I agree with @Sandi, that's a pretty solid deal, especially if you appreciate the bigger laptop. The M1 Air is a "smarter" buy for sure, but that's a solid machine.

[@wajihaashraf7988]

I use photoshop, chrome, safari, word and powerpoint all at once sometimes for a week for a work do you think MacBook pro 15 inch 2017 or 2018 with specs i7/i7 6-core intel core, 16gb ram, 500gb storage, 4 gb graphics or macbook air m1 2020 will be good for it? I have budget to buy any one of these macs but to be honest 2017 mac

[@Samos900]

Damn, I got the dual core. It’s showing its age a bit

[@zircoben]

Dang - hows the battery?

[@Samos900]

@ not great, it never really was. I gotta keep the charger around if I want to use it for a couple hours. I’m wondering how much getting a new one would help. It’s a smaller unit so the battery must be smaller too.

[@zircoben]

@@Samos900 Yeah, that is a downside for these older machines - even with a new battery, it just takes more effort for them to keep up!

[@paristo]

6 years old? That is damn new... What I do is buy 2008-2012 Apple machines and refurbish them, install Linux and call the day. Those are 13-17 year old machines... Just let it sink for a moment... And you can do everything you need with them. 4K video editing, photo editing, browse web (just don't open 30+ KZbin video tabs as I do), any office work. And even lot of gaming, because you have huge possibilities run games from 2000-2015. Just don't get machine with less than 4GB of RAM, as with 2GB (MacBook air!) You can't really run more than 1-2 KZbin tabs until heavy swapping. The parts prices are as well very sane, like 25-30€ for new battery, and 25-30€ for 8-16GB of RAM, throw 500-2000 GB SSD in for 50-60€ and you can do everything if wanted. Edit: and I am partially envy for the touch bar... It was missed opportunity for gimmicks like emotions, but not really used for user customizable dynamic workbar across all apps and notifications.

[@Steelmack]

FOR REAL, These people saying "ahh its 6 year old, it may not run video editing software" lmao like 6 year old is ancient... these people dont know that a 2011 macbook can do everything

[@Tier1PCs]

@@Steelmack I work at a pc repair shop and found an old 2011 macbook pro. tossed in some ram to make it 12 gigs and turned hdd into sdd and it runs basic usecase which most people do just fine. agree people who think 2017 is old are crazy lol. unless its for gaming the 2017 is pretty much gonna suit most peoples use case

[@Gg__0970]

Which is better this or with touch bar? Thanks!

[@zircoben]

The touch bar one has more powerful CPUs and has Touch ID! I'd go for that one.

[@CatBacon-qc5ot]

Replace the battery, re-paste the CPU, install Linux, and you're good to go for another 6+ years

[@zircoben]

Yeah, if the keyboard wasn’t a time bomb I’d agree!

[@heraldmangava5169]

Thanks a lot.

[@zircoben]

Most welcome!

[@petty2872]

Great advise, past it time

[@zircoben]

Glad it was helpful!

[@filipinovines]

Remove the OSX and install Windows 10 on it. That machine will be reborn! Try it.

[@deshawnwillams2397]

honestly been thinking about this. considering how useless macos is for me

[@zircoben]

Or linux!!

[@filipinovines]

@zircoben nope windows apps will not run on linux flawlessly

[@zircoben]

@@filipinovines Well yeah, but I’d say Linux will run better!

[@gerzobeats]

okay

[@zircoben]

Heck yeah