For sale is my restored Apple MacBook Pro 17-inch (Model A1297, Mid 2010).
This MacBook has been completely dismantled, cleaned, serviced and carefully reassembled. Rather than simply blowing the dust out, I stripped the machine down so it could be properly inspected and serviced before sale with every screw being put back and present.
I always try to be as honest and transparent as possible with my listings, so please take a few minutes to read the full description and carefully study all of the photographs, as they form an important part of the listing.
This isn't a "refurbished like new" machine. It's a genuine 15-year-old MacBook Pro that has been sympathetically restored and is now ready for its next owner.
- Apple MacBook Pro 17-inch (A1297, Mid 2010)
- Intel Core i5 Processor
- 8GB Samsung DDR3 RAM
- 240GB Kingston SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M Graphics & Intel HD Integrated.
- macOS High Sierra (Fresh Installation) updated to Version 10.13.6
- Genuine Apple Battery
- Genuine Apple 85W MagSafe Charger Included
The MacBook has been fully dismantled and serviced.
Work completed includes:
• Complete internal clean
• Logic board removed, cleaned and visually inspected
• Cooling system cleaned
• CPU heatsink removed & cleaned
• NVIDIA GPU heatsink removed & cleaned
• Old thermal compound completely removed
• Fresh Arctic MX-4 thermal paste applied to both the CPU and GPU (Check attached picture showing the temps below 50c during this heatwave!)
• Upgraded to 8GB Samsung DDR3 RAM
• Kingston 240GB SSD installed
• Fresh installation of macOS High Sierra
• Fully tested following reassembly
The MacBook runs quietly, performs very well and benefits greatly from the SSD upgrade.
The MacBook still retains its genuine Apple battery.
It charges and functions and will work without a charger being plugged in. Being an original battery from a 2010 machine, it naturally has age-related wear.
As a realistic expectation, I would allow for approximately around one hour of battery life, although this will vary depending on screen brightness, workload and usage.
The Battery is showing as "Service Battery" which means it should be replaced but I wanted to keep it as original as possible. You still can get replacement batteries but make sure you match the spec, 7.3v and 95wh will cost around £30 so you should probably factor this in and I have priced this listing with this in mind.
See attached pictures of the magsafe charger displaying that it is indeed charging the battery indicated by the orange LED on the indicator and in the top right of the screen.
Please note this MacBook is fitted with a genuine Apple US (ANSI) keyboard.
This differs slightly from the standard UK keyboard layout, so please check the photographs carefully and ensure you're happy with this before purchasing.
It is also worth noticing that during my testing, I noticed that the backlight on the keyboard is brighter in the middle than on the left and right side of the keyboard but I was unable to capture this on camera, its almost as if brightness is on setting 5 on the left and right but setting 10 on the middle if that makes sense.
Overall, I would describe the MacBook as being in good used condition for its age.
It is approximately 15 years old, so naturally it shows signs of use over its lifetime.
The aluminium casing has the expected light scratches, surface marks and general wear consistent with normal use. There are also a few small marks and minor nicks around some of the edges and corners, with the only significant dent being on the front right. Please see attached pictures.
The underside also has the usual light scratches you would expect from years of being placed on desks and tables. All four rubber feet are present.
The keyboard, palm rest and trackpad are all in good condition and clean.
The display produces a bright, clear image with no obvious faults during use.
When the display is switched off and viewed under certain lighting conditions, some light cleaning marks or smudges can be seen on the screen surface. I deliberately chose not to use aggressive cleaning chemicals or abrasives as I didn't want to risk damaging the display surface. Once the display is powered on, these marks are not noticeable during normal use.
The original rubber display surround is still present but does have wear consistent with age, again, please see pictures.
Internally, the MacBook is exceptionally clean following servicing. I've included photographs showing the internal components, RAM, SSD, battery information and system specifications so you can see exactly what you're buying.
Following servicing, I fitted discreet tamper-evident security labels both internally and externally.
These are not there to invalidate genuine issues. They simply provide evidence if the MacBook has been opened after leaving me and help protect both myself and the buyer from fraudulent parts swapping or tampering.
Although this MacBook dates from 2010, it is still a very capable machine for many everyday tasks.
It would make an excellent computer for:
• Web browsing
• Email
• Office documents/School work
• Watching YouTube and streaming media
• Music/DVD Movie playback
• Photo storage and organisation
• Older Mac software and games
• General home or educational use
The large 17-inch display remains one of Apple's nicest laptop screens of its era, and the SSD makes the machine feel much more responsive than it originally did with a mechanical hard drive.
Please bear in mind that it runs macOS High Sierra, so some newer applications may no longer be supported.
I've intentionally included a large number of detailed photographs.
These include:
• Overall cosmetic condition
• Keyboard layout
• Display
• Internal components
• SSD
• RAM
• Battery information
• Graphics information
• macOS System Information
Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
If you'd like any additional photographs or have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch before purchasing.
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📦 Items packed carefully and securely
📮 Royal Mail postage only (I do not use Evri)
🌍 Worldwide shipping available through eBay's Global Shipping Programme
💬 Happy to answer any questions before purchase
✅ Honest descriptions with nothing hidden
This is a genuinely well-cared-for and sympathetically restored 17-inch MacBook Pro. It has been properly serviced, thoroughly tested and honestly described.
I've deliberately documented both its strengths and its imperfections because I believe buyers should know exactly what they're purchasing. If you're looking for a classic 17-inch MacBook Pro with useful upgrades and an honest description, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Please ensure you've read the full description and carefully viewed all photographs before purchasing as I do not accept returns.