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MacBook Air Q&A
Update Published April 3, 2015
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What are all the differences between the "Early 2014" MacBook Air models? Which is the best choice for my needs?
Please note that the "Early 2014" MacBook Air models have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and is quite useful for anyone buying or selling one of these notebooks on the used market.
With the exception of the readily apparent size and weight differences, the "Early 2014" MacBook Air models -- the MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.4 11" (Early 2014) and MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.4 13" (Early 2014) -- are quite similar.
The custom configurations of each model -- the MacBook Air "Core i7" 1.7 11" (Early 2014) and MacBook Air "Core i7" 1.7 13" (Early 2014) -- likewise only vary from the stock models by processor.
Nevertheless, there are some external and internal differences that are important to note. Additionally, as the models are so similar to each other (and to earlier ones), identification details are important, too.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (11-Inch & 13-Inch MacBook Air Models)
External Differences
Like earlier MacBook Air systems, the "Early 2014" line uses a thin "wedge shaped" aluminum case design -- 0.11 of an inch at the front and tapered to 0.68 of an inch at the rear, but the 11-Inch models are 11.8 inches by 7.56 inches when closed whereas the 13-Inch models are 12.8 inches by 8.94 inches. The 11-Inch models weigh 2.38 pounds and the 13-Inch models weigh 2.96 pounds.
The 11-Inch models have a 11.6" 1366x768 display and the 13-Inch models have a 13.3" 1440x900 display. It is worth noting that these displays are much lower resolution than the 2560x1600 resolution provided by the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro systems.
Each model has a full-size "chiclet-style" backlit keyboard, although the 11-Inch systems have smaller function keys with the power key integrated into the same row to save space, as well as glass "no button" trackpads with "inertial scrolling" support. Both also have built-in stereo speakers, dual side mounted microphones, and a 720p FaceTime HD webcam.
Connectivity Differences
The 11-Inch and 13-Inch "Early 2014" MacBook Air models have almost the same connectivity except for one notable difference.
Both sizes have 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, a single "Thunderbolt" port, dual USB 3.0 ports, an analog audio out port (that also supports the Apple iPhone headset with remote and microphone), and a "MagSafe 2" power connector.
However, the 13-Inch models also have an SDXC-capable SD Card slot, whereas the 11-Inch models do not.
The "Early 2014" MacBook Air models share the A1465 and A1466 Model Numbers and the 2631 and 2632 EMC Numbers on hardware as well as the MacBookAir6,1 and MacBookAir6,2 Model Identifiers in software with earlier systems. Consequently, these identifiers, diligently hand documented by EveryMac.com, are not precise enough for unique identification.
For most purposes, like upgrading the SSD storage, for example, the EMC Numbers or Model Identifiers are close enough to an exact match, though.
The only way to uniquely identify specific "Early 2014" MacBook Air models are by Order Number (which is not available on the computer itself) or by Serial Number with EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature.
More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Internal Differences
Internally, both of the "Early 2014" MacBook Air models are quite similar. Both sizes are powered by a dual core, 22 nm 1.4 GHz Core i5 "Haswell ULT" (I5-4260U) processor with 3 MB of level 3 cache and support for "Turbo Boost" up to 2.7 GHz.
Both sizes also could be custom configured with a dual core 1.7 GHz Core i7 "Haswell ULT" (I7-4650U) processor with 4 MB of level 3 cache and a maximum Turbo Boost speed of 3.3 GHz. In the US, this custom configuration costs US$150.
Regardless of processor, all "Early 2014" models have an Intel HD Graphics 5000 graphics processor that uses 1 GB of system memory for video function, 4 GB of 1600 MHz "Low Power" LPDDR3 SDRAM soldered onboard, which could be upgraded to 8 GB of RAM for an extra US$100, but only at the time of purchase, and 128 GB or 256 GB of PCIe 2.0 x2-based SSD storage.
For the higher-end configurations of each size (MD712LL/B and MD761LL/B), Apple offered a 512 GB SSD option at the time of purchase for an additional US$300. Although storage is not intended to be upgraded after purchase, it is mounted on a removable module, so storage upgrades are quite possible.
Both sizes also have built-in batteries that are not intended to be removed. Specifically, the 11-Inch models have 38-watt hour batteries and the 13-Inch models have 54-watt hour batteries. Apple estimates that the 11-Inch models provide an estimated 9 hours of both "wireless web" use and "iTunes movie playback" whereas the 13-Inch models provide an estimated 12 hours of runtime for the same tasks.
Comparison Chart
The differences between the standard "Early 2014" MacBook Air models -- size, display size, connectivity, battery life, and price -- are summarized below:
 Early 2014 11-Inch |
 Early 2014 13-Inch |
|
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed: | 1.4 GHz* | 1.4 GHz* |
| Processor Type: | Core i5 (I5-4260U)* | Core i5 (I5-4260U)* |
| Turbo Boost: | 2.7 GHz* | 2.7 GHz* |
| Shared L3 Cache: | 3 MB* | 3 MB* |
| On Package Interface: | Yes | Yes |
| Standard RAM: | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Maximum RAM: | 8 GB† | 8 GB† |
| Internal Storage: | 128 GB, 256 GB†† | 128 GB, 256 GB†† |
| Graphics Processor: | HD Graphics 5000 | HD Graphics 5000 |
| Display Size: | 11.6" Widescreen | 13.3" Widescreen |
| Display Resolution: | 1366x768 | 1440x900 |
| Battery Life: | 9 Hours | 12 Hours |
| SDXC Card Slot: | No | Yes |
| Dimensions: | .11-.68 x 11.8 x 7.56 | .11-.68 x 12.8 x 8.94 |
| Weight: | 2.38 Pounds | 2.96 Pounds |
| Order Numbers: | MD711LL/B, MD712LL/B | MD760LL/B, MD761LL/B |
| Intro Price (US): | US$899, US$1099 | US$999, US$1199 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £749, £899 | £849, £999 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$999, C$1199 | C$1099, C$1299 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$1099, A$1299 | A$1199, A$1399 |
* A 1.7 GHz Core i7 (I7-4650U) processor was available via custom order as a US$150 upgrade. This processor shares 4 MB of level 3 cache and provides a maximum Turbo Boost speed of 3.3 GHz.
† Both models could be upgraded to 8 GB of RAM as a US$100 option, but only at the time of purchase. RAM in all models is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded after purchase.
†† The higher-end MD711LL/B and MD761LL/B configurations could be equipped with 512 GB of storage at the time of purchase for an additional US$300.
Comparison Summary
Apart from physical dimensions and display size, the differences between the "Early 2014" MacBook Air models are minor. Both provide excellent battery life.
As it always has been, though; MacBook Air systems are intended for those most interested in size and weight rather than performance, connectivity, or upgrades, and this effectively is the same as it has been for earlier models.
On the used market, the 11-Inch and 13-Inch "Early 2014" models both remain viable, and performance is similar between them. It's really a matter of whether you prefer the smallest notebook possible or if you are willing to compromise size a bit and pay a bit more for a bigger display that is better for multitasking. If small size or price is the top priority, go with an 11-Inch. If you want a bigger display, the 13-Inch is your best choice among the "Early 2014" models.
Of course, if price is your primary concern, an older used MacBook or MacBook Air would be cheaper, still.
MacBook Air Purchase & Sale Options
There are any number of places to purchase a new or used MacBook Air. 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.
Please refer to EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any MacBook Air model to any other Mac.
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