MacBook Mid-2017

The MacBook "Core i5" 1.3 12-Inch (Mid-2017) is powered by a 14-nm 1.3 GHz Intel "Core i5" Kaby Lake processor (I5-7Y54), featuring two independent processor "cores" on a single chip and a 4 MB level 3 cache. It includes an "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 615 processor that shares system memory, 8 GB of onboard 1866 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (upgradable to 16 GB at the time of purchase, but not later), and 512 GB of onboard flash storage (which is not upgradable at or after purchase).

This entire system is enclosed in a remarkably thin (0.14-0.52 inch), 2.03-pound aluminum case, available in Silver, a darker "Space Gray," Gold, and a pink-hued "Rose Gold" (the Gold option was updated to a warmer tone and "Rose Gold" was discontinued on October 30, 2018). It features a low-resolution 480p FaceTime webcam, a backlit full-size keyboard with a slim "butterfly mechanism" design, a "Force Touch" trackpad, and a stunning 12" TFT LED-backlit active-matrix "Retina" display (2304x1440 native resolution at 226 ppi). It offers a battery life of 10-12 hours, depending on usage.

Compared to its predecessor, this model is quite similar but boasts a more advanced processor and graphics, faster storage, the option for double the RAM, reportedly improved battery life, and a more refined keyboard.

The 2017 12-inch MacBook was praised for its significantly improved typing feel, thanks to the adoption of the second-generation butterfly keyboard. It also featured a steady performance increase from its predecessor with the inclusion of a Kaby Lake Core i5 processor. Many users lauded its incredible thinness and lightness, recognizing it as the ultimate Mac for portability. However, the single USB-C port remained a point of frustration for many, often necessitating the use of a hub. While its performance was adequate for light tasks such as web browsing and document creation, the general consensus was that it was ill-suited for heavy workloads like video editing. For users who prioritized portability above all else, this model remained an unparalleled choice.