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Apple
Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.5GHz i5 MD101LL/A 500GB HDD

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.5GHz i5 MD101LL/A 500GB HDD

1.4(100 ratings)

Best price now

$478.99at WellbotsChecked 2 h ago
Deal: 48% off at Wellbots →

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Price facts

  • Lowest price today: $478.99 at Wellbots (checked Nov 10, 2026).
  • Checked at 2 stores.

Our take on the Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.5GHz i5 MD101LL/A 500GB HDD

The MD101LL/A is the mid-2012 13-inch MacBook Pro, the last of Apple's non-Retina unibody laptops. It pairs a dual-core 2.5GHz Core i5 with a 500GB hard drive, 4GB of RAM, a DVD drive and a 1280x800 display. Its appeal today is upgradeability: the RAM and drive bay are user-serviceable, and the optical bay can hold a second drive. Reviewers and owners rate it poorly as a modern machine, citing the slow spinning drive, the low-resolution screen and the fact that current macOS no longer supports it.

Best forBuyers who want a cheap, repairable Mac for tinkeringRunning older macOS software and legacy appsA first laptop for light web and word processingOwners who plan to swap in an SSD and more RAM
Pros
  • Hard drive and RAM are easy to replace yourself
  • Includes a built-in DVD drive and Ethernet port
  • Sturdy aluminum unibody with a good keyboard and trackpad
  • Runs older macOS versions and legacy software
  • Can take a second drive in the optical bay
Cons
  • 500GB spinning drive makes booting and apps slow
  • 4GB of RAM is tight for modern browsers
  • 1280x800 non-Retina display looks dated
  • Stuck on old macOS; no current security updates
  • Heavy and thick next to newer laptops

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.5GHz i5 MD101LL/A 500GB HDD prices at every store

  • WellbotsNew

    In stock

    $478.99Checked 2 h ago
    Visit Wellbots
  • Discount Computer DepotPre-owned

    Out of stock

    $175.00Checked 4 h ago
    Visit Discount Computer Depot

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.5GHz i5 MD101LL/A 500GB HDD price history

Lowest price we've seen: $378.99 on Nov 10 at Wellbots. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

  • 1.4 / 5100 ratings

Owners rate it low as a laptop to use today, mainly because of the slow hard drive and the old, low-resolution screen. Those who upgrade it to an SSD and more RAM say it becomes usable for basic tasks, but most reviewers say it is past its useful life for everyday work.

What people mention
  • SpeedCriticisedOwners say the 500GB hard drive makes startup and app loading painfully slow.
  • UpgradabilityPraisedReviewers like that the RAM and storage can be replaced without special tools.
  • DisplayCriticisedThe 1280x800 panel is called dim and low-resolution compared with newer screens.
  • Software supportCriticisedBuyers complain it cannot run current macOS and misses security updates.
  • BuildPraisedThe aluminum body, keyboard and trackpad are still well regarded.

From Wellbots

  • 2.5GHz Intel Core i5 dual-core processor for fast multitasking and productivity software
  • Configurable RAM up to 16GB for smoother workflows and faster response times
  • Configurable storage up to 2TB SSD for reduced load times and quicker file access
  • 13-inch high-resolution display with crisp visuals and vivid colors
  • Intel HD Graphics 4000 for media streaming and light graphic design work
  • Ports include two USB 3.0 ports, a Thunderbolt port and an SDXC card slot
Guarantee
90-day warranties with optional extensions
Returns
30-day return policy (exceptions apply)
Shipping
Free shipping; ships in 1-3 days

Questions and answers

Can I upgrade the RAM and storage?
Yes. The RAM slots and hard drive bay are accessible behind the bottom panel, and the optical bay can hold a second drive with an adapter.
Does it run the latest macOS?
No. Apple dropped support after macOS Catalina, so it is limited to older versions and no longer gets security updates.
Is it good for everyday use today?
Only with upgrades. With the stock hard drive and 4GB of RAM it is slow for modern browsers; an SSD and 8GB or more of RAM make it usable for basic tasks.
What is in the box?
The laptop and a power adapter. It has no Retina display, no USB-C ports and no Thunderbolt 3.
How does it compare with the Retina MacBook Pro?
The Retina models have sharper screens and are thinner, but they are harder to upgrade. This model trades the better display for user-replaceable parts and a DVD drive.
Can I connect an external monitor?
Yes, through the Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt port, and the HDMI port on this model supports up to 1080p.
Where is the Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.5GHz i5 MD101LL/A 500GB HDD cheapest?
At Wellbots, for $478.99, 48% off, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.5GHz i5 MD101LL/A 500GB HDD?
Rated 1.4 out of 5 from 100 ratings.
Where can I buy the Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.5GHz i5 MD101LL/A 500GB HDD?
2 stores we checked sell it, including Wellbots, Discount Computer Depot.

Stores we've priced the Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.5GHz i5 MD101LL/A 500GB HDD at

  • Wellbots deals and prices

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