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Retina MacBook Air Q&A
Update Published December 8, 2020
All Mac Q&As >> Retina MacBook Air Q&A (Home) | Also See: All MacBook Air Specs
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How do you connect the Retina MacBook Air to a wired Ethernet network? Is it possible?
The Retina MacBook Air does not have an Ethernet port, but it is possible to connect the notebook to a wired network using a third-party product like this Kanex USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet adapter. No drivers are required, so it simply is a matter of plugging the adapter into the Retina MacBook Air and the Ethernet network.
Photo Credit: Kanex, Inc. (USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter)
Site sponsor OWC sells this Ethernet adapter as well as a variety of other third-party USB-C adapters that may be useful to you.
What type of power connector does the Retina MacBook Air use? Is it compatible with "MagSafe" power connectors?
All Retina MacBook Air models use a 30 watt USB-C power adapter and a two meter USB-C cable. Sadly, it does not disconnect cleanly when yanked like the magnet-equipped "MagSafe" power connectors.
However, Griffin developed a clever "BreakSafe" magnetic USB-C power cable replacement for the default Retina MacBook Air power cable that cleanly disconnects when under strain, just like MagSafe (no longer available).
Photo Credit: Griffin Tech, Inc. (BreakSafe Power Cable)
The Breaksafe safely disconnects when pulled and prevents the notebook from flying off a desk or table. It's a wise investment.
Who designed the Retina MacBook Air?
Apple's industrial design for many years has been performed entirely in-house by Apple's Industrial Design Group, led by Jonathan Ive.
Where can I buy a Retina MacBook Air?
The Retina MacBook Air models have been discontinued, but remain available on on the used market.
In the US, Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Air models at bargain prices with free shipping.
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.
What are the custom configuration options for the Retina MacBook Air?
For the "Late 2018" and "2019" MacBook Air models, Apple only offered the option of additional RAM and storage. For the "2020" MacBook Air, Apple also offered a faster processor by custom configuration.
Custom Configuration Options
| MacBook Air | RAM | SSD | Processor |
| 2018 | 16 GB | 512 GB 1.5 TB |
None |
| 2019 | 16 GB | 512 GB 1 TB |
None |
| 2020 | 16 GB | 1 TB 2 TB |
1.2 GHz Core i7 |
There were no other custom configuration options for the Retina MacBook Air notebooks.
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