MacBook Pro Retina Mid-2014 15"

The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.8 15-Inch (Dual Graphics - Mid-2014 Retina Display) was initially a "configure-to-order" option for the 2.5 15-Inch model but later became a standard configuration. Other than the processor, these models are identical.

This MacBook Pro features a 22 nm "Haswell/Crystalwell" 2.8 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (4980HQ) with four independent cores, a 6 MB shared L3 cache, and 16 GB of non-upgradable onboard 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM. It includes 512 GB (or 1 TB in the standard MGXG2LL/A configuration) of PCIe-based flash storage and dual graphics processors: a NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory and an integrated Intel Iris 5200 Pro with 128 MB of "Crystalwell" embedded DRAM. It also has a 720p FaceTime HD webcam and a high-resolution 15.4-inch LED-backlit widescreen 2880x1800 (220 ppi) "Retina" display in a case weighing just under 4.5 pounds (2.02 kg). It lacks an internal optical drive.

Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, two "Thunderbolt 2" ports, an HDMI port, an audio in/out port, and an SDXC card slot. This model also has a backlit keyboard, a "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, a "MagSafe 2" power adapter, and a sealed internal battery with an estimated 8-hour life. Compared to its predecessor, this model is practically identical but has a faster processor, different identifiers, and a lower introductory price.

As the top-tier configuration for the Mid-2014 15-inch MacBook Pro, this model was an iterative but powerful refinement. It featured the fastest available Haswell i7 processor, providing a slight but welcome performance edge for demanding professional applications. Paired with the dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics, it was a formidable creative workstation. It retained all the strengths of the product line, including the beautiful Retina display, fast PCIe storage, and excellent battery life. While not a revolutionary leap over the 2013 model, it represented the pinnacle of the Haswell generation of MacBook Pros, offering a superb, well-balanced package of performance and efficiency for new buyers seeking the most powerful option available.