Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (2009-2012)

Reliable beast of a machine – I’ve had it since new, it’s been an amazing reliable workhorse. The battery only started wearing out last year so I replaced it myself for $50. I upgraded the ram to 16gb and removed the optical drive and did the SSD conversion- works amazingly well. I will continue to use it. I also installed the patch and put the latest os. Cannot recommend any other laptop. Show details

Slow machine – Slow machine to start with, compared to its rivals. It got even slower over time. It's performance was in par with a Windows Vista laptop with 512mb to 1gb RAM. Apple support may as well not even exist, simply suggesting I just buy a new one. Full of disappointments Apple!

Very disappointing – I bought one of these in 2012 because I was assured that Apple computers were the best, even though it was much more than I wanted to pay. It was brilliant for the first few months, then it started shutting itself down, because of 'a problem'. These shutdowns became increasingly more frequent, so that I would only get about 30 minutes before it… Read more

would shut down and restart again. And that was by 2014. By 2015 I found it too frustrating to deal with this in spite of seeking help everywhere and many times from Apple Support. In 2016 it was taken to the Genius Bar in High Point and it came back usable for a few weeks, then it began crashing again. Apparently Apple could find nothing wrong with it, so I persisted, thinking it was me or my isp. No problems with my phone at that stage, so I mostly used that. I took the MacBook to an Apple certified company in Geelong in late 2017 who charged $148 to fix it and they did, for 2 weeks. Same thing happened. I persisted again for as long as I could, then I just put it the cupboard after it completely crashed and I couldn't even start it, in 2018. Five weeks ago, after nagging from my daughter, I took it to Chadstone Genius Bar where they found it hadn't died at all and the lovely technician got it working again. I was so happy. However... it's now back to shutting down repetitiously every time I open it, although if I persist through 5 or 6 of these, I can get 10 to 20 minutes out of it before it stops. Apple Support again offered to 'talk me through it' and say they have no access to the 100's, at least, of crash reports automatically sent to Apple from my computer after each crash. After trying everything and staying loyal and hopeful, I give up. I'll now buy a small, run-of -the-mill, reliable, long-life computer I can trust. So disappointed.

Good after three years with me (7 years altogether) – Easy to use, i bought it second hand and it was in good shape in 2014. This is the third year and I am still using the laptop the review is to tell you how it is after 3 years of me using it. The spotlight search bar lags sometimes. The USB, SD slot doesn't work usually and I would have to reset the PRAM and SMC. CD drive is longer working… Read more

starting this year and i barely used it. The track pad clicking barely works so i have to use the tap settings. Using messenger and itunes and the internet would drain the battery life in less than 3 hours. I am prone to get viruses on other laptop brands, and Mac has excellent virus protection - though amazingly i got one or two within the 3 years (which is still good). Updating the Mac takes long and sometimes freezes. Images are clear on screen, you can watch movies nicely as well as listen to music. I dislike how Mac and windows hard drives don't work with one another so sharing hard drive is a no no. Its harder to get programs that you can easily get if you have windows. There is limited amount of programs and games compared to windows - you can use a third party but thats a lot of work if your bothered.

Fantastic – I have been a PC user for the last 15 or so years and then decided to switch to Mac. I have had some experience with Mac at work, so I kind of know that it is good but always thought it is not user-friendly. I must have had about 5 different laptops from different brands (Dell, Acer, HP...) and while they have their advantages and disadvantages, I… Read more

think that time spent with them was time wasted and money wasted.

Before I switched to the Mac I had a few qualms due to its price. Now I understand why it is priced higher than a PC. It is just so much better. I thought not having a mouse would be a bother; not at all, I enjoy the freedom of just using my fingers to toggle between different tabs or activities.

My Mac is the Macbook pro, which I preferred over Macbook Air because of its retina display. The salesman kept saying to me I probably don't need a Macbook pro (I am not adept with graphics or similar activities) but I figured I like the display so I would rather keep something I am happy with than have to think back "I should have bought the Macbook Pro."

