Released on October 24th, 2011, the 15″ MacBook Pro (Unibody, Late 2011) – MD318LL/A – was designed to deliver impressive performance in a portable, professional package. With its 2.2 GHz Core i7 processor, dedicated Radeon HD 6750M graphics, and a sleek 15-inch display, this model struck a balance between power and portability, catering to professionals, creatives, and anyone in need of a reliable laptop for everyday computing.
With an MSRP of $1799, the MD318LL/A provided an excellent mix of performance, storage, and graphics capabilities. Let’s dive deeper into its specifications and features.
Design: A Sleek and Durable Aluminum Unibody
The 15″ MacBook Pro’s iconic unibody aluminum design offers both durability and elegance. The body feels solid, and the premium feel is unmistakable, while its 5.6-pound weight and dimensions of 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 inches make it an excellent choice for those who need a laptop that balances size and portability. Whether you’re working from a coffee shop or traveling for business, the MD318LL/A is built to withstand the rigors of daily use without compromising on style.
The 15-inch display has a resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels, offering bright, crisp visuals perfect for tasks like web browsing, watching movies, or photo editing. Although it doesn’t feature Retina display technology, it still provides a sharp and vivid experience suitable for most professionals and creatives.
Performance: Speed and Power with the 2.2 GHz Core i7 Processor
The MD318LL/A is powered by a 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7 processor, which is ideal for running demanding applications. This quad-core CPU ensures smooth performance for tasks like video editing, programming, and multitasking, making it a solid option for anyone who needs more power than the standard dual-core i5 models. Whether you’re running resource-intensive software or juggling multiple browser tabs, the Core i7 chip delivers a seamless experience.
The 4GB of DDR3 RAM (expandable to 8GB) paired with the 500GB 5400 RPM hard drive provides ample storage for documents, media, and projects. While the 5400 RPM hard drive isn’t the fastest storage option available, it was standard for many models of the time. Users who require faster speeds and data access may want to consider upgrading to an SSD, which can dramatically improve the system’s boot times and overall responsiveness.
Graphics: Dual Graphics for Versatile Visual Performance
Graphics are handled by the combination of Intel HD Graphics 3000 (integrated) and the more powerful Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB of VRAM (dedicated). The integrated Intel graphics are sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing, video streaming, and office work, while the Radeon GPU comes into play for more demanding applications such as gaming, 3D rendering, and video editing.
The inclusion of two graphics solutions gives this MacBook Pro the flexibility to switch between power-efficient graphics for general use and the dedicated GPU for higher-intensity tasks. It’s a feature that makes this model versatile for both work and play.
Battery Life: A Full Day’s Worth of Work
The 15″ MacBook Pro (Late 2011) offers impressive battery life of up to 7–9 hours, depending on the usage. This makes it a reliable companion for long days at the office, on campus, or during travel, where access to a power outlet may not be immediately available. Coupled with the energy-efficient components, the MacBook Pro ensures that you can work uninterrupted for an entire day without worrying about running out of battery.
Connectivity: Comprehensive Ports for Easy Expansion
Despite its slim profile, the MD318LL/A is equipped with a range of ports to support all kinds of external devices. The MacBook Pro features two USB 2.0 ports, an SD card slot, FireWire 800, Thunderbolt, and an optical drive (8x DL SuperDrive). These options make it easy to connect external hard drives, displays, cameras, or even legacy peripherals. The inclusion of an HDMI port allows users to easily connect their MacBook Pro to a TV or projector for presentations, media viewing, or gaming.
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR ensure fast and reliable wireless connections, so you can stay connected to the internet or external devices without the need for cables.
Input: Comfortable and Responsive Multi-Touch Trackpad
Apple’s multi-touch trackpad continues to impress with its responsiveness and fluid gestures. With the ability to easily swipe, zoom, and navigate using intuitive gestures, the trackpad on the MD318LL/A offers a highly comfortable experience for everyday tasks. Combined with the backlit keyboard, this MacBook Pro provides an excellent input experience whether you’re typing in low light or executing gestures with precision.
Conclusion: A Great Choice for Power and Portability
The 15″ MacBook Pro (Late 2011) – MD318LL/A offers an exceptional mix of power, graphics performance, and portability. The 2.2 GHz Core i7 processor provides the processing muscle needed for demanding tasks, while the dual graphics solutions allow it to handle both everyday tasks and more intensive workloads with ease. Whether you’re a creative professional who needs reliable performance for editing photos and videos or someone who needs a laptop that can handle heavy multitasking, the MD318LL/A is an excellent choice.
Though it’s not the latest model available, the MD318LL/A remains a solid option for users looking for a workhorse laptop that balances power and portability at a reasonable price. If you can find one in good condition or refurbished, it’s still a great machine that will get the job done for years to come.
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MacBook Pro MD318LL/A Specs
- Order Number
- MD318LL/A
- Identifier
- MacBookPro8,2
- Model Number
- A1286
- EMC
- 2563
- Processor Speed
- 2.2GHz
- Processors (Cores)
- 1 (4 Cores)
- Processor Type
- Core i7
- Hard Drive
- 500GB 5400 RPM
- Hard Drive Type
- 2.5″
- RAM
- 4GB
- RAM Type
- PC3-10600-1333MHZ-DDR3-SO-DIMM
- Video Card 1
- HD Graphics 3000
- Video Card 2
- Radeon HD 6750M
- VRAM
- 512MB
- Built-in Display
- 15″
- Color
- Silver
- Input
- Multi-Touch Trackpad
- Optical Drive
- 8x DL SuperDrive
- AirPort
- 802.11a/b/g
- Bluetooth
- 2.1+EDR
- Power Brick
- 85w MagSafe 1
- Dimensions
- 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 inches
- Avg. Weight
- 5.6 lbs
- Release Date
- October 24th 2011
- MSRP
- 1799