MacBook Pro Retina Mid-2012

Announced as the "most advanced Mac ever built," the "MacBook Pro with Retina Display" models feature a stunning high-resolution LED-backlit 15.4-inch widescreen 2880x1800 (220 ppi) "retina" display. They are housed in a slim, sleek case that weighs just under 4.5 pounds (2.02 kg). Interestingly, unlike previous MacBook Pro models, these systems do not have branding on the display bezel.

In a move that sparked some debate, the Retina Display models feature an essentially "sealed" design. The RAM is soldered to the logic board and cannot be upgraded after purchase, the storage is not meant for post-purchase upgrades, and the battery cannot be easily replaced, even by tech-savvy users or third parties.

This specific model, the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.6 15-Inch (Mid-2012 Retina Display), is powered by a 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" 2.6 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (3720QM). It has four independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 6 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of non-upgradable 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM, and 512 GB of flash storage. For graphics, it includes dual processors: a NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory and an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 that shares system memory. It also comes with an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam but lacks an internal optical drive.

Connectivity options include 3-stream AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, two "Thunderbolt" ports, an HDMI port, an audio in/out port, and an SDXC card slot. It does not have built-in Gigabit Ethernet or Firewire "800," but adapters were available for an additional cost.

Additionally, this model is equipped with a backlit keyboard, a "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, a "MagSafe 2" power adapter, and a sealed internal battery providing an Apple-estimated 7 hours of use.

The high-end Mid-2012 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro was a landmark release, defined by its industry-leading high-resolution display. The screen's sharpness and clarity were revolutionary at the time and became the benchmark for all premium laptops. Performance was formidable, thanks to the powerful quad-core Ivy Bridge i7 processor and dedicated NVIDIA graphics. The new, slimmer unibody design was a feat of engineering, though it came at the cost of user upgradability. The decision to solder the RAM and use a proprietary SSD format was a significant point of contention for pro users and enthusiasts. Despite the controversy over its sealed nature, the machine was widely hailed as a masterpiece of design and a glimpse into the future of laptops.