Is the 2011 MacBook Pro 13 still usable today?

For writing, email, and web browsing with an older browser, yes. Current macOS and heavy apps will not run well, and many sites feel slow.

Can I upgrade the RAM and storage?

Yes. The hard drive and RAM are user-replaceable, and many owners swap in an SSD and more memory to speed it up.

Does it have a Retina display?

No. It uses a standard 13.3-inch display at 1280x800, which looks soft next to later Retina models.

What ports does it have?

It has USB-A, Ethernet, FireWire 800, an SD card slot, a DVD drive, and a Thunderbolt 1 port. There is no USB-C.

Is the graphics failure a real risk?

Some 2011 13-inch units develop a graphics fault that causes a blank or distorted screen. It is not universal, but it is a known issue to check before buying.

What comes in the box?

Used listings vary. Expect the laptop and a charger; original manuals and the box are often missing.

All Travel Tech Clothes Shoes Jewelry Home Beauty Outdoors Toys

This hour's deals

−69%

Tech · Wellbots

A Core i7 MacBook Pro for getting things done

Name: Apple MacBook Pro 13" Core i7 Laptop
Brand: Apple
Availability: InStock

Apple MacBook Pro 13" Core i7 Laptop

Deal score 9.6 · Unreal

$358.00$1,141.00 Wellbots's regular price

You save $783.00 at Wellbots

This deal was in an earlier drop. The store may have changed its price since.

Why it's a great deal

Wellbots lists its regular price at $1,141.00: 69% off by its own figures
PCMag says the unibody aluminium frame is attractive and tough, with a matte finish that resists smudges PCMag
Apple says the Magic Keyboard's refined scissor mechanism and 1mm travel give a new level of typing comfort Apple

Visit Wellbots

Every store we checked

WellbotsNew
In stock
$358.00Checked 6 min ago
Visit Wellbots
WalmartRefurbished
In stockSold by Gadget Replay
$375.49Checked 16 h ago
Visit Walmart
Mac of All TradesNew
In stock
$390.99Checked 16 h ago
Visit Mac of All Trades
eBayRefurbished
In stockSold by trd_digital
$487.49Checked 16 h ago
Visit eBay
Best BuyRefurbished
In stock
$504.95Checked 16 h ago
Visit Best Buy
ShopRefurbished
In stockSold by Shop app
$998.38Checked 16 h ago
Visit Shop
Wisetek MarketPre-owned
Out of stock
$290.39Checked 16 h ago
Visit Wisetek Market
Wisetek MarketRefurbished
Out of stock
$379.05Checked 16 h ago
Visit Wisetek Market
WalmartNew
Out of stockSold by TekDeals
$439.00Checked 16 h ago
Visit Walmart
TekReplayRefurbished
Out of stock
$534.97Checked 16 h ago
Visit TekReplay
DatavisionNew
Out of stock
$1,549.00Checked 16 h ago
Visit Datavision
bkstr.comNew
Out of stock
$1,699.00Checked 16 h ago
Visit bkstr.com
bhphotovideo.comNew
Out of stock
$2,999.00Checked 16 h ago
Visit bhphotovideo.com

Store links may earn us a commission.

Price history and every store's price →

From Wellbots

Built-to-order customizable MacBook Pro 13" with 2.7GHz–3.4GHz turbo-boost i7 processor
Everyday Mac suited for work or school
All the right ports built in, no dongles needed
Customizable storage and RAM capacity
Inspected, cleaned and thoroughly tested by Apple specialty-trained techs
Comes with an authentic MagSafe power source with 6 ft extension cable

Guarantee: 90-Day SafeTech Warranty; eligible for up to 3 years with accidental coverage
Returns: 30-day return policy (exceptions apply)
Shipping: Free shipping on most items; ships in 1-3 days
In the box: Authentic MagSafe power source with 6 ft extension cable

Specs

Original Model Release Date: 2011

About the Apple MacBook Pro 13" Core i7 Laptop

The 2011 13-inch MacBook Pro is Apple's aluminum unibody laptop with an Intel Core i7, a 13.3-inch display, a built-in DVD drive, and a user-replaceable hard drive and RAM. It was the last 13-inch Pro with an optical drive and a non-Retina screen, so it is heavier and lower-resolution than later models. It suits collectors, tinkerers, and anyone who needs a cheap machine for writing, browsing, and legacy software. Reviewers and owners praise the keyboard, build, and upgradeability but flag its age, weight, and the known graphics fault on some 2011 units.

Best forCollectors of classic Apple hardwareTinkerers who want to swap the drive and RAMBasic writing, browsing, and emailRunning older Mac software and DVDs

Pros

Sturdy aluminum unibody that holds up well
Comfortable backlit keyboard and large trackpad
Hard drive and RAM are easy to replace
Built-in DVD drive and Ethernet port
Runs older macOS versions and legacy apps

Cons

More deals like this