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MacBook Air Q&A
Published June 19, 2009
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What are the differences between the "Mid-2009" MacBook Air models?
Please note that all notebooks mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and quite helpful for anyone buying or selling one of these models on the used market.
The "Mid-2009" MacBook Air models -- the MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.86 13" (Mid-2009) and "Core 2 Duo" 2.13 13" (Mid-2009) -- are very similar to one another and quite similar to the "NVIDIA/Late 2008" models that they replaced as well.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.
External & Connectivity Differences
Externally, both "Mid-2009" MacBook Air systems have the same ultrathin case as all earlier models -- and the same 13.3" display, full-size "chiclet-style" back-lit keyboard, and single-button "three-finger" multi-touch gesture trackpad.
Connectivity of each 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 (Mini DisplayPort). An external 10/100Base-T Apple Ethernet Adapter is provided at no extra charge, but it lacks both Firewire and optical audio in/out.
Internal Differences
Internally, both of the "Mid-2009" systems have "Core 2 Duo" processors with a 6 MB on-chip shared level 2 cache running on a 1066 MHz frontside bus, 2 GB of non-upgradable onboard 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics with "256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory" capable of supporting an external display at 2560x1600, and a non-swappable battery.
Essentially, these systems vary only by processor speed, drive type and capacity, and price.
Comparison Chart
The "Mid-2009" MacBook Air is offered with either a 1.86 GHz or 2.13 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor and a 120 GB 4200 RPM Serial ATA hard drive or a 128 GB SSD configured as follows:
| "Mid-2009" MacBook Air | 1.86 13" | 2.13 13" |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed: | 1.86 GHz | 2.13 GHz |
| Drive Size: | 120 GB | 128 GB |
| Drive Type: | Hard Drive (4200 RPM) | Solid-state |
| Intro Price: | US$1499 | US$1799 |
MacBook Air Purchase & Sale Options
There are any number of places to purchase 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.
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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