MacBook Air Q&A

Update Published July 3, 2013

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What are the "pros and cons" of the original, "Late 2008" and "Mid-2009" MacBook Air models?

The original, Late 2008, and Mid-2009 MacBook Air models have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and is particularly useful for anyone considering one of these MacBook Air models on the used market. These MacBook Air systems can be identified by the A1237 and A1304 model numbers.

Like any other purchase, only you can make the decision whether or not a used original, "Late 2008" or "Mid-2009" MacBook Air model is the right notebook for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons of the lines to see if your needs are met.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

This "run down" may be helpful to make a decision:

Pros:

• Only three pounds.
• Stunningly beautiful, thin design.
• Bright, LED-backlit widescreen display.
• Full-size keyboard with backlighting and ambient light sensor.
• Clever "multi-touch gesture" trackpad (but inferior to the "four finger gesture" trackpad used on all Aluminum "Unibody" MacBook and MacBook Pro models).
• Acceptable battery life.

Cons:

• Slow compared to "regular" MacBook/MacBook Pro models available at the same time.
• Slow and small hard drive or expensive SSD.
• Non-swappable battery.
• Processor and RAM cannot be upgraded, hard drive is relatively difficult to upgrade.
• No internal modem or Ethernet (adapters are available and originally included with the "Mid-2009" models, but no Gigabit Ethernet connectivity is possible).
• No Firewire port, single USB port, no SD card slot, no ExpressCard/34 slot.
• No internal optical drive (external option available).
• Relatively expensive when first shipped (but comparatively less so for the "Mid-2009" models).

Ultimately, these early MacBook Air models were intended for one interested in a sleek, lightweight notebook Mac with a reasonably large display and full-size keyboard but with modest performance, expansion, and connectivity needs. They also were not ideal for one on a tight budget, but that is less of an issue on the used market. For those who need a lightweight "companion" system to a desktop, one of these MacBook Air models also can fit the bill admirably.

If price, performance, connectivity, screen size, or expansion are high priorities -- but weight and physical size are lower priorities -- a MacBook or MacBook Pro could be a better choice.

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.