The best part of the Mac for me is the speed and the non-intrusion of "virus protection" looming all the time. With PCs, you get all these types of reminders or notifications that your computer is not safe, so why not try this. When I was using a PC before I just close those reminders. With the Mac, I don't need to bother at all.

A lot pricier than most PCs, but all worth it in the end. A very good investment, indeed.

Not good – Battery life drops very fast within 20 minutes, apps not updating and unable to sign into iTunes on the MacBook even Safari is lagging though my internet connection is great.

Second Hand Laptop – Recently bought for my partner and upgraded 2gb ram to 4gb to allow for latest OS update and it's so surprising how good apple hardware is! even though this model is fairly old now. Seems to run most standard software fairly well and nice for light browsing/video/photography. Basically the main reasons I bought this laptop until we have enough… Read more

coin to buy a newer model.

Just needs an SSD and it's comparable to $500 laptops if not better then most.

So disappointed!!! – About 5 years ago I purchased a Mac book pro. I spent the extra money to be trouble free. All was good for the first 18 months then one of the USB ports died and about 18 months after that the other port died. I was told it would be about $1000 to fix. Apparently the hard drive was faulty and I would need a new computer. After a diagnostic service… Read more

check I cannot use the computer at all. So disappointed with apple and their product. No more apple for me!!!

I would give it more than a 5 – The apple MacBook Pro is by far the best laptop that anyone can have it works like a pro it's awesome fast and great when it comes to my YouTube videos but the things that I don't particularly like is the weight and sometimes when I'm opening things up to fast it kinda glitches but that's not a big worry. All that I ever wanted from a computer I have right here.  Show details

Apple Service is Fantastic! – I have a Macbook Pro (late 2011) and it is so much better than any of the PCs I had before it (especially Hewlett Packard). I highly recommend spending a bit extra and getting a Mac. Recently (i.e. June 2016 - over 4 years past its warranty) it started going slow so I rang AppleCare and they were fantastic. They spent over an hour with me… Read more ·  2

talking me through cleaning up my hard drive and now it works like a dream. They've been similarly helpful in the past and I now only use Apple products. Thanks Apple, you are an example of how businesses should treat their customers!

still perfect – I bought my Mac Book Pro in 2010, its still running smooth and perfect, only one word for the Apple products Excellent.. They won me and thats why i have IPhone IPad and apple TV At home.. Simply love Apple products. Trust me just buy these super computers from Apple you wont regret

Easy to use, however – My Macbook Pro was given to me for $500 (AUD) and it works perfectly fine, the charger is super long which is a big advantage and convenient. I love that the screen is glossy so I can just wipe it, the apps on it are really great to use (iMovie, Garageband, Keynote etc.) The computer is constantly getting updated with new software appearing. My… Read more

Macbook runs fine but sometimes freezes and just turns off, which is probably a rare thing but it still is a bit puzzling. I havent had any major trouble with it other than a one time I let it go flat and it wouldnt turn on until I left it to charge overnight. The graphic quality on this is exceptional although probably not better than Retina display, it is bulky and a bit heavy, even for a 13 inch (dont quote me on that). The keyboard is way better than a standard one and it last for quite a bit off of charge. It may be a bit confusing at first but once you've gotten to know your way around Apple products its fairly easy to navigate. I'd say the Macbook Pro is perfect for a student or someone who spends a lot of time on their computer browsing (Isn't really for gaming, however, you can check out Alienware for that)

Easy to use – I'm super bad with technology and using a macbook is easy for me. Everything seems very simple and non threatening, and I've had the same computer for three or four years now with no signs of slowing down. There were repairs needed when i lent it to a friend and she let her child go nuts, but as i was covered with applecare//warranty at the time i… Read more

paid nothing. I like the support apple offers with their products. For instance I mentioned not being able to connect my printer once on a phone call to support and they walked me through not only my original problem but also the connection process for my printer!

