Released on October 24, 2011, the 13″ MacBook Pro (Unibody, Late 2011) – MD314LL/A – was designed to deliver high performance in a compact form factor. With a 2.8 GHz Core i7 processor and a 13-inch display, this MacBook Pro model was aimed at users who needed a blend of portability, power, and reliability. Offering a higher-tier processor than its counterparts, this version was an ideal choice for those seeking more processing power in the same sleek design.
With an MSRP of $1499, the MD314LL/A offered impressive specs and a solid set of features that made it a popular choice for professionals, students, and creatives. Let’s break down the standout features and performance characteristics of this powerful yet compact MacBook Pro.
Design: The Classic Apple Look with a Portable Touch
The 13″ MacBook Pro (MD314LL/A) maintained Apple’s signature unibody aluminum design, ensuring that it was not only durable but also sleek and stylish. Weighing just 4.5 lbs and with dimensions of 0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94 inches, the MacBook Pro was lightweight and slim enough to easily slip into a bag and carry on the go. Whether for work, study, or travel, this model was compact enough to be portable without sacrificing the performance power expected of a Mac.
The 13-inch display had a 1280 x 800 resolution, which was well-suited for everyday tasks such as browsing, working with documents, and watching videos. While it didn’t feature a Retina display, the screen’s clarity, brightness, and colors were more than adequate for most users, providing a satisfying viewing experience for both work and leisure.
Performance: A Powerful Core i7 Processor for Demanding Tasks
What set the MD314LL/A apart from its sibling 13-inch MacBook Pro models was its faster 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 processor. This dual-core chip provided a significant boost in processing power compared to the standard Core i5 options available in other configurations, making it a great option for users who needed to run demanding applications like photo editing, video rendering, or programming.
The Intel Core i7 processor was supported by 4GB of DDR3 RAM, which could be upgraded to 8GB for even better multitasking performance. Although 4GB was sufficient for most users, an upgrade would allow for smoother handling of multiple applications and a more responsive system. The inclusion of a 750GB 5400 RPM hard drive provided ample storage for documents, media, and other files, although many users chose to upgrade to an SSD for faster data access and boot times.
Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 for Everyday Use
The MD314LL/A comes with Intel HD Graphics 3000, offering integrated graphics with 512MB of VRAM. While the graphics are suitable for everyday tasks such as web browsing, watching HD videos, and light photo editing, this model is not designed for demanding gaming or professional-grade video rendering. However, for most users who don’t require intense graphics processing, the HD Graphics 3000 was more than capable.
The 13″ MacBook Pro also offered decent graphical performance for everyday creative work, including casual design, image manipulation, and video watching, making it a great choice for those working with media on the go without needing a dedicated graphics card.
Battery Life: Longevity to Keep You Going Through the Day
The MD314LL/A is equipped with a 60W MagSafe power adapter, offering up to 7–9 hours of battery life under typical usage. Whether you’re working on a project, attending classes, or catching up on emails, the long-lasting battery means you don’t have to worry about plugging in frequently. This was an important feature for users on the move, allowing for uninterrupted productivity throughout the day.
Connectivity: A Full Range of Ports for Versatile Use
Apple made sure that this MacBook Pro model was well-equipped with a variety of ports to connect to external devices. The MD314LL/A includes two USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire 800 port, an SD card slot, and a Thunderbolt port, allowing for fast data transfer and seamless connection to peripherals such as external hard drives, cameras, and other devices. The inclusion of HDMI and the optical drive (8x DL SuperDrive) were also handy features, particularly for users who still required CD or DVD access.
Wi-Fi support for 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR allowed for fast wireless internet and accessory connections, making this model a versatile option for users in need of reliable connectivity.
Input: Smooth and Intuitive Multi-Touch Trackpad
As expected from Apple, the multi-touch trackpad was one of the standout features of the MD314LL/A. It was large, responsive, and allowed for precise navigation through gestures such as swiping, zooming, and rotating. Whether you’re editing a document, browsing the web, or viewing photos, the trackpad’s responsive nature ensured a smooth, efficient experience.
Conclusion: A Smart Choice for Performance and Portability
The 13″ MacBook Pro (MD314LL/A) from Late 2011 delivers solid performance and great portability. With its powerful 2.8 GHz Core i7 processor, large storage capacity, and long-lasting battery, it was an ideal choice for users who needed a compact machine that could handle a variety of tasks. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or someone who needs a reliable laptop for everyday use, the MD314LL/A provides the performance you need without the bulk of larger laptops.
While it may not be the latest model on the market, this MacBook Pro continues to stand the test of time, offering great value for users looking for a high-performance MacBook that is still capable of handling modern workloads. If you can find one in good condition, it remains a worthy option for anyone who values Apple’s build quality and the classic MacBook Pro experience.
***
For All Original Parts with Limited Warranty and Tech Support Please Visit Our Website At
http://www.TronicsCenter.com
MacBook Pro MD314LL/A Specs
- Order Number
- MD314LL/A
- Identifier
- MacBookPro8,1
- Model Number
- A1278
- EMC
- 2555
- Processor Speed
- 2.8GHz
- Processors (Cores)
- 1 (2 Cores)
- Processor Type
- Core i7
- Hard Drive
- 750GB 5400 RPM
- Hard Drive Type
- 2.5″
- RAM
- 4GB
- RAM Type
- PC3-10600-1333MHZ-DDR3-SO-DIMM
- Video Card 1
- HD Graphics 3000
- VRAM
- 512MB
- Built-in Display
- 13″
- Color
- Silver
- Input
- Multi-Touch Trackpad
- Optical Drive
- 8x DL SuperDrive
- AirPort
- 802.11a/b/g
- Bluetooth
- 2.1+EDR
- Power Brick
- 60w MagSafe 1
- Dimensions
- 0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94 inches
- Avg. Weight
- 4.5 lbs
- Release Date
- October 24th 2011
- MSRP
- 1499