MacBook Mid-2017

The MacBook "Core m3" 1.2 12-Inch (Mid-2017) is equipped with a 14-nm 1.2 GHz Intel "Core m3" Kaby Lake processor (M3-7Y32), 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 afterward), and 256 GB of onboard flash storage (which cannot be upgraded at or after purchase).

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

Compared to its predecessor, it is very similar but features a more advanced processor and graphics processor, faster storage, the option of twice as much RAM, reportedly improved battery life, and a refined keyboard.

As the final generation of the 12-inch MacBook, the 2017 model was praised by many users for its significantly improved typing experience, thanks to the adoption of the second-generation butterfly keyboard. This refined keyboard addressed issues noted in previous models and provided a more comfortable typing feel. The inclusion of a Kaby Lake processor also enhanced performance, leading to smoother website rendering and application operation. However, the performance of the base model with the Core m3 processor was still best suited for light tasks, and it could struggle with content-heavy web pages. As the culmination of the 12-inch MacBook series, this model captivated many fans with its portability and sophisticated design, but its niche positioning meant it wasn't a machine for everyone.