Apple MacBook Pro 13" Certified Refurbished Space Gray 2017 Review
This refurbished 2017 MacBook Pro is a classic, but its slow Intel processor and painfully small 128GB storage limit it to only the most basic tasks.
The 30-Second Version
It's a cheap, old Mac that's fine for basics but frustrating for anything else. Buy it only if your budget is tight and your needs are minimal.
Overview
This refurbished 2017 MacBook Pro is a classic Apple laptop that's still a solid pick for one specific group: people who want a Mac for basic tasks and don't want to spend a fortune. The one thing you need to know is that this is an old Intel machine. It's not fast, and the 128GB storage is painfully small, but if you just need a reliable Mac for web browsing, email, and light work, it gets the job done. The Retina screen is still beautiful, and the build quality is excellent.
Performance
The performance is exactly what you'd expect from a 7-year-old Intel i5. Our data shows its CPU ranks in the 29th percentile, which means it falls behind most modern laptops. It's fine for opening a few tabs and writing documents, but you'll feel the lag if you try to do anything more. The integrated graphics are middle of the pack, so don't even think about gaming. The surprising part is how well it holds up in other areas: the reliability score is best-in-class, and it's still one of the most portable laptops you can find.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Retina display is still gorgeous and well above average. 95th
- It's incredibly portable and well-built. 94th
- As a certified refurb, it comes with a warranty and is inspected. 88th
- For basic macOS tasks, it's perfectly usable. 83th
Cons
- The 128GB SSD is a joke. You'll be managing storage daily. 17th
- The Intel i5 processor is slow and underwhelming. 17th
- 8GB of RAM is a weak spot for any multitasking. 30th
- Battery life reports are inconsistent, and it tends to get hot.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| CPU | Intel 7th Generation Core i5 |
Graphics
| GPU | Plus |
| Type | integrated |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 8 GB |
| RAM Generation | DDR3 |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Storage Type | SSD |
Display
| Size | 13" |
| Resolution | 2560 (QHD) |
| Panel | IPS |
Connectivity
| USB Ports | 2 |
| Thunderbolt | 1 |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 4 |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
Physical
| Weight | 1.4 kg / 3.0 lbs |
| OS | macOS |
Value & Pricing
Prices range from $300 to $520. At the low end of that range, it's a decent value for a entry-level Mac. At $500, it's a rip-off. If you can find it for around $350, it's worth considering for the right person. Otherwise, skip it.
Price History
vs Competition
If you're looking at this, you should also look at a modern base-model MacBook Air. Even the older M1 Air will run circles around this Intel Pro in speed, battery life, and efficiency, though it costs more. On the Windows side, a new budget laptop like a Lenovo Ideapad will give you more storage and RAM for the same price, but you lose the macOS experience and the premium build.
Common Questions
Q: Is the storage enough?
No, 128GB is not enough. You'll be constantly deleting files or relying on cloud storage. It's the biggest drawback.
Q: How's the battery life?
It's inconsistent. Some users get a few hours, others report it dying quickly. It's an old battery, so don't expect 10 hours.
Q: Can it handle gaming or video editing?
Absolutely not. The graphics are integrated and weak. This is for web browsing, documents, and maybe very light photo editing.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a student, a creative professional, or anyone who needs to run more than a few apps at once, skip this. You'll hate the slow performance and tiny storage. Go look for a refurbished M1 MacBook Air or a modern budget Windows laptop instead.
Verdict
We can only recommend this 2017 MacBook Pro to a very specific buyer: someone who needs a cheap, certified Mac for light, basic computing and values portability over power. For almost everyone else, especially students or anyone doing real work, the limited storage, slow processor, and aging battery make it a frustrating choice. Spend a bit more for a modern machine.