MacBook Pro Mid-2012 Pros and Cons: EveryMac.com

Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A

Update Published November 10, 2016

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What are the "pros and cons" of the "Mid-2012" MacBook Pro models? Is one right for my needs?

Please note that all MacBook Pro models mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and quite useful for anyone considering one of these notebooks on the used market.

Like any other purchase, only you can make the decision whether or not the one of the non-Retina Display 13-Inch or 15-Inch "Mid-2012" MacBook Pro models is the right notebook for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons of each to see if your needs are met.

Mid-2012 MacBook Pro
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

This "run down" may be helpful in making a decision:

Pros (All Models):

Sleek, durable industrial design.
Quality, widescreen LED-backlit displays.
Excellent overall performance.
Excellent battery life in "real-world" use.
Reasonably quick and easy to upgrade the RAM and hard drive.
USB 3.0 and "Thunderbolt" support.

Cons (All Models):

Glossy display casts a glare in direct lighting (matte option on 15-Inch models).
Battery is not designed for user replacement.

Additional Pros (13-Inch):

Comparatively compact and lightweight.
SDXC Card slot standard.
Yes, it has a Firewire "800" port (like all other models in the series).

Additional Cons (13-Inch):

Comparatively small display, lower resolution than the "Mid-2012" 13-Inch MacBook Air.
Weaker overall performance compared to 15-Inch models, particularly in graphics related tasks.
No optical audio in, and instead has a combined audio in/out port.
No ExpressCard/34 expansion slot.

Additional Pros (15-Inch):

Autoswitching graphics technology typically conserves battery life.
SDXC Card slot standard.

Additional Cons (15-Inch):

Cannot use both graphics processors simultaneously, poor OS control over graphics card choice.
No ExpressCard/34 expansion slot.

Basically, if you are looking for a sleek and powerful 13-Inch or 15-Inch notebook Mac -- and the connectivity and graphics options meet your needs -- one of these MacBook Pro systems would be an excellent choice.

If weight or size is a high priority -- and expansion and upgrades are not -- a MacBook Air could be perfect. If performance and display quality are high priorities, but expansion and upgrades are not, you might prefer a "Retina Display" MacBook Pro. Depending on your particular needs, a used MacBook or MacBook Pro, at a discount price, could be a good choice, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurb MacBook Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Pro, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used MacBook Pro models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

Also see:

What are all the differences between the "Mid-2012" 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models? Which is best for my needs?
How fast are the "Mid-2012" 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models each replaced?
What is the "real-world" battery life of the "Mid-2012" 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models?

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