Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.







Apple MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.6 13" (NVIDIA) Specs

Identifiers: Late 2008 - MB543LL/A - MacBookAir2,1 - A1304 - 2253*

All MacBook Air Models | All 2008 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others

Download: PDF Manual


Apple MacBook AirThe Apple MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.6 13" (NVIDIA/Late 2008) ispowered by a 1.6 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (SL9300) with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip with a 6 MB on-chip shared level 2 cache running on a 1066 MHz frontside bus.

It features 2 GB of onboard 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a 120 GB SATA (4200 RPM) hard drive, a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M "graphics processor with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory", an integrated iSight video camera, a full-size backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor, and a 13.3" widescreen TFT LED backlit active-matrix "glossy" display (1280x800 native resolution) in a razor thin (0.16-0.76 inch), three pound, aluminum case.

Connectivity 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) that support an external 30" display. It lacks Ethernet (an external adapter is available), Firewire, and optical audio in/out.

The MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.6 13" (NVIDIA/Late 2008) uses the same housing as the original model -- with the same 13.3" display, full-size keyboard and single button, "three-finger" trackpad. Internally, it likewise lacks an optical drive, the battery is not designed to be removable, and the memory cannot be upgraded beyond the onboard 2 GB, but it has a number of internal improvements as well including faster NVIDIA graphics, a faster architecture with a faster system bus, faster memory , and a larger L2 cache. It additionally ships equipped with more storage (and SATA rather than PATA support) and swaps the mini-DVI port for a new Mini DisplayPort standard.

Also see:

  • What are the differences between the MacBook Air (NVIDIA/Late 2008) models?
  • What are the differences between the MacBook Air (NVIDIA/Late 2008) and the original MacBook Air?

Buy Newer Macs at site sponsor OWC. Click for current options.

Sell Newer Macs at A+ BBB rated site sponsor Cash For Your Mac. Quick quote!

Upgrade This Mac at site sponsor OWC. SSDs, external storage & more.



  • Tech Specs
  • Ports
  • Global Original Prices
  • Popular Q&As

Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.


October 14, 2008 June 8, 2009
Details: The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.

Also see: All Macs introduced in 2008.
1 (2 Cores) 64-Bit
Details: Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
2259 2563
Details: Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir2,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
895 1419
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir2,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
N/A N/A
Details: When last updated, Geekbench 3 only provided sufficient 32-bit performance data for this model. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir2,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
1086 1803
Details: These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir2,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
N/A N/A
Details: These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir2,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
1.6 GHz Core 2 Duo (SL9300)
Details: The Intel 45 nm Penryn "Core 2 Duo" (SL9300) processor includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip.

Also see: How fast is the MacBook Air (NVIDIA/Late 2008) compared to the original MacBook Air? How fast is it compared to the "Unibody" MacBook and MacBook Pro models?
N/A N/A
Details: N/A
Soldered Integrated
Details: N/A
1066 MHz 1.6 GHz (Built-in)
Details: 1066 MHz frontside bus, on-chip level 2 cache runs at processor speed.
EFI 64-Bit
Details: N/A
32k/32k 6 MB (on chip)
Details: Includes a 6 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed.
DDR3 SDRAM* 1066 MHz
Details: Shipped standard with 2 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM onboard.
2 GB 2 GB
Details: 2 GB of RAM is onboard, and cannot be upgraded.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.
2 GB None
Details: There are no RAM slots.
GeForce 9400M Integrated
Details: This model has a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M that shares memory with the system.
256 MB 256 MB
Details: Apple reports that "memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs" and that the minimum graphics usage is 256 MB with this model, but notes "an additional 16 MB is requred when using an external display".
13.3" Widescreen 1280x800
Details: 13.3" color widescreen TFT LED-backlit active-matrix "glossy" display with a 1280 by 800 native resolution. Apple reports that it also supports "1152 by 720, 1024 by 640, and 800 by 500 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; 720 by 480 pixels at 3:2 aspect ratio".

In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook Air. No fix, no fee!

In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, battery, keyboard, motherboard, and more for this MacBook Air.
Dual/Mirroring 2560x1600
Details: The maximum resolution supported on an external display is 2560x1600.
120 GB HDD 4200 RPM
Details: A 120 GB (4200 RPM) Serial ATA drive is standard. A 128 GB solid-state drive was available as an optional build-to-order upgrade for US$500.

Also see: How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the MacBook Air? Can you swap the hard drive for an SSD?

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.

Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.
1.8" (5.2 mm) Serial ATA (1.5 Gb/s)
Details: This model supports a single SATA I (1.5 Gb/s) 1.8" hard drive or SSD that is up to 5.2 mm thick.
None* None
Details: *MacBook Air models do not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79 (originally US$99 when this MacBook Air was released). It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X.

Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability.

Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive available for the MacBook Air? Can it be used with other Macs?
None* None*
Details: *Neither an internal modem nor an internal Ethernet port are provided. An external Apple USB Modem (56.6k v.92) is available for US$49 and an external Apple 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter is available for US$29.

Also see: What official and third-party adapters are available to connect the MacBook Air to wired Ethernet networks?
802.11a/b/g/n 2.1+EDR
Details: AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.

Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
1 (2.0) None
Details: One 480-Mbps USB 2.0 port, no Firewire ports.

Also see: What is a good USB hub to use with the MacBook Air while traveling?
None None
Details: No expansion slots or bays provided.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external accessories, including docks, adapters, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook Air.
Full-size Trackpad (Gesture)
Details: Apple reports that the integrated backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)."

The solid-state trackpad features "multi-touch gesture support for precise cursor control; [and] supports two-finger scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities".

On July 27, 2010, Apple added "inertial scrolling" support to these notebooks, but not three-finger gesturing, with the "Magic Trackpad and Multi-Touch Trackpad Update 1.0" software. This update requires Mac OS X 10.6.4 and is not compatible with earlier versions of Mac OS X.

Also see: What are the differences between the trackpads in different MacBook Air models?
Notebook MacBook Air
Details: The MacBook Air uses an ultrathin aluminum case design with a "catchless" magnetic latch.
MB543LL/A Late 2008
Details: The Apple order number should be unique to this system.
A1304 (EMC 2253*) MacBookAir2,1
Details: *Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. In this case, please also note that the EMC number is not externally listed on the notebook so it cannot be used readily for identification.

Also see: All Macs with the A1304 Model Number, the 2253* EMC Number, and the MacBookAir2,1 Model Identifier.

For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.
37 W h Li-Poly 4.5 Hours
Details: Apple reports that this model has an "integrated 37-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" and the company claims that it can provide up to 4.5 hours of "wireless productivity".

Also see: What is the battery life of the MacBook Air (NVIDIA/Late 2008) in real-world usage tests?

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook Air.
X 10.5.5 X 10.11.6
Details: *This system can run the last version of OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" and OS X 10.11 "El Capitan," although advanced features like AirDrop, AirPlay Mirroring, and Power Nap are not supported. It is not supported booting into 64-bit mode when running Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard," either. However, it does support "OpenCL" and Grand Central Dispatch introduced with Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard." It is not capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) or subsequent versions of the macOS at all.

Please note that OS X "Lion" 10.7 and subsequent versions of OS X are not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as these operating systems do not support the "Rosetta" environment. To run PowerPC applications on this Mac, it will be necessary to use Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" or earlier.

Also see: Which Macs are compatible with OS X El Capitan (10.11)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support which features?
XP SP2 (32-Bit)* 7 (32-Bit)*
Details: *Apple's Boot Camp 4 formally supports the 32-bit versions of Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. However, the system does meet Microsoft's minimum requirements for Windows 8 and readers have reported successfully running the 32-bit version of this operating system with appropriate drivers.
None Boot/Virtualization
Details: Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?

For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A.
.16-.76 x 12.8 x 8.94 3.0 lbs (1.36 kg)
Details: In inches while closed - minimum height to maximum height by width by depth, (0.4-1.94 cm, 32.5 cm, 22.7 cm).
US$1799 US$50-US$100
Details: Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.



Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.


1 (Mini DisplayPort) None
Details: Supports external display in dual display and mirroring modes. No adapters to other standards are provided by default.

Also see: What is a Mini DisplayPort? How is it different from Micro-DVI and Mini-DVI?
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
1 (2.0) None
Details: One 480-Mbps USB 2.0 port, no Firewire ports.

Also see: What is a good USB hub to use with the MacBook Air while traveling?
None None
Details: No internal modem or Ethernet. External Apple USB modem available for US$49 and an external Apple USB 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapater available for US$29. AirPort Extreme (802.11g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.
None None
Details: N/A
1 (Internal) None
Details: Internal omnidirectional microphone.
None* 1*
Details: *Single analog audio output/headphone jack.
None None
Details: N/A
N/A 1
Details: 100V-240V AC, 45W 90-degree angled "MagSafe" power adapter.

Global original prices for the MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.6 13" (NVIDIA) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.

For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.

Original Prices - North & South America

C$1999 N/A
N/A US$1799

Original Prices - Europe

€1699 €1699
DKK 12,999 €1699
€1699 €1699
€1699 €1699
N/A €1699
NOK 15.290 €1699
€1649 SEK 16.995
CHF 2'399 £1299

Original Prices - Asia

RMB 15,198 HK$14,900
N/A N/A
¥214,800 N/A
N/A N/A
N/A NT$62,900
N/A N/A

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

A$2899 NZ$3299

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.


Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Air models follow.



Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices



<< MacBook Air (Home) | Also see: MacBook Air FAQ




Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.