Stand the test of time – I love this computer! It is easy to use and super fast. I have owned mac products for years, and I am always excited when I can get a new one. It used to be you buy it and have to upgrade because it is old right after you bought it. With this, the specs are so good, I know it will not need upgrading. It processes fast, has plenty of storage… Read more

space, comes with all the apps I need to be productive and have fun, and it is intuitve to use. To buy any other product is a mistake.

Really reliable – For some reason I have really bad luck when buying electrical appliances, I hate shopping for them and making these decisions. But buying the Mac was the best thing I could have done. I was given an HP laptop as a gift by my mum and had to take it back 2-3 times in the first couple of days as it just wouldn't work. Luckily I was given a refund and… Read more

so went to Apple and paid the extra to get this. I agree with Zahary91 that the only nuisance is only 2 USB ports next to one another meaning I actually cannot use 2 regular connectors at the same time as they don't fit in next to each other, but either way I'll work around that for a reliable computer. Highly recommend spending the extra money on it. Really reliable without problems Only 2 USB ports right next to each other

apple mac book pro laptop – Have had my apple mac for two years and love it….. When my old desk top broke after 10 years I went to buy a laptop and came home with another brand….which I found so hard to work out. So back I went to the shop and swapped it for my apple mac….cost me at least another $1000 but I just loved it when I came home and found I could use it… Read more

easily….very user friendly for a older person with little knowledge of new technology Easy to figure out and do basic stuff that I need to do…I am over 60 so need the User friendly aspect …for sure More expensive than most laptops

OK – I really find it good, but the only reason l would give it a 3 star rating is l found that this product is not compartable with all my other devices. Iam sure it would work great if l had other Apple devices. This still has left me not a massive apple fan, but the picture quality is good. PIcture quality Not compatable with other devices

Great little laptop – I've had my macbook pro 13 inch 2.8 GHz laptop since july 2012, thats only 9 months, only had trouble programming, as i was new to the inter-net, apple advice other the phone and computer, put me on the right lines ! after 2 months decided to go for the 3 year apple care, costing $299, this extended my warranty to 3 years and also my apple… Read more

assistance to 3 years. since i've purchased a my passport hard drive for mac, and a iPod.

i've downloaded pages app. and mountain loin, the laptop and iPod are fantastic for organising and playing your music, you can take photos with your iPod and there on your laptop, pages are very good for invoices, letters etc. got an epson wi fi printer too !! very happy paid $1299 for the laptop in sale at the good guys. unhappy missed out on free apple tv, when buying computer and again when purchasing apple care, Trackpad, keyboard, itunes iphoto ipod icloud etc apple care

After 2 1/2 years one of ours died, other one ok – We (couple) both bought Macbook Pro laptops in mid 2010, one with extra memory. One stopped working at the start of 2013, didn't have Apple Care and had to pay $66 for Apple to diagnose the problem. The logic board and air card needed replacing - quote to repair $1100. Tried to contact Apple to see if they would do us a deal with buying another… Read more

laptop seeings we got a limited life out of the broken one and was ignored.

Paid $1700 for the laptop that broke-2 1/2 years is a pretty pathetic life for this priced item. Was told by a friend that Apple Care may not have even covered the repair anyways.

The other laptop is still working and is ok. But there are some annoying programs such as Itunes and Iphoto that don't let you organise things how you'd like. It is good for being virus resistant though, as long as you keep up with the software updates. Virus resistant One broke after 2 1/2 years, Itunes, Iphoto

Simply the best! – There are absolutely no doubts. I have bought two Mac Book in the last 4 years and they perform always perfectly as the first day i turned it on. It doesn't stall, it doesn't get viruses and it is so intuitive to use. I have just got back to use a PC for work and i understand now why they say, when you go Mac you never go back. :-)  Show reply

Absolutely astounding! – This is my first Mac and I've got to say, I couldn't be happier. Everything just works together to make my computing experience phenomenal. I love the retina display on it, but what I love most is the SSD, mainly because of the 10 second start up. After getting used to the retina display, I can't look at any other display the same way anymore. The… Read more

only issue I have with it is that it only has 2 usb ports. I would like to have more usb ports. Very powerful, fast with brilliant display and excellent battery life. Needs more USB ports.

