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MacBook Air Q&A
Published November 17, 2008
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What are the differences between the MacBook Air (NVIDIA/Late 2008) models and the original MacBook Air?
These MacBook Air models all have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and is quite helpful for anyone buying or selling one of these older models on the used market.
The MacBook Air (NVIDIA/Late 2008) models -- the MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.6 13" (NVIDIA/Late 2008) and MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.86 13" (NVIDIA/Late 2008) -- are practically identical compared to the original model that these systems replaced externally -- with one notable exception -- but quite different internally.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.
External & Connectivity Differences
Externally, the MacBook Air NVIDIA/Late 2008 models use the same ultrathin (0.16-0.76 inches thick) case as the original MacBook Air -- complete with the same 13.3" display, full-size "chiclet-style" back-lit keyboard, and single-button "three-finger" multi-touch gesture trackpad.
Except for video out -- the NVIDIA/Late 2008 models swap the "micro-DVI" port for a "Mini DisplayPort" -- connectivity is otherwise identical and includes AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a single USB 2.0 port, and analog audio out. All MacBook Air models lack Ethernet (an external adapter is available), Firewire, and optical audio in/out.
Internal Differences
Internally, the NVIDIA/Late 2008 line -- like the original -- have Core 2 Duo processors (of slightly different speeds), no internal optical drive, a "non-swappable" battery, and the memory cannot be upgraded beyond the onboard 2 GB.
However, the NVIDIA models have a number of internal architecture improvements as well. These include a faster architecture with a faster system bus (1066 MHz compared to 800 MHz), faster memory (1066 MHz DDR3 compared to 800 MHz DDR2), and a larger on chip L2 cache (6 MB compared to 4 MB), as well as faster graphics -- a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256 MB of memory shared with the system compared to an Intel GMA X3100 with 144 MB of shared memory. The NVIDIA/Late 2008 line supports an external display at 2560x1600 compared to 1920x1200 on the original model.
The NVIDIA/Late 2008 additionally is configured by default with more storage and SATA rather than PATA support.
Comparison Chart
These differences are summarized below for your convenience:
| MacBook Air | Original | NVIDIA/Late 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed: | 1.6, 1.8 GHz | 1.6, 1.86 GHz |
| Bus Speed: | 800 MHz | 1066 MHz |
| Memory: | 800 MHz DDR2 | 1066 MHz DDR3 |
| Drive Size: | 80, 64 GB | 120, 128 GB |
| Drive Type: | HD, SSD | HD, SSD |
| Drive Interface: | PATA | SATA |
| Video Processor: | Intel GMA X3100 | NVIDIA GeForce 9400M |
| Integrated Video RAM: | 144 MB | 256 MB |
| External Display: | 1920x1200 | 2560x1600 |
| Video Out: | micro-DVI | Mini DisplayPort |
| Intro Price: | US$1799, US$3098 | US$1799, US$2499 |
Used MacBook Air Purchase & Sale Options
There are any number of places to purchase an original or "Late 2008" 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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