Apple MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.6 13" (Original) Specs
Identifiers: MacBook Air - Original - MB003LL/A - MacBookAir1,1 - A1237 - 2142*
All MacBook Air Models | All 2008 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
The Apple MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.6 13" -- affectionately dubbed the "MBA" for short -- was Apple's first serious foray into the subnotebook market since the PowerBook 2400c and the PowerBook Duo line (although PowerBook G4 12" models also were rather small).
The "MBA" is powered by a customized 1.6 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (P7500) in a miniaturized packaging design with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip with a 4 MB on-chip shared level 2 cache running on an 800 MHz frontside bus.
It features 2 GB of onboard 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, an 80 GB PATA (4200 RPM) hard drive, an Intel GMA X3100 integrated "graphics processor with 144 MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory", an integrated iSight video camera, a "MacBook-style" full-size backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor, and a 13.3" widescreen TFT LED backlit active-matrix "glossy" display (1280x800 native resolution) in a razor thin (0.16-0.76 inch), three pound, aluminum case.
Connectivity includes AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a single USB 2.0 port, analog audio out, and video out capabilities (micro-DVI) that support an external 24" display. It lacks Ethernet (an external adapter is available), Firewire, and optical audio in/out.
Like all subnotebooks, it is important to recognize that Apple made some compromises on performance, expansion, connectivity, and affordability in favor of size and weight. Although the system has an impressively large -- for a subnotebook -- 13.3" display, full-size keyboard and a trackpad that supports "multi-touch gesturing" (two-finger scroll, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag), it uses slower processors than the stock MacBook models available at the same time, the memory cannot be upgraded beyond the onboard 2 GB, there is not an internal optical drive, and the battery is not designed to be removable.
Also see:
- What are the differences between the original MacBook Air configuration options?
- What are the differences between the original MacBook Air and the "regular" MacBook?
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- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: |
January 15, 2008* |
Discontinued Date: |
October 14, 2008 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
*This model shipped on January 30, 2008.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2008. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
2044 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
2352 |
| Details: |
Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir1,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
771 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
1211 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir1,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
899 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
1413 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir1,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
1115 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
1663 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir1,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
N/A |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
N/A |
| Details: |
The Geekbench 5 benchmark does not support this Mac. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir1,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: |
1.6 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core 2 Duo (P7500) |
| Details: |
The Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. The original MacBook Air uses a customized Core 2 Duo processor with "a lower voltage specification in a new miniaturized packaging design" (P7500).
Also see: What processor does the MacBook Air use? and How fast is the original MacBook Air compared to the MacBook and MacBook Pro? |
| Turbo Boost: |
N/A |
Custom Speeds: |
1.8 GHz |
| Details: |
A 1.8 GHz Core 2 Duo (P7700) processor originally was available via custom configuration for an extra US$300, and on July 8, 2008, Apple dropped the upgrade price to US$200.
As requested by readers, EveryMac.com also has documented this custom configuration as its own model. |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| System Bus Speed: |
800 MHz |
Cache Bus Speed: |
1.6 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
800 MHz frontside bus, on-chip level 2 cache runs at processor speed. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
32-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k |
L2/L3 Cache: |
4 MB (on chip) |
| Details: |
Includes a 4 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed. |
| RAM Type: |
DDR2 SDRAM* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
667 MHz |
| Details: |
Shipped standard with 2 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM onboard. |
| Standard RAM: |
2 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
2 GB |
| Motherboard RAM: |
2 GB |
RAM Slots: |
None |
| Details: |
There are no RAM slots. |
| Video Card: |
Intel GMA X3100 |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated |
| Standard VRAM: |
144 MB |
Maximum VRAM: |
144 MB |
| Details: |
Apple reports that "memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs. Minimum graphics memory usage is 144 MB." |
| Built-in Display: |
13.3" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
1280x800 |
| Details: |
13.3" color widescreen TFT LED-backlit active-matrix "glossy" display with a 1280 by 800 native resolution. Apple reports that it also supports "1152 by 720, 1024 by 640, and 800 by 500 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; 720 by 480 pixels at 3:2 aspect ratio".
In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook Air. No fix, no fee!
In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, battery, keyboard, motherboard, and more for this MacBook Air.
|
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
1920x1200 |
| Details: |
The maximum resolution supported on an external display is 1920x1200. |
| Standard Storage: |
80 GB HDD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
4200 RPM |
| Details: |
An 80 GB (4200 RPM, 8 MB buffer) 1.8 inch, 5 mm PATA hard disk drive is standard. A 64 GB solid-state drive originally was available as an optional build-to-order upgrade for US$999, and on July 8, 2008, Apple dropped the upgrade price to US$599.
Also see: How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the MacBook Air? Can you swap the hard drive for an SSD?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
1.8" (5.2 mm) |
Storage Interface: |
Parallel ATA (ZIF) |
| Details: |
This model supports a single PATA 1.8" hard drive or SSD with a 40-pin ZIF connector and that is up to 5.2 mm thick. |
| Standard Optical: |
None* |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
*MacBook Air models do not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79 (originally US$99 when this MacBook Air was released). It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X.
Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability.
Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive available for the MacBook Air? Can it be used with other Macs? |
| Standard Modem: |
None* |
Standard Ethernet: |
None* |
| Details: |
*Neither an internal modem nor an internal Ethernet port are provided. An external Apple USB Modem (56.6k v.92) was available for US$49 and an external Apple 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter was available for US$29.
Also see: What official and third-party adapters are available to connect the MacBook Air to wired Ethernet networks? |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11a/b/g/n |
Standard Bluetooth: |
2.1+EDR |
| Details: |
AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a? |
| USB Ports: |
1 (2.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
One 480-Mbps USB 2.0 port, no Firewire ports.
Also see: What is a good USB hub to use with the MacBook Air while traveling? |
| Expansion Slots: |
None |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
No expansion slots or bays provided.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external accessories, including docks, adapters, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook Air. |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Full-size |
Incl. Input: |
Trackpad (Gesture) |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the integrated backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)."
The solid-state trackpad features "multi-touch gesture support for precise cursor control; [and] supports two-finger scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities".
On July 27, 2010, Apple added "inertial scrolling" support to these notebooks, but not three-finger gesturing, with the "Magic Trackpad and Multi-Touch Trackpad Update 1.0" software. This update requires Mac OS X 10.6.4 and is not compatible with earlier versions of Mac OS X.
Also see: What are the differences between the trackpads in different MacBook Air models? |
| Case Type: |
Notebook |
Form Factor: |
MacBook Air |
| Details: |
The MacBook Air uses an ultrathin aluminum case design with a "catchless" magnetic latch. |
| Apple Order No: |
MB003LL/A |
Apple Subfamily: |
MacBook Air - Original |
| Details: |
The Apple order number should be unique to this system. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1237 (EMC 2142*) |
Model ID: |
MacBookAir1,1 |
| Details: |
*Please note that these identifiers can refer to more than one model. In this case, please also note that the EMC number is not externally listed on the notebook so it cannot be used readily for identification.
Also see: All Macs with the A1237 Model Number, the 2142* EMC Number, and the MacBookAir1,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Battery Type: |
37 W h Li-Poly |
Battery Life: |
5 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this model has an "integrated 37-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" and the company claims that it can provide up to five hours of battery life with wireless activated.
Also see: What is the battery life of the original MacBook Air in real-world usage tests?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook Air.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells quality batteries for this MacBook Air. |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.5.1 (9B2324) |
Maximum MacOS: |
X 10.7.5* |
| Details: |
*This system can run the last version of OS X 10.7 "Lion." However, although it has a 64-bit processor, it has a 32-bit EFI and is not capable of booting into 64-bit mode. It does not support "OpenCL" either. Please also note that OS X Lion is not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as it does not support the "Rosetta" environment. |
| Minimum Windows: |
XP SP2 (32-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
7 (32-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*Apple's Boot Camp 4 formally supports the 32-bit versions of Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. However, the system does meet Microsoft's minimum requirements for Windows 8 and readers have reported successfully running the 32-bit version of this operating system with appropriate drivers. |
| MacOS 9 Support: |
None |
Windows Support: |
Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: |
Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: |
.16-.76 x 12.8 x 8.94 |
Avg. Weight: |
3.0 lbs (1.36 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches while closed - minimum height to maximum height by width by depth, (0.4-1.94 cm, 32.5 cm, 22.7 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$1799* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$25-US$50 |
| Details: |
*This was the price for the stock configuration with a 1.6 GHz processor and an 80 GB hard drive. Via custom configuration, it originally could be equipped with a 1.8 GHz processor and a 64 GB solid-state drive for US$3098, and on July 8, 2008, Apple dropped the upgraded price to US$2598.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.6 13" (Original) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Canada: |
C$1899 |
Brazil: |
R$6.499 |
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
US$1799* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1699 |
Belgium: |
€1699 |
| Denmark: |
N/A |
Finland: |
€1699 |
| France: |
€1699 |
Germany: |
€1699 |
| Ireland: |
€1699 |
Italy: |
€1699 |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
€1699 |
| Norway: |
NOK 14.290 |
Portugal: |
€1699 |
| Spain: |
€1649 |
Sweden: |
SEK 16.495 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 2'499 |
United Kingdom: |
£1199 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 16,988 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$14,900 |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥229,800 |
Korea: |
N/A |
| Malaysia: |
N/A |
The Philippines: |
N/A |
| Singapore: |
S$2,988 |
Taiwan: |
NT$64,890 |
| Thailand: |
N/A |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$2499 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$2999 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Air models follow.
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1 (micro-DVI) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
1 (2.0)
None
None
None
None*
1 (Internal)
None
None*
1*
None
None
N/A
1