Great Experience – I bought 2 Apple Mac Book Pro laptops about 12 months ago and took out the 3 years extended Applecare warranty as well. It was a big learning curve changing from PC to MAC, but after using an iphone for so long I really wanted to make the change. Its been great so far, but I have to say just recently both laptops have been getting this coloured… Read more

spinning wheel coming up on our MAC which slows everything down while you wait for it to stop. I have taken my one down to the service centre twice and hopefully they have sorted it as its a real pain.

Overall I would definitely buy another MAC as the fact that I can just open the lid of my laptop and its all there ready to go is great and the fact that MAC's do not get viruses was another reason for buying. Always ready to go, sleek design minor faults with spinning wheel

Perfect laptop – I like all there, the only problem I have is with ethernet & sometimes WiFi. Which I like the most is keyboard and touchpad! Sometimes I have problems with sound. Software, battery, reliable Ethernet connection, weight

Reliable laptop – I have had this laptop for over a year and it is the best computer I have used. It has never missed a beat and always performs quickly even under high pressure. I like the metal housing but it does scratch, the login screen can lag quite often. The charger broke after a year though, expensive to replace. Design, reliability, performance. Login screen lags, charger is fragile, very expensive

13" 2.26GHz MacBook Pro review – Great computer. The screen has quite a high resolution, but in some situations the glass reflects too much. The aluminum unibody is spectacular. The trackpad is a joy to use. The keyboard has a nice tactile feeling and is backlit. The magnetic lid is classy and the magnetic power lead is genius. The Mac operating system is a pleasure to use.… Read more

Once I found where the non-minimised windows are, by using Exposé (activated by either a three finger swipe down or by pressing the F9 key). Automatic backup (Time Machine) every hour is a great insurance policy if you accidentally delete something. The graphic user interface is highly polished which isn't overly cluttered. Application icons are an artist dream. The iLife applications are great, the ability to create movies and DVDs, record music and make photo albums makes the computer much more enjoyable to use.

However, there's no cut function in the file manager (Finder). If you have to move many files from one folder to another in some far away place it's best to have two Finder windows open to drag and drop files, which is essentially cut and paste. It took me a little while to "find" 'New Finder Window' up in the File drop down menu or by right clicking/tapping the Finder icon down in the dock. But since I don't move files around so much anymore it's not as much of an issue. Aluminium unibody, trackpad, keyboard, magnetic lid and power lead, most of operating system, iLife applications. Reflective screen, no cut function in Finder.

overpriced and heavy, but gorgeously aesthetically pleasing – I've had this since October 2010 and I'm quite happy with it, although I would probably get a cheaper, less heavy (it's over 2kg) PC laptop next time. It's got a beautiful display, is fine to use once you have got past the 'swearing because you can't find anything and can't believe Apple assume that everything they design is intuitive when it… Read more

clearly isn't' stage (only applies to people used to PCs), and has been generally very reliable. When I've needed support, that's where Apple seriously comes into its own, with the phoneline and the shop both providing absolutely excellent customer service. aesthetically pleasing, fantastic customer service, some great free programs (iphoto) probably not the greatest value for money out there; too heavy to be portable

Love it! – It's such a pleasure to use this product. Very intuitive It hardly ever crashes like my PC used to (all the time!!!! and drove me crazy) and things just work! It worth getting. Very, very happy. Great quality product and easy to use.

Excellent Computer – The specs are: Core i5 2.3 GHz 4GB 1333 MHz DDR3 Memory 320GB HDD Plus the usual 2xUSB, firewire, thunderbolt, ethernet and card reader slots. I'm not a massive Apple fan. You will never catch me with an Ipad, pod or phone but I must say their laptops are terrific and doubt I will ever buy anything else now. Bought this in May 2011.… Read more

Was fed up with the windows laptops of myself and partner and their sluggish performance so chose to pay a bit more and try out a MBP and office for Mac.

