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 3-pound computer.
To say that the Air is svelte is all at once stating the obvious and understating the truth. The system is defined by its sleek lines and stunning aluminum enclosure. At its thickest point the computer is only 0.68" -- it tapers down to 0.11" at its thinnest.
The system is loaded with 256GB of SSD flash storage rather than an old-fashioned hard drive. 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 -- delivering the same amount of pixels as the standard 15.6" MacBook Pro! It features a glossy finish and LED backlight technology 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 a standard-size backlit chiclet keyboard, the same as on the larger computers in the MacBook line. 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 1.8GHz Intel Core i7 processor and boasts 4GB of RAM. Graphics are provided by an integrated Intel GMA HD 3000 GPU. The computer features all the amenities you expect on a Mac -- a FaceTime webcam, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and built-in stereo speakers.
iLife '11, a complete suite of digital creativity applications, is installed on the system. Easy enough for anyone to use, iLife will help you edit your home movies, organize digital photos, and compose original music.
The computer is loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.7 Lion operating system. The 64-bit OS features Time Machine backup, which automatically backs up system data to an external hard drive. It also features intuitive natural scrolling, the innovative Launchpad application launcher, and support for full screen applications. Mission Control combines the functionality of Dashboard, Exposé, and Spaces -- giving you a bird's eye view of everything that is happening on your computer.
Lion also adds Auto Save to your Mac, ensuring that you won't lose data if you forget to save a file. The OS tracks different versions of your documents, so you can go back to a previous draft of a document with ease. AirDrop makes it easy to transmit files wirelessly between computers, even if there is no central Wi-Fi network available. The revamped Mail application takes full advantage of modern widescreen displays.
And of course, you can expand the functionality of your computer system by browsing through the multitude of productivity applications, games, and other software that is available for purchase from the Mac App Store. Because the software in the store is curated by Apple, you can be sure that it is free of malware and safe to use. And, like the iOS App Store, you'll automatically be notified when updated versions of your favorite programs are available for download.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1.8GHz Intel Core i7 |
| Cache | L3: 4MB |
| System Bus | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Memory |
Slots: Onboard Type: PC3-10600 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM Installed: 4GB Capacity: 4GB |
| Graphics Card |
Type: Integrated Installed: Intel GMA HD Graphics 3000 with 384MB 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 720 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1024 x 640 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1024 x 768 at 4:3 Aspect Ratio 800 x 600 at 4:3 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) 1x Thunderbolt |
| Audio |
Integrated Stereo Speakers Integrated Omnidirectional 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 | 802.11a/b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Webcam | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Mac OS X 10.7 Lion (64-bit) |
| Security | None |
| Keyboard |
Type: Standard Notebook Keyboard Features: Backlight, Chiclet Style |
| Pointing Device | TouchPad with Double-Tap, Drag, Four-Finger Swipe, Inertial Scrolling, Multi-Touch Control, Pinch, Rotate, Tap, Three-Finger Swipe |
| Battery | Built-In Lithium-Polymer Providing up to 7 Hours per Charge (50Wh) |
| Power Requirements |
AC: 100-240 V AC, 50-60Hz Consumption: 45W |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 12.8 x 0.68 x 8.94" / 32.51 x 1.73 x 22.71 cm |
| Weight | 2.96 lb / 1.34 kg |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Reviewed by 29 customers
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
I bought this notebook for my wife on mother's day since my kids wanted to surprise her. Indeed it was her best surprise gift and liked it very much. A bit expensive though. I am changing my SONY lap top to Macbook book air.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
This computer has the 256 GB flash drive, which more than satisfies my needs. I expected that routine operations with a flash drive would be faster than a standard disk-type hard drive; and they are significantly faster! After 7 weeks with the new MacBook Air I am thoroughly pleased with it; and it is quite clear to me that I made the right choice for what I do.
I am retired but into digital photography in a sort of semi-pro fashion. I use Lightroom 4 quite extensively and Photoshop to a lesser degree. I am also a sailor with a little boat that I sail on the North American Atlantic coast from the Caribbean to Labrador. I use a Windows-based computer for the boat's navigation and communication. The navigation software I use is Nobeltec's Visual Navigation Suite, which interfaces with the boat's GPS and the AIS. For communication, the computer (using WinLink AirMail software) interfaces with an HF/MF SSB ICOM-710 radio through a Pactor II modem to exchange email and to receive regular onboard weather forecasts over the HAM net.
