Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.7 13" (Mid-2011) Specs
Identifiers: Mid-2011 - MC965LL/A* - MacBookAir4,2 - A1369 - 2469
All MacBook Air Models | All 2011 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
The Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.7 13" (Mid-2011/Thunderbolt) features a 32-nm "Sandy Bridge" 1.7 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (2557M) with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 4 GB of onboard 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (which cannot be upgraded after purchase), 128 GB or 256 GB of flash storage, and an Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics processor with 384 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with system memory.
This all is packed in a razor thin (0.11-0.68 inch), 2.96 pound, aluminum case with an integrated "FaceTime" video camera, a backlit full-size keyboard and an 13.3" widescreen TFT LED backlit active-matrix "glossy" display (1440x900 native resolution).
Connectivity includes 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, dual USB 2.0 ports and analog audio out as well as an SDXC card slot and a new "Thunderbolt" port that is backwards compatible with Mini DisplayPort and likewise supports an external display at 2560x1600 and passes an audio signal as well. Thunderbolt also supports other peripherals that use the Thunderbolt standard which provides up to 10 Gbps of bandwidth in both directions. It lacks internal Ethernet (an external USB adapter was offered as a US$29 option) and lacks Firewire and optical audio in/out as well.
Compared to its predecessor, this model has a very similar external enclosure, although it has the aforementioned Thunderbolt port, a backlit keyboard, and is slightly heavier. Internally, however, it has a faster processor, architecture and RAM as well as improved wireless capabilities.
Also see:
- What are the differences between the "Mid-2011" MacBook Air models? Which is the best choice for my needs?
- What are the differences between the "Mid-2011" MacBook Air models and the "Late 2010" MacBook Air that they replaced?
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- Tech Specs
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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: |
July 20, 2011 |
Discontinued Date: |
June 11, 2012 |
| 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.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2011. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
5266 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
5952 |
| 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 MacBookAir4,2 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): |
2045 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
3868 |
| 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 MacBookAir4,2 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): |
2193 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
4262 |
| 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 MacBookAir4,2 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): |
2390 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
4356 |
| 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 MacBookAir4,2 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): |
452 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
942 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac 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 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir4,2 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: |
1.7 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i5 (I5-2557M) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 32 nm, 64-bit Intel Mobile Core i5 "Sandy Bridge" (I5-2557M) processor which includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 3 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel).
This system also supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" -- which "automatically increases the speed of the active cores" to improve performance when needed (up to 2.7 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize four total "cores" or "threads" (two real and two virtual).
Also see: How fast are the 'Mid-2011' MacBook Air models compared to one another and to earlier MacBook Air models? How fast are these models compared to the 'Early 2011' MacBook Pro models? |
| Turbo Boost: |
2.7 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
1.8 GHz (Core i7) |
| Details: |
A 1.8 GHz Core i7 (I7-2677M) processor was available via custom order for the MC966LL/A configuration (which has 256 GB of flash storage by default) as a US$100 upgrade.
As requested by readers, EveryMac.com also has documented this custom configuration as its own model.
Also see: How much faster are the custom configured Core i7-powered "Mid-2011" MacBook Air models than the stock Core i5-powered models? Is the extra performance worth the extra cost? |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| System Bus Speed: |
5 GT/s* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
1.7 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
*This system has a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k x2 |
L2/L3 Cache: |
256k x2, 3 MB (on chip) |
| Details: |
Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 3 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
DDR3 SDRAM* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1333 MHz |
| Details: |
Shipped standard with 4 GB of 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM onboard. |
| Standard RAM: |
4 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
4 GB* |
| Motherboard RAM: |
4 GB* |
RAM Slots: |
None |
| Details: |
*There are no RAM slots. 4 GB of RAM is soldered onboard and cannot be upgraded later. |
| Video Card: |
HD Graphics 3000 |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
This model has an Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system. |
| Standard VRAM: |
384 MB |
Maximum VRAM: |
384 MB |
| Details: |
Apple reports that "memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs" and that the minimum graphics usage is 384 MB for this model. |
| Built-in Display: |
13.3" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
1440x900 |
| Details: |
13.3" color widescreen TFT LED-backlit active-matrix "glossy" display with a 1440 by 900 native resolution. Apple reports that it also supports "1280 by 800, 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.
In Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, battery, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery for this MacBook Air. |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
2560x1600 |
| Details: |
The maximum resolution supported on an external display is 2560x1600. |
| Standard Storage: |
128, 256 GB SSD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
N/A |
| Details: |
The MC965LL/A configuration has 128 GB of flash storage and the MC966LL/A configuration has 256 MB of flash storage. Apple did not offer other capacities via custom configuration and it is not intended to be upgraded after purchase either.
Also see: How do you replace or upgrade the storage in the "Mid-2011" MacBook Air models? Is it even possible?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells internal storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.
In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
Proprietary (2.2 mm) |
Storage Interface: |
Mini SATA (6 Gb/s) |
| Details: |
This model supports a single proprietary design SSD module with a Mini SATA (6 Gb/s) connector. It is 2.2 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. 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: |
*No MacBook Air models have an internal Ethernet port. However, an external Apple USB 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter was offered as a US$29 option.
