The 15″ MacBook Pro (Unibody, Mid 2012) – MD104LL/A, released on June 11, 2012, is part of Apple’s iconic line of high-performance laptops, offering a blend of power, reliability, and durability. With a 2.6 GHz Core i7 processor, GeForce GT 650M discrete graphics, and a large 750GB hard drive, this machine was designed for professionals who needed a robust and versatile laptop for a wide range of tasks, from media creation to office work.
Despite its age, the MD104LL/A still holds appeal for those looking for a capable MacBook without paying the premium price for newer models. Let’s dive into its key features, performance, and overall value.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Powered by a 2.6 GHz Core i7 processor with 4 cores, the MD104LL/A is built to handle demanding workloads with ease. Whether you’re running multiple applications, editing high-resolution video, or dealing with complex spreadsheets, this quad-core processor delivers a smooth and responsive experience. Although newer models offer faster processors, the Core i7 in the MD104LL/A is still capable of keeping up with most professional tasks.
- Graphics: The MD104LL/A includes dual graphics options to balance power and efficiency. The integrated HD Graphics 4000 handles everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, while the dedicated GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of VRAM kicks in for more demanding tasks such as photo editing, video rendering, and even light gaming. The presence of both types of graphics ensures that the laptop is versatile enough for a wide range of user needs.
- Storage & RAM: The 750GB 5400 RPM hard drive offers plenty of space for storing files, applications, and media, though its performance may feel slower compared to modern SSDs. For users looking for a speed boost, upgrading to an SSD is a great option to enhance the laptop’s responsiveness. The 8GB of RAM ensures that the MacBook can handle multitasking, and it’s a significant improvement over base models with only 4GB of RAM.
- Display: The 15″ LED-backlit display offers vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and wide viewing angles. While it’s not a Retina display, it still provides great clarity and sharpness for tasks like design work, photo editing, and movie watching. With a resolution of 1440×900 pixels, the screen offers ample workspace for multitasking, and the anti-glare coating is particularly useful for those working in well-lit environments.
- Design & Build: As with all MacBook Pro Unibody models, the MD104LL/A features a solid, durable design. The aluminum unibody construction is both sleek and tough, offering a premium feel and long-lasting durability. The laptop is 0.95 inches thick and weighs 5.6 lbs, making it a bit on the heavier side compared to modern ultra-thin laptops. However, the build quality and sturdiness make it an excellent option for users who prioritize durability.
- Other Features: The 8x DL SuperDrive allows users to watch DVDs, burn discs, or install software directly from physical media. The Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi offer reliable wireless connectivity, while the 85W MagSafe 1 power brick ensures quick and efficient charging. Additionally, the multi-touch trackpad and full-sized keyboard make for a comfortable and efficient user experience.
Performance Review:
For everyday use, the 15″ MacBook Pro (Unibody, Mid 2012) – MD104LL/A performs excellently. The Core i7 processor and 8GB RAM allow the machine to handle everything from word processing to photo editing with ease. Whether you’re working on a large spreadsheet, browsing the web with many tabs open, or running office software, this laptop won’t slow down.
In terms of graphics performance, the GeForce GT 650M ensures that light video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming can be handled smoothly. While it’s not on par with more modern discrete GPUs, it still provides solid performance for users who need decent graphical power.
The 750GB hard drive offers more storage space than most other laptops in the same range, making it a good choice for users who store a lot of files, photos, and videos. However, users accustomed to the speed of modern SSDs will notice a difference in performance. A simple SSD upgrade can revitalize the laptop, improving boot times and speeding up application launches.
Strengths of the 15″ MacBook Pro (Unibody, Mid 2012) – MD104LL/A:
- Core i7 Processor: With a 2.6 GHz quad-core processor, this MacBook offers excellent performance for both personal and professional use, from general productivity to more demanding tasks like media editing.
- Dual Graphics Cards: The combination of integrated HD Graphics 4000 and dedicated GeForce GT 650M provides flexibility for users who need both efficient power usage and high-end graphical performance for media or creative work.
- Ample Storage: The 750GB hard drive is perfect for those who require substantial space for large files, though switching to an SSD can make a significant difference in overall performance.
- Classic Apple Design & Durability: The unibody aluminum construction gives the laptop a premium, durable build that will withstand everyday wear and tear.
- Optical Drive: The inclusion of the 8x DL SuperDrive is a notable advantage for users who need to read or write DVDs and CDs, even as optical drives have become less common in newer laptops.
Weaknesses:
- Slower Hard Drive: The 5400 RPM hard drive is slower than modern SSD-based storage, which means that users will experience longer boot times and slower file transfers compared to newer machines.
- Weight: Weighing 5.6 lbs, the MD104LL/A is heavier than modern ultra-light MacBooks, making it less portable for those who need to carry it around frequently.
- Limited Storage Speed: While the 750GB storage is ample, the 5400 RPM speed can cause bottlenecks during tasks that require fast read/write speeds, such as video editing or running virtual machines.
Final Thoughts:
The 15″ MacBook Pro (Unibody, Mid 2012) – MD104LL/A remains a solid performer even years after its release. The Core i7 processor, dedicated graphics, and 750GB storage make it a capable machine for a variety of professional and personal tasks. Though it’s not the fastest model by today’s standards, its build quality, performance, and battery life still make it a valuable option for users who need a reliable, budget-friendly MacBook. Upgrading to an SSD can breathe new life into the laptop, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to extend the longevity of their device.
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MacBook Pro MD104LL/A Specs
- Order Number
- MD104LL/A
- Identifier
- MacBookPro9,1
- Model Number
- A1286
- EMC
- 2556
- Processor Speed
- 2.6GHz
- Processors (Cores)
- 1 (4 Cores)
- Processor Type
- Core i7
- Hard Drive
- 750GB 5400 RPM
- Hard Drive Type
- 2.5″
- RAM
- 8GB
- RAM Type
- PC3-12800-1600MHZ-DDR3-SO-DIMM
- Video Card 1
- HD Graphics 4000
- Video Card 2
- GeForce GT 650M
- VRAM
- 1GB
- Built-in Display
- 15″
- Color
- Silver
- Input
- Multi-Touch Trackpad
- Optical Drive
- 8x DL SuperDrive
- AirPort
- 802.11a/b/g
- Bluetooth
- 4
- Power Brick
- 85w MagSafe 1
- Dimensions
- 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 inches
- Avg. Weight
- 5.6 lbs
- Release Date
- June 11th 2012
- MSRP
- 2199