Released on October 24th, 2011, the 15″ MacBook Pro (Unibody, Late 2011) – MD322LL/A represented a significant upgrade for professionals looking for power, graphics performance, and portability in a single, sleek device. With a 2.4 GHz Core i7 processor, dual graphics cards, and a 15″ display, this MacBook Pro was designed to tackle demanding tasks while still offering the portability that Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup is known for.
With an MSRP of $2199, this version of the 15″ MacBook Pro appealed to creative professionals, engineers, and users who needed solid computing power on the go. Here’s a closer look at the key features and specifications of this impressive machine.
Sleek, Durable Design
The 15″ MacBook Pro (Late 2011) boasts the iconic unibody aluminum construction that Apple is known for. Its sleek and sturdy design not only looks professional but also provides excellent durability. The laptop’s overall dimensions of 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 inches and a weight of 5.6 lbs make it portable enough to carry around, but it’s not the lightest MacBook available, reflecting its more robust build and performance capabilities.
The 15-inch display has a 1440 x 900 pixel resolution, which offers sharp visuals for day-to-day tasks, media consumption, and professional applications. While not equipped with Retina display technology, this screen is still vibrant and offers great color accuracy for photo editing, web design, and other creative tasks.
Performance: Fast Core i7 Processor and Versatile Graphics
At the heart of the MD322LL/A is a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i7 processor that can handle intensive workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, or even gaming with ease. The quad-core setup ensures smooth multitasking and the ability to run demanding software without a hitch. Whether you’re using applications like Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, or running virtual machines, the Core i7 provides ample power for all of it.
The 4GB of DDR3 RAM is decent for most users, though it could be upgraded to 8GB for even better multitasking and future-proofing. The 750GB 5400 RPM hard drive offers generous storage, but for speed enthusiasts, upgrading to an SSD is highly recommended to improve boot times and overall responsiveness.
Graphics: Dual Graphics for Professional Quality Visuals
The MD322LL/A features dual graphics options: Intel HD Graphics 3000 (integrated) and the more powerful Radeon HD 6770M with 1GB of VRAM (dedicated). This dual graphics setup allows the MacBook Pro to automatically switch between the integrated Intel graphics for low-power tasks and the dedicated Radeon card for demanding activities like gaming, video editing, or 3D modeling.
Whether you’re editing high-resolution photos, working with video content, or just enjoying a game in your downtime, the combination of these two graphics cards ensures that the MD322LL/A can handle a variety of workloads without slowing down.
Battery Life and Efficiency
Despite its powerful hardware, the 15″ MacBook Pro (Late 2011) manages to deliver impressive battery life—up to 7-8 hours depending on usage. Apple’s Lithium-Polymer battery helps balance performance and power consumption efficiently, which is essential for users who need to work on the go without constantly hunting for a power outlet.
The laptop’s efficient components, coupled with macOS’s excellent power management, mean that users can expect long stretches of use without worrying about battery drain.
Connectivity: Versatile Ports for All Your Needs
One of the standout features of the MD322LL/A is the range of ports it offers for connectivity. The laptop includes:
- Two USB 2.0 ports
- Thunderbolt port (for high-speed data transfer and external displays)
- SD card slot (great for photographers)
- FireWire 800 port (for legacy devices)
- Optical 8x DL SuperDrive (for DVDs and CDs)
The inclusion of Thunderbolt was a key feature of the 2011 MacBook Pro lineup, providing faster data transfer speeds and compatibility with external devices like high-resolution displays and external storage devices.
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR provide wireless connectivity for internet browsing, file transfers, and peripheral devices, ensuring users can stay connected without the hassle of wires.
Input and User Experience
The multi-touch trackpad on the MD322LL/A offers a smooth and responsive experience for all your gestures and navigation. Apple’s trackpad technology allows users to pinch, swipe, and scroll with ease, making it one of the most intuitive input methods available on any laptop.
The backlit keyboard is a pleasure to type on, making it ideal for working in low-light environments. Whether you’re working on a long report or composing an email, the keyboard provides a satisfying, tactile feel.
Conclusion: A Well-Rounded Powerhouse
The 15″ MacBook Pro (Late 2011) – MD322LL/A is a solid choice for users who need a reliable laptop that offers both power and portability. With a 2.4 GHz Core i7 processor, dual graphics cards, and a 750GB hard drive, it’s capable of handling demanding tasks, whether you’re editing videos, running creative software, or simply multitasking. The combination of performance, connectivity, and battery life makes this MacBook Pro a great option for professionals and creatives alike.
While it may not have the Retina display or the latest hardware, the MD322LL/A still stands out as a capable machine with a strong set of features. Whether you’re looking for a reliable laptop for work or leisure, this model offers great value, especially if you’re willing to upgrade the storage to an SSD. The MD322LL/A is a great buy for those who want a premium MacBook experience at a relatively affordable price.
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MacBook Pro MD322LL/A Specs
- Order Number
- MD322LL/A
- Identifier
- MacBookPro8,2
- Model Number
- A1286
- EMC
- 2563
- Processor Speed
- 2.4GHz
- Processors (Cores)
- 1 (4 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
- Video Card 2
- Radeon HD 6770M
- VRAM
- 1GB
- 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
- 2199