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MacBook Air Q&A
Revision Published November 4, 2016
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What are the "pros and cons" of the "Mid-2012" MacBook Air models?
The "Mid-2012" 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 systems on the used market. These MacBook Air models can be identified externally by the 2558 and 2559 EMC numbers.
For subsequent "Mid-2013," "Early 2014," "Early 2015" and "Mid-2017" MacBook Air models, EveryMac.com also provides an up-to-date pros and cons rundown that also may be of interest.
Like any other purchase, only you can make the decision whether or not a used "Mid-2012" MacBook Air model is the right notebook for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons of the series to see if your needs are met by one model or the other. EveryMac.com also provides a detailed comparison of the two models that may be of interest.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left - 11" MacBook Air, Right - 13" MacBook Air)
For those most interested in the highlights, this "run down" may be helpful in making a decision:
Pros:
- Very lightweight, beautiful, thin case designs.
- Respectable speed, often due to flash storage. Can often hold their own compared to the "Mid-2012" 13-Inch MacBook Pro models.
- LED-backlit widescreen displays that are relatively high-resolution for the physical dimensions (1440x900 for the 13-Inch model).
- Essentially full-size keyboards despite compact system dimensions.
- Full featured "inertial" multi-touch trackpad.
- Generally excellent battery life.
- Two USB 3.0 ports.
- SD Card reader (13-Inch models only).
- Backlit keyboard.
- Thunderbolt port provides the option of high speed peripherals as well as support for two external displays up to 2560x1600.
- Relatively affordable at the time of introduction (and even more so on the used market, naturally).
Cons:
- RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase (either model could be upgraded to 8 GB of RAM at the time of purchase only, so on the used market a system with 8 GB of RAM should be considered more valuable as it likely will be usable longer).
- Modest internal storage that is not intended to be upgraded by an end user.
- Battery is not easy to access or replace and is not intended to be replaced by an end user.
- No internal Ethernet (a Gigabit Ethernet adapter is available via Thunderbolt).
- No Firewire.
- No internal optical drive (external option available).
- New MagSafe 2 power connector requires adapter (MD504ZM/A) to use with an LED Cinema Display, Thunderbolt Display, or earlier MagSafe power adapter.
- Upgrades (additional RAM and storage) and accessories (optical drive) can make the MacBook Air more expensive than alternatives should a user need these additions.
Basically, if you are looking for a beautiful, lightweight notebook Mac and you do not care about future upgrades (including the RAM limitation), a "Mid-2012" MacBook Air might be the perfect system for you. Performance remains solid compared to other systems released around the same time, particularly for those who do not do technically challenging tasks while on the go.
Generally, the 11-Inch models are best for one interested in doing fairly simple tasks with a very small notebook computer, whereas those who do more than basic multitasking likely would prefer a 13-Inch model as isn't that much bigger but has more usable display area. The 13-Inch model also is a bit faster (around 8%) and has better battery life as well as the SDXC Card slot.
If performance, connectivity and expansion are important, but size and weight are less so, a MacBook Pro model 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.
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.
If you need to sell a MacBook Air (or any other Mac), A+ BBB-rated site sponsors Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your MacBook Air quickly with an instant quote and fast payment.
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