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MacBook Air Q&A
Published October 23, 2010
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What are the differences between the "Late 2010" MacBook Air models? Which is the best choice for my needs?
Please note that the "Late 2010" MacBook Air models have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and quite useful for anyone buying or selling one of these notebooks on the used market.
With even a quick glance, it is obvious that the "Late 2010" MacBook Air models -- the MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.4 11-Inch and MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.86 13-Inch -- have different size displays and housings, but there also are a variety of external and internal differences. Although size alone is an important distinction, some other differences may be as important or even more important to many users.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left - 11" MacBook Air, Right - 13" MacBook Air)
External Differences
Both "Late 2010" MacBook Air models use extremely thin all aluminum cases. Both are 0.11 of an inch at the front and taper to 0.68 of an inch at the rear, but the 11-Inch model is 11.8 inches by 7.56 inches when closed whereas the 13-Inch model is 12.8 inches by 8.94 inches when closed to accommodate the larger display. The 11-Inch model weighs 2.3 pounds and the 13-Inch model weighs 2.9 pounds. Both models have displays that are high-resolution for their physical dimensions -- an 11.6" 1366x768 display for the 11-Inch model and a 13.3" 1440x900 display for the 13-Inch model.
Each has a "full size" keyboard -- essentially the same "chiclet" keyboard used by all previous MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models -- but these lack backlighting. The 11-Inch model also has smaller function keys with the power key integrated into the same row to save space. Both models also have glass "no button" trackpads with "inertial scrolling" support. Both likewise have integrated stereo speakers and an integrated "FaceTime" webcam.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left - 13" MacBook Air, Right - 11" MacBook Air)
Connectivity Differences
Connectivity is the same with one notable exception. Both models have AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, dual USB 2.0 ports, analog audio out (that also supports an iPhone/iPod touch headset with microphone), and a Mini DisplayPort that supports an external 30-Inch display (2560x1600) as well as a side mounted internal microphone. However, the 13-Inch model additionally has an integrated SD Card slot.
Neither has Firewire, optical audio in/out, or Ethernet, although an external 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter is available as a US$29 option. Neither supports a remote via IR, either.
Identification Differences
The "Late 2010" MacBook Air models have model numbers that were unique when they were released -- specifically A1370 for the 11-Inch model and A1369 for the 13-Inch model. However, as subsequent models also use these model numbers, the EMC numbers -- 2393 and 2392, for the 11-Inch and 13-Inch models, respectively, are better for unique identification. EveryMac.com has painstakingly hand documented these details for your convenience.
These models also can be pinpointed by model identifier in software, and use MacBookAir3,1 for the 11-Inch model and MacBookAir3,2 for the 13-Inch model.
Finally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature additionally can uniquely identify the "Late 2010" MacBook Air models by their serial numbers.
Internal & Configuration Differences
Internally, there are some similarities between these systems. Both have 2 GB of memory onboard by default (but, thankfully, can be upgraded to 4 GB as a US$100 option only at the time of purchase), Mini-SATA connected flash memory for storage that is not intended to be upgraded, and non-removable battery designs (with an estimate of 5 hours of runtime for the 11-Inch model and 7 hours of runtime for the 13-Inch model).
However, there are notable processor and architecture differences. The 11-Inch model has a 1.4 GHz Core 2 Duo (SU9400) processor with 3 MB of "on chip" level 2 cache and an 800 MHz system bus. The 13-Inch model, on the other hand, has a 1.86 GHz Core 2 Duo (SL9400) processor with a 6 MB "on chip" level 2 cache and a 1066 MHz system bus.
The 11-Inch model is available with either 64 GB of flash storage (MC505LL/A) or 128 GB of flash storage (MC506LL/A), and the MC506LL/A configuration can be upgraded to a 1.6 GHz Core 2 Duo (SU9600) processor as a US$100 option at the time of purchase. The 13-Inch model is available with 128 GB of flash storage (MC503LL/A) or 256 GB of flash storage (MC504LL/A) and the MC504LL/A configuration can be upgraded to a 2.13 GHz Core 2 Duo (SL9600) processor as a US$100 option.
Comparison Chart
The differences between the "Late 2010" MacBook Air -- size, display size, connectivity, battery life, processor, technical architecture and configuration -- are summarized below:
 11-Inch |
 13-Inch |
|
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed: | 1.4 GHz* | 1.86 GHz** |
| Processor Type: | Core 2 Duo (SU9400)* | Core 2 Duo (SL9400)** |
| On-Chip L2 Cache: | 3 MB | 6 MB |
| System Bus: | 800 MHz | 1066 MHz |
| Standard RAM: | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Maximum RAM: | 4 GB† | 4 GB† |
| Internal Storage: | 64 GB, 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| USB 2.0 Ports: | 2 | 2 |
| SD Card Slot: | No | Yes |
| Display Size: | 11.6" Widescreen | 13.3" Widescreen |
| Display Resolution: | 1366x768 | 1440x900 |
| Battery Life: | 5 Hours | 7 Hours |
| Dimensions: | .11-.68 x 11.8 x 7.56 | .11-.68 x 12.8 x 8.94 |
| Weight: | 2.3 Pounds | 2.9 Pounds |
| Order Numbers: | MC505LL/A, MC506LL/A |
MC503LL/A, MC504LL/A |
| Model Numbers: | A1370 | A1369 |
| Model Identifier: | MacBookAir3,1 | MacBookAir3,2 |
| Intro Price: | US$999, US$1199 | US$1299, US$1599 |
* The MC506LL/A configuration of the 11-Inch model, which has 128 GB of storage, can be upgraded to a 1.6 GHz Core 2 Duo (SU9600) processor as a US$100 option at the time of purchase.
** The MC504LL/A configuration of the 13-Inch model, which has 256 GB of storage, can be upgraded to a 2.13 GHz Core 2 Duo (SL9600) processor as a US$100 option at the time of purchase.
† Either model can be upgraded to 4 GB of RAM at the time of purchase. This RAM is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded after purchase.
Which is the best choice for my needs?
Please note that the "Late 2010" MacBook Air has been discontinued and the below was written when it was a new model. However, it still may be helpful for those considering a "Late 2010" MacBook Air on the used market.
To determine which MacBook Air is best for your needs -- if either is best for you -- it is necessary to first decide which aspect of the purchase is most important. Both MacBook Air models are designed for those who place more importance on size and weight than performance, connectivity or expansion. If high performance, connectivity (Firewire, for example), or expansion (the ability to upgrade RAM and storage) are more important than weight or size, you would be better off considering a MacBook or MacBook Pro.
If size and weight are the most important purchasing criteria to you, and you do not do demanding tasks while on the go (high-end video editing, for example), then a MacBook Air could be a great choice. In general, the 11-Inch display -- although high-resolution for its physical size -- still is rather limiting and most who do more than basic multitasking likely would prefer a 13-Inch model as the difference between the two in size and weight is unlikely to be enough to be critical for most. The 13-Inch model also is noticeably faster, has better battery life and the SD Card slot could be useful as well.
For those who only do simple tasks on the go -- word processing, e-mail, web browsing, listening to music, and basic photo editing, for example -- or who are looking for a small portable notebook to complement a desktop Mac, the 11-Inch model could be perfect. If price is important, then the 11-Inch model is less expensive as well (although a used MacBook would be cheaper, still).
Regardless of the model you choose, the stock 2 GB of RAM is rather inadequate and upgrading to 4 GB of RAM at the time of purchase for US$100 would be wise.
Used MacBook Air Purchase & Sale Options
There are any number of places to purchase a "Late 2010" 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.
Please also see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any MacBook Air model to any other Mac.
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