Previously I have run my navigation and communication software on Windows laptops because the software I use will only run on a Windows operating system. So switching to the MacBook Air meant I would need to integrate Windows onto the MacBook Air. After considerable research and study, I decided to go with Parallels Desktop 7 and a virtual Windows 7 operating system. I followed the available guidance carefully. And the installation of both Parallels and Win-7 all went without a hitch. As with any new computer, loading lots of software programs on it and getting everything to work the way you want it to do, can be a time consuming process and there always seem to be a few bumps along the way. The experience was no different with my new MacBook Air... there were some new things to be learned and in a few cases the old software that I had been using on Windows XP didn't work on Win-7 and had to be replaced.
My software programs are all installed now and everything is working well. Also at this point I have integrated my navigation and communication software successfully in the sailboat and confirmed that everything is working as it should. Frankly, I am astonished and thrilled that the whole integration process has gone as successfully as it did. And I am incredibly pleased with my new machine! I would just offer one note of caution to anyone is planning to replicate the process that I have just been through to integrate a MacBook Air into his/her boat for NAV/Comm purposes with Windows based software; it would be well to leave plenty of time to do the job. It took me about 6.5 weeks to complete the effort. I am sure there are plenty of folks out there who could complete the effort quicker... and I am nearly certain that very few folks... or perhaps no one would get the job done within just a few hours of the time he plans to sail.
As always, my experience buying from B&H has been highly positive.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
Great! the best you can find!
I'm Really Happy with this.
I would buy this product again and again.
More over on Bhphoto you can find the BEST price.
Yes THE best price, no doubts !
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
As a student, portability is a large priority so having such thin laptop is great.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
Just took it on first road trip. What a relief on hauling 6 lbs less than before. I love this thing. Fast very light and full featured. Would buy again
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
I BOUGTH RECENTLY A ASUS ULTRABOOK AND THEN A MACBOOK AIR NOTEBOOK. BOTH ARE THINK LIGHT WEIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL. AFTER USING MANY YEARS OF PC, I CAME TO LIKE MACBOOK AND APPLE PRODUCTS MORE AND MORE. THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE IS THE OPERATION SYSTEM. PC WITH MICROSOFT HAS SO MANY PROBLEMS AND ANNOYING EXPERIENCE WHILE APPLE'S MACBOOK WITH APPLE'S OWN OS MAKE YOU FEEL MORE SECURE, MORE CONVENIENT AND MORE CUSTOMER FRIENDLY. WILL RECOMMEND TO ALL FRIENDS MACBOOK. AT THE SAME TIME, FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH B&H'S SERVICE, PRICE AND ONLINE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
i'll admit, i was one of the 'non-believers' of the first macbook air when it was announced. but now my needs have changed, and so has the macbook air.. with plenty of power & multiple ports, this light powerhouse has become one of my favorite mac's to date!
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
This lapton is so light, it has made traveling with a laptop, a pleasure.Along with the Mac Super drive, this is an unbeatable combo.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
I use my MacAir for school and photography. I love how light it is and the fact that it can fit in my 14.5 inches purse. The design is very slick and very thin. I was hesitant on buying a Mac because I've always been a PC user but they're right "once with Mac, always with Mac". The computer is amazing and I don't need to say more about it.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
Light weight, portable, fast!! This computer is very fast and stable. Runs Adobe software very nicely!! I love the solid state hard drive.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
EXCELLENT SERVICE, EXCELLENT PRODUCT
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
I bought this for the wife as a gift. Her 2005 Mac Mini was getting real tired. This thing is fast, stable and light. We both have been impressed with how well it handles daily tasks with ease.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
Very fast! I'm impressed!
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
As almost everybody else mentioned, the boot up and application startup is very fast. I am using it for tiny projects in Java and web technologies, and the performance from the CPU is good enough.
Some flash and silverlight based apps like netflix makes the fan a little noiser, even if the cpu is not getting over 50%.
Lion OS is great.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
Really light and powerful laptop. I love it.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
very fast HW with SW, mainly due ssd hard drive. If you do not need super duper cpu, then also good for dev (if laptop is fine). The fan is sometimes noisy like when watching netflix, but that's ok for me.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
Got it to take with me on photo shoots. Perfect size for sticking in my camera bag! Runs all my editing software great.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
I was extremly pleased with the speed of my macbook air..
It also looks great.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
After years using Lenovo and other laptops, finally decided to get my first MacBook. Definately a great decision - light, excellent performance, looks great.. In other words - another great product from Apple.
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Comments about Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Notebook Computer:
Best laptop as far i got in my life so light crazy fast booting with SSD. perfect Screen. Spend more money and enjoy your work. It's worth it.
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