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: |
4.0 |
| Details: |
802.11n (802.11a/b/g capable as well) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. As a minor point, Apple quietly stopped referring to the wireless networking (802.11n) as AirPort Extreme with this MacBook Air.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a? |
| USB Ports: |
2 (2.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, no Firewire ports.
Also see: What is a good USB hub to use with the MacBook Air while traveling? |
| Expansion Slots: |
SD Card (SDXC) |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
This model has an SDXC Card slot.
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.
Also see: Which SD Card slot storage solution is best for the MacBook Air? Which models are compatible? Is this kind of storage safe? |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Full-size |
Incl. Input: |
Trackpad (Inertial) |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)." Unlike earlier MacBook Air models, it is backlit.
For this MacBook Air, Apple did not formally mention the trackpad capabilities, but it is fully multi-touch capable.
Also see: What are the differences between the trackpads in different MacBook Air models? |
| Case Type: |
Notebook |
Form Factor: |
MacBook Air 13" |
| Details: |
This MacBook Air uses a razor thin aluminum case design with a "catchless" magnetic latch. |
| Apple Order No: |
MC965LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
Mid-2011 |
| Details: |
*MC965LL/A refers to the configuration with 128 GB of flash storage. Configured with 256 GB of flash storage the order number is MC966LL/A. Both are configured with 4 GB of RAM. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1369 (EMC 2469) |
Model ID: |
MacBookAir4,2 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1369 Model Number, the 2469 EMC Number, and the MacBookAir4,2 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: |
50 W h Li-Poly |
Battery Life: |
7 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this model has a "built-in 50-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" and the company claims that it can provide up to 7 hours of "wireless web" use. Apple additionally notes that it provides "up to" 30 days of standby time.
Also see: What is the battery life of the "Mid-2011" MacBook Air models in "real-world" usage tests? Do the faster custom-configured Core i7 models have inferior battery life than the standard models?
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 10.7 (11A2063) |
Maximum MacOS: |
X 10.13.x* |
| Details: |
*This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion," OS X 10.9 "Mavericks," and OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" as well as OS X 10.11 "El Capitan," but advanced feature support is limited to Mac-to-Mac AirDrop, AirPlay Mirroring, and Power Nap. Other major features are not supported. It is capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) as well, although it does not support the Universal Clipboard, Auto Unlock, or Apple Pay features. Finally, this model is capable of running macOS High Sierra (10.13), and it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC. It is not compatible with macOS Mojave (10.14) or later versions of the operating system.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS High Sierra (10.13)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support HEVC? |
| Minimum Windows: |
7 (32-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
8.1 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*Apple's Boot Camp 4 supports the 32-bit version of Windows 7 on this model. Boot Camp 5 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 7 and Windows 8. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported.
Although Apple does not support Windows 10 via Boot Camp 5 (officially or otherwise), this system meets Microsoft's hardware requirements and it very well may be possible to boot Windows 10 on this Mac. If you have installed Windows 10 on this system (successfully or unsuccessfully), please share the results of your experiment. Thank you. |
| 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: |
.11-.68 x 12.8 x 8.94 |
Avg. Weight: |
2.96 lbs (1.35 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches while closed - minimum height to maximum height by width by depth, (0.3 cm-1.7 cm, 32.5 cm, 22.7 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$1299, US$1599 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$75-US$150 |
| Details: |
This MacBook Air was offered with 128 GB of flash storage (MC965LL/A) for US$1299 and 256 GB of flash storage (MC966LL/A) for US$1599. Both are equipped with 4 GB of RAM.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.7 13" (Mid-2011) 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$1299, C$1599 |
Brazil: |
R$3.799, R$5.199 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $19,499, $23,999 |
United States: |
US$1299, US$1599 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1249, €1499 |
Belgium: |
€1279, €1579 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 9,799, 11,999 |
Finland: |
€1279, €1579 |
| France: |
€1249, €1499 |
Germany: |
€1249, €1499 |
| Ireland: |
€1279, €1579 |
Italy: |
€1249, €1499 |
| Luxembourg: |
€1215,57, €1500,70 |
Netherlands: |
€1249, €1499 |
| Norway: |
NOK 10.290, 12.590 |
Portugal: |
€1279, €1579 |
| Spain: |
€1249, €1499 |
Sweden: |
SEK 11.995, 14.995 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 1'349, 1'649 |
United Kingdom: |
£1099, £1349 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 9,998, 12,498 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$9,998, HK$12,488 |
| India: |
Rs 73,900, 89,900 |
Indonesia: |
Rp 12,499,000, 15,499,000 |
| Japan: |
¥110,800, ¥138,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 1,650,000, 1,990,000 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 3,999, 4,999 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 65,990, 79,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$1,688, S$2,088 |
Taiwan: |
NT$41,900, NT$51,900 |
| Thailand: |
THB 42,900, 52,900 |
Vietnam: |
VND 31,499,000, 38,999,000 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$1449, A$1799 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$1999, NZ$2499 |
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 (Thunderbolt) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
2 (2.0)
None
None
None
None
1 (Internal)
None
None*
1*
None
None
N/A
1