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MacBook Air Q&A
Update Published July 13, 2008
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What are the differences between the original MacBook Air configuration options?
Please note that the original MacBook Air has been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and quite useful for anyone considering one of these notebooks on the used market. EveryMac.com also covers the differences between the current MacBook Air models, if you're instead looking for that info.
By default, there was only one configuration of the original MacBook Air. However, Apple did offer two "standard" configurations via the company website, and there were a variety of configuration options available.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.
In a nutshell, the original MacBook Air could either be configured with a 1.6 GHz "Core 2 Duo" processor and an 80 GB PATA (4200 RPM) hard drive -- the default configuration -- or one could opt for the "ultimate" configuration with a 1.8 GHz "Core 2 Duo" processor and a 64 GB solid-state drive. These two configurations are priced as such:
MacBook Air |
Default |
Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
Processor Speed: |
1.6 GHz |
1.8 GHz |
Drive Size: |
80 GB |
64 GB |
Drive Type: |
PATA |
Solid-state |
Intro Price: |
US$1799 |
US$3098† |
† On July 8, 2008, Apple dropped the price to US$2598 for the "ultimate" system.
When first released, the upgrade from a 1.6 GHz processor to a 1.8 GHz processor cost US$300 by itself, and the upgrade from the 80 GB hard drive to the 64 GB solid-state drive cost a massive US$999 premium. On July 8, 2008, Apple dropped the processor upgrade price to US$200 and the SSD upgrade price to US$599.
As the MacBook Air does not support an internal optical drive, many will find it convenient also to purchase the offered external MacBook Air SuperDrive for US$99.
Regardless of configuration, the MacBook Air features 2 GB of non-upgradable onboard 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, an Intel GMA X3100 integrated "graphics processor with 144 MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory", an integrated iSight video camera, a new trackpad that supports "multi-touch gesturing" (two-finger scroll, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag), a "flush against the bed 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.
Both configurations also include the same connectivity -- 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.
Used MacBook Air Purchase & Sale Options
There are any number of places to purchase an original MacBook Air on the used market. However, purchasing from a quality seller with extensive experience in the Mac market -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Air models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Air models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Air, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Air models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used MacBook Air models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
Please refer to EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any MacBook Air model to any other G3 or later Mac.
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