Apple MacBook Pro 13 (Mid 2017, i5, without Touch Bar) Review

[jodiuh]

The Kaby Lake processor from the entry-level model has the designation Core i5-7360U and the base frequency for the two cores is 2.3 GHz, but the maximum Turbo Boost is 3.6 GHz for both cores. However, this speed can only be maintained for a couple of seconds.

So I just ran some updates for safari, etc, another program install, and had a 4000+ Kbps chrome video being cast @ 3+ Ghz for at least a minute. Notebook's on my lap, got a touch warm...not hot at all and absolutely zero noise.

Here's the screenshot I snagged...after the installs whilst just casting and browsing.
(https://i.imgur.com/aA4ZHic.png)

[Andreas Osthoff]

We did not detect PWM for the non-tauchbar model (was also measured with the more sensitive device). I will add the screenshots later today.

[jodiuh]

We did not detect PWM for the non-tauchbar model (was also measured with the more sensitive device). I will add the screenshots later today.

THANKS!!!

I hope I didn't come off too arrogant in the previous post as I'm very appreciative of the amount of detail in your reviews...reminds me of old Anandtech circa 2013 before Anand left.

Based on your flicker free results, I went w/ the 13" without touchbar and really, really like it.

Also, as I think...I mentioned before, the first MBP 13" 2017 wo/ TB warmed up to almost hot and the fan went nuts to the point I thought I had a Panasonic 13K RPM shaver in the room! I returned it because I also had some issues w/ the chassis being uneven. The replacement has a backlight that's nearly perfect, stays quiet, and rarely warms up.

Perhaps, it's a lottery thing like a lot of electronics? I also don't have the problem with the imprints from the keyboard on the screen or the "sticking" keys when it warms up.

[dthrp]

Is the contrast ratio for all laptops measured at the highest brightness?

[Klaus Hinum]

yes, we measure contrast at the highest brightness setting

[Franck]

Thanks a lot for your extensive review !

[Bill]

I just returned a 2017 MBP 13 w touchbar it was a refurb from Apple, looked brand new but I could never get it to last more than 2 1/2 to almost 3 hours from a full charge doing basic webstuff (youtube, facebook, gmail, general browsing).  It disappointed me so badly I returned it. 

I am considering the 2017 13 inch w/o touchbar, not sure if it is accurate but the battery shows as larger in the non touch model, and some further reading stated the speakers on non touch come out the top thru the grills vs the one with touch having speakers shoot thru the side vents, the non touchbar model doesn't have side vents but vents in the screen/hindge area can anyone confirm if this info is correct?

I think I will give it a go and try the non touch model 13, I already miss the macbook but with such horrible battery life I wonder if someone had done something to it who knows, even with screen brightness at 50% I couldn't get 3 hours out of a full charge watching youtube sadly.

If I go with the 13 non touch model I will buy a new one, i think my refurb was someone's problem/returned.

Bill

[project_2501]

here is my detailed review over several weeks, as well as evidence of

overheating problems - with videos, screenshots of temp/fans and failing glue due to heat

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2017-macbook-pro-13-non-tb-review.2056971/

also is my terrible experience of Apple support, as a warning to anyone else

In summary:

• - this laptop can't play fullscreen Netflix, youtube or BBC iplayer on a 4k display without major overheating and extremely fans at maximum.
• - the overheating in clamshell mode will cause components to fail, for example the adhesive around the display failed on mine
• - yes - the keyboard is a disaster, not just ergonomically, but also for reliability, google it and you fill find dust destroying the entire keyboard - an expensive post-warranty repair

[li]
[/li][/list]

I wish I had kept my 2015 MBP 13 - it was perfect except it couldn't drive a 4k display smoothly, but it didn't overheat and fail.

[Alireza]

Hi everyone,
I have two questions...
First of all, what is the equivalent of 150 nits of brightness on the macOS brightness scale (the 16 levels of brightness)?

And secondly, does anyone know how the battery is tested in this review, or how does notebookcheck.net does its battery tests in general? Is there an application or a script that I can use for the WiFi battery test to simulate the conditions mentioned in this review? I'm asking because I think my MBP 2017 w/o Touch Bar's battery is performing worse than stated in this review.