The 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer from Apple is an extremely portable, stunningly designed laptop computer. Apple's engineers have leveraged the lessons they learned in designing the miniaturized iPad and applied them to the design of this 2.9-pound computer.
The original MacBook Air's slim profile was made possible due to the lack of an optical drive. This system eschews the hard drive as well -- opting instead for 256GB of flash storage -- resulting in an even slimmer profile. When closed, the computer is only 0.68" at its thickest point.
Flash storage doesn't just give you a lighter, thinner computer. It also allows for impressive battery life -- up to 7 hours of web browsing and an amazing 30 days of standby time!
The MacBook Air is housed in an aluminum unibody enclosure, which is as strong as it is light. Because it is cut from a solid block of aluminum, the housing is stronger than those found on laptops built via traditional means.
The computer's high-resolution display makes working on the go a breeze. At 13.3" in size, the 16:10 display feature a native resolution of 1440 x 900 -- equal to that of the 15.4" MacBook Pro! It features a glossy finish and a LED backlight for enhanced image quality and energy efficiency.
Computers in the MacBook Air's weight class are most often classified in the "netbook" category. Netbooks typically feature less-than-full-size keyboards, cramped trackpads, and low-powered CPUs. Not so with the MacBook Air. This computer features the same chiclet keyboard found on every computer in the MacBook series. It also boasts a large multi-touch glass trackpad, giving you full control over your computer -- without sacrificing ergonomics.
The computer is powered by a dual-core 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and boasts 2GB of RAM. Graphics are provided by an integrated nVIDIA GeForce 320M GPU with up to 256MB of shared DDR3 memory. The computer features all the amenities you expect on a Mac -- a FaceTime webcam, dual-band 802.11n AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, an SD card slot, and built-in stereo speakers.
iLife '11 has a complete suite of digital creativity applications. Easy enough for anyone to use, iLife will help you edit your home movies, organize digital photos, and compose original music.
The 64-bit OS features Time Machine backup, which automatically backs up system data to an external hard drive. It also features intuitive Cover Flow navigation, the powerful Spotlight search tool, and Quick Look document preview. You'll be able to use Boot Camp to run Windows on your Mac, or FaceTime to participate in video chats with iPhone, iPod touch, and Mac users.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Cache | L2: 6MB |
| System Bus | 1066MHz Front Side Bus |
| Memory |
Slots: Onboard Type: PC3-8500 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM Installed: 2GB Capacity: 2GB |
| Graphics Card |
Type: Integrated Installed: nVIDIA GeForce 320M with 256MB DDR3 SDRAM Shared |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Type | Widescreen |
| Size | 13.3" |
| Backlight | LED |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:10 |
| Finish | Glossy |
| Native Resolution | 1440 x 900 |
| Supported Resolutions |
1440 x 900 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1280 x 800 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1152 x 700 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1024 x 640 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 800 x 500 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1024 x 768 at 4:3 Aspect Ratio 800 x 600 at 4:3 Aspect Ratio 640 x 480 at 4:3 Aspect Ratio 720 x 480 at 3:2 Aspect Ratio |
| External Resolution | Up to 2560 x 1600 |
| Dual Display | Yes |
| Video Mirroring | Yes |
| Storage | |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive | Installed: 256GB SSD |
| Optical Drive | None |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB 2.0 (A) |
| Display | 1x Mini DisplayPort |
| Audio |
Integrated Stereo Speakers Integrated Microphone 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack |
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Flash Media Slot | 1x SD |
| Communications | |
|---|---|
| Network | None |
| Modem | None |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n Airport Extreme |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 2.1+EDR |
| Webcam | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard (64-bit) |
| Security | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Keyboard | Type: Standard Notebook Keyboard |
| Pointing Device | TouchPad |
| Battery | Built-In Lithium-Polymer Providing up to 7 Hours per Charge (50Wh) |
| Power Requirements | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 12.8 x 0.68 x 8.94" / 32.51 x 1.73 x 22.71 cm |
| Weight | 2.9 lb / 1.32 kg |
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
I swtiched to Apple when they switched to OSX, and haven't purchased a Windows computer since. My work keeps me on the laptop for 50+ hours per week, and after lugging around my 15 inch MacBook Pro for nearly 6 years, this is REALLY an improvement.
It boots in record speed, has taken POUNDS off of my shoulder, and without moving parts, stays cool. It is also small enough to sit on the table during client meetings and not draw too much attention to itself. The 1440 resolution setting has allowed me to keep my desktop real-estate (same settings as my 15-inch MB Pro). Lastly, the airport, bluetooth and all the connectivity parts work great.
The MB Pro is still alive and kicking, but I haven't opened it for any reason other than retrieving my data.
Great computer!
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
A great travel companion, long battery life, good performance. More USB slots would be useful.
Pros
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
It's just another great product by Apple that stands out with its performance and sleekness.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
I am moving into much smaller quarters later this month so everything I owned had to be downsized...Can't believe I waited sooo long to do this..
Haven't found a thing I didn't like about the Mac Book air.
Easy to use, lightweight,
great picture--using it for everyday use and to stream movies to my 40in Sony.
Absolutely the best.....
Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
I usually use this for work and for home. I like that its light and portable. Battery lasts long. Ive been a Mac user for the past 10 years and this is by far my favorite one.
Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
I put my hands on the new MacBook Air - I have the 13-inch model — and I realized it's amazing.
The screen and audio have very good quality.
Keyboard and trackpad are extremely easy to use.
I'm very happy with my new Macbook.
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