MacBook Pro Mid 2017 with Touch Bar Review

The MacBook Pro models we reviewed late last year featured older 6th-gen Intel chips, which were still fast enough for most tasks. What's new is the move to current 7th-generation Intel Core i-series CPUs, also known as Kaby Lake. The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar for 2017 retains the same design as its predecessor.

Unless you're in a hurry to upgrade, it may be wise to hold off buying this model until we learn more about its future. Apple is expected to revamp the MacBook line in October 2018 as part of its annual hardware follow-up to WWDC software announcements.

While not the speediest in its class, the MacBook Pro still performs solidly on multicore processor tests and boasts one of the best battery lives among 15-inch laptops we've tested since. Its performance has stood the test of time, but there are comparable clamshell models available at similar or better prices, such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga and Dell XPS 15 2-in-1.

The competitive landscape has changed significantly over the past couple of years, with Windows manufacturers introducing innovative features like detachable keyboards and 360-degree displays that flip around for both clamshell and tablet operation. These models often come equipped with touchscreens and stylus support, making them more flexible than the MacBook Pro.

Overall, while the MacBook Pro still has its strengths, it's worth considering other options before making a purchase decision.

Macbook pro mid 2017 with touch bar