Has not missed a beat in the year we have had it. Is a nice portable size, the build quality is superb and the battery lasts at least 4-5 hours and that's with screen bright and wifi on.

Handles multitasking and many documents open at the same time very well. Only starts to slow if a stupid amount of programs/docs are running. Keyboard is also a delight to use. Speed, build quality and finish Little pricey (got it $1100 on special @ DSE) but get what you pay for here I guess as this won't need replacing for a very long time

Very intuitive and easy to use – The MacBook Pro has probably been reviewed several times by now. So everyone already knows how great it is. What I find incredible is the ability to multi-task everything without crashing. I am a regular Windows user so I have also installed it. Running both Mac Os and Windows at the same time is just brilliant. However this model can feel slow… Read more ·  1

when using professional software. The Pro version definitely is suited for professional needs, but cannot handle well professional music software or design software. Better go for an upgrade on that one. Intuitive, easy to use, multi-tasking Some latency

Excellent Machine – The 13" Macbook Pro was my choice because the pics on the online Apple store made things look a little "big." So far, the computer has worked really well for me. Office 2011 (or whatever) for Mac is really nice. I've been PC savvy for many years, but this switch has me at tipping point for replacing my Gaming PC for a Mac! The Magsafe power… Read more ·  1

connector helps to save "accidents" by disconnecting the power if you trip on the cable. However, it does not work quite as well as Apple claims. With the cable running behind the computer, or if the cable runs straight from the connection (cable pointing along computer), you can still take the computer with it. I did this testing without enough force to take the computer off the desk, although, it may not work in "extreme" circumstances.

I have also noticed that the Mac gets quite hot when used on your lap, holding at 80* whilst I write this review, with just MSN, Skype and Mail running in the background, doing nothing. The Aluminium case of the laptop means the whole thing acts like a big heatsink, but the most heat is contained around the hinge for the screen (where the Fan and CPU are located). I would therefore recommend confining your usage of this machine to your desk, or a pillow, of (if you want to sacrifice battery life and quiet), install SMC Fan Control to keep the temperature down... I did, and keep the fan at 3000rpm minimum, which doesn't actually help that much.

The screen looks excellent at full brightness, but keep it at around 50% to save battery life. The same applies to the keyboard backlight. Note that using the screen at high brightness results in high operating temperatures (see keep it down). Both lights automatically adjust to some degree, depending on the light situation.

Overall though, the Macbook Pro is an excellent addition for anyone looking for peaceful computing! Quiet, ease of use, nice spaced keys with good feel, backlit keyboard, Mac OS X Lion Gets hot on occasion

I love my MacBook! – The MacBook Pro is fast, beautifully designed, and very user friendly. The graphics display is outstanding with vibrant colours, and brilliant lighting. The backlit keyboard makes working at night easy and wireless communication allows me to work anywhere in the house with ease. User friendly, heaps of apps available, and wireless communication

Excellent – Out performs the most powerful PC available - easily - then powers down in a few seconds and slips into my bag. My daily routine involves shooting and editing HD video. Post involves multiple layers of video, heavy colour correction and real-time integration with graphic layers & compositing. The machine rips through this sort of CPU intensive… Read more

work with ease, running a large external screen all the while. A year ago I was on a souped up PC & dreaming of this sort of performance. I would never go back to PC. Ever. Sheer GRUNT. Slower to boot now that it's loaded with software (although, nowhere near as slow as my old PC!)

Simply the best! – My daughter and sons all own these models of apple computers and advised me to purchase one too. Ok, they are a tad expensive, but for reliability and ease of use-unbeatable! Reliable

Great – This is my first Mac, always used wintel machines before. Boots up fast. Worth money spent. Got a good deal with education discount. I have windows running with Bootcamp which I frequently used during the first three months, now I rarely use windows. Reliable no dedicated graphics, but does not really bother