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Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.7 13" (Mid-2011) Specs

Identifiers: Mid-2011 - MC965LL/A* - MacBookAir4,2 - A1369 - 2469

All MacBook Air Models | All 2011 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others

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Apple 13-Inch MacBook AirThe Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.7 13" (Mid-2011/Thunderbolt) features a 32-nm "Sandy Bridge" 1.7 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (2557M) with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 4 GB of onboard 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (which cannot be upgraded after purchase), 128 GB or 256 GB of flash storage, and an Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics processor with 384 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with system memory.

This all is packed in a razor thin (0.11-0.68 inch), 2.96 pound, aluminum case with an integrated "FaceTime" video camera, a backlit full-size keyboard and an 13.3" widescreen TFT LED backlit active-matrix "glossy" display (1440x900 native resolution).

Connectivity includes 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, dual USB 2.0 ports and analog audio out as well as an SDXC card slot and a new "Thunderbolt" port that is backwards compatible with Mini DisplayPort and likewise supports an external display at 2560x1600 and passes an audio signal as well. Thunderbolt also supports other peripherals that use the Thunderbolt standard which provides up to 10 Gbps of bandwidth in both directions. It lacks internal Ethernet (an external USB adapter was offered as a US$29 option) and lacks Firewire and optical audio in/out as well.

Compared to its predecessor, this model has a very similar external enclosure, although it has the aforementioned Thunderbolt port, a backlit keyboard, and is slightly heavier. Internally, however, it has a faster processor, architecture and RAM as well as improved wireless capabilities.

Also see:

  • What are the differences between the "Mid-2011" MacBook Air models? Which is the best choice for my needs?
  • What are the differences between the "Mid-2011" MacBook Air models and the "Late 2010" MacBook Air that they replaced?

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  • 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.


July 20, 2011 June 11, 2012
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 2011.
1 (2 Cores) 64-Bit
Details: Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
5266 5952
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 MacBookAir4,2 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.
2045 3868
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 MacBookAir4,2 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.
2193 4262
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-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 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir4,2 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.
2390 4356
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 MacBookAir4,2 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.
452 942
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 MacBookAir4,2 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.
1.7 GHz Core i5 (I5-2557M)
Details: This model is powered by a 32 nm, 64-bit Intel Mobile Core i5 "Sandy Bridge" (I5-2557M) processor which includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 3 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel).

This system also supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" -- which "automatically increases the speed of the active cores" to improve performance when needed (up to 2.7 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize four total "cores" or "threads" (two real and two virtual).

Also see: How fast are the 'Mid-2011' MacBook Air models compared to one another and to earlier MacBook Air models? How fast are these models compared to the 'Early 2011' MacBook Pro models?
2.7 GHz 1.8 GHz (Core i7)
Details: A 1.8 GHz Core i7 (I7-2677M) processor was available via custom order for the MC966LL/A configuration (which has 256 GB of flash storage by default) as a US$100 upgrade.

As requested by readers, EveryMac.com also has documented this custom configuration as its own model.

Also see: How much faster are the custom configured Core i7-powered "Mid-2011" MacBook Air models than the stock Core i5-powered models? Is the extra performance worth the extra cost?
Soldered Integrated
Details: N/A
5 GT/s* 1.7 GHz (Built-in)
Details: *This system has a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s.
EFI 64-Bit
Details: N/A
32k/32k x2 256k x2, 3 MB (on chip)
Details: Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 3 MB of shared level 3 cache.
DDR3 SDRAM* 1333 MHz
Details: Shipped standard with 4 GB of 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM onboard.
4 GB 4 GB*
Details: *4 GB of RAM is onboard and it cannot be upgraded later.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.
4 GB* None
Details: *There are no RAM slots. 4 GB of RAM is soldered onboard and cannot be upgraded later.
HD Graphics 3000 Integrated
Details: This model has an Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.
384 MB 384 MB
Details: Apple reports that "memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs" and that the minimum graphics usage is 384 MB for this model.
13.3" Widescreen 1440x900
Details: 13.3" color widescreen TFT LED-backlit active-matrix "glossy" display with a 1440 by 900 native resolution. Apple reports that it also supports "1280 by 800, 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.

In Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, battery, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery for this MacBook Air.
Dual/Mirroring 2560x1600
Details: The maximum resolution supported on an external display is 2560x1600.
128, 256 GB SSD N/A
Details: The MC965LL/A configuration has 128 GB of flash storage and the MC966LL/A configuration has 256 MB of flash storage. Apple did not offer other capacities via custom configuration and it is not intended to be upgraded after purchase either.

Also see: How do you replace or upgrade the storage in the "Mid-2011" MacBook Air models? Is it even possible?

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

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.

Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.
Proprietary (2.2 mm) Mini SATA (6 Gb/s)
Details: This model supports a single proprietary design SSD module with a Mini SATA (6 Gb/s) connector. It is 2.2 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. 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: *No MacBook Air models have an internal Ethernet port. However, an external Apple USB 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter was offered as a US$29 option.

Also see: What official and third-party adapters are available to connect the MacBook Air to wired Ethernet networks?
802.11a/b/g/n 4.0
Details: 802.11n (802.11a/b/g capable as well) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. As a minor point, Apple quietly stopped referring to the wireless networking (802.11n) as AirPort Extreme with this MacBook Air.

Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
2 (2.0) None
Details: Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, no Firewire ports.

Also see: What is a good USB hub to use with the MacBook Air while traveling?
SD Card (SDXC) None
Details: This model has an SDXC Card slot.

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.

Also see: Which SD Card slot storage solution is best for the MacBook Air? Which models are compatible? Is this kind of storage safe?
Full-size Trackpad (Inertial)
Details: Apple reports that the integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)." Unlike earlier MacBook Air models, it is backlit.

For this MacBook Air, Apple did not formally mention the trackpad capabilities, but it is fully multi-touch capable.

Also see: What are the differences between the trackpads in different MacBook Air models?
Notebook MacBook Air 13"
Details: This MacBook Air uses a razor thin aluminum case design with a "catchless" magnetic latch.
MC965LL/A* Mid-2011
Details: *MC965LL/A refers to the configuration with 128 GB of flash storage. Configured with 256 GB of flash storage the order number is MC966LL/A. Both are configured with 4 GB of RAM.
A1369 (EMC 2469) MacBookAir4,2
Details: Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.

Also see: All Macs with the A1369 Model Number, the 2469 EMC Number, and the MacBookAir4,2 Model Identifier.

For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.
50 W h Li-Poly 7 Hours
Details: Apple reports that this model has a "built-in 50-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" and the company claims that it can provide up to 7 hours of "wireless web" use. Apple additionally notes that it provides "up to" 30 days of standby time.

Also see: What is the battery life of the "Mid-2011" MacBook Air models in "real-world" usage tests? Do the faster custom-configured Core i7 models have inferior battery life than the standard models?

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

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx is a local distributor of OWC batteries for this MacBook Air.
X 10.7 (11A2063) X 10.13.x*
Details: *This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion," OS X 10.9 "Mavericks," and OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" as well as OS X 10.11 "El Capitan," but advanced feature support is limited to Mac-to-Mac AirDrop, AirPlay Mirroring, and Power Nap. Other major features are not supported. It is capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) as well, although it does not support the Universal Clipboard, Auto Unlock, or Apple Pay features. Finally, this model is capable of running macOS High Sierra (10.13), and it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC. It is not compatible with macOS Mojave (10.14) or later versions of the operating system.

Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS High Sierra (10.13)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support HEVC?
7 (32-Bit)* 8.1 (64-Bit)*
Details: *Apple's Boot Camp 4 supports the 32-bit version of Windows 7 on this model. Boot Camp 5 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 7 and Windows 8. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported.

Although Apple does not support Windows 10 via Boot Camp 5 (officially or otherwise), this system meets Microsoft's hardware requirements and it very well may be possible to boot Windows 10 on this Mac. If you have installed Windows 10 on this system (successfully or unsuccessfully), please share the results of your experiment. Thank you.
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.
.11-.68 x 12.8 x 8.94 2.96 lbs (1.35 kg)
Details: In inches while closed - minimum height to maximum height by width by depth, (0.3 cm-1.7 cm, 32.5 cm, 22.7 cm).
US$1299, US$1599 US$75-US$150
Details: This MacBook Air was offered with 128 GB of flash storage (MC965LL/A) for US$1299 and 256 GB of flash storage (MC966LL/A) for US$1599. Both are equipped with 4 GB of RAM.

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 (Thunderbolt) None
Details: This model is equipped with a Thunderbolt port in place of a Mini DisplayPort. It is backwards-compatible with Mini DisplayPort-equipped displays as well as adapters that are compatible with Mini DisplayPort (DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI and HDMI). It also can support other peripherals that use the Thunderbolt standard, which provides a maximum theoretical 10 Gbps of bandwidth in both directions.
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
2 (2.0) None
Details: Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports, 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. An external Apple USB 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter was offered as a US$29 option.
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 "MagSafe" power adapter.

Global original prices for the MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.7 13" (Mid-2011) 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$1299, C$1599 R$3.799, R$5.199
MXN $19,499, $23,999 US$1299, US$1599

Original Prices - Europe

€1249, €1499 €1279, €1579
DKK 9,799, 11,999 €1279, €1579
€1249, €1499 €1249, €1499
€1279, €1579 €1249, €1499
€1215,57, €1500,70 €1249, €1499
NOK 10.290, 12.590 €1279, €1579
€1249, €1499 SEK 11.995, 14.995
CHF 1'349, 1'649 £1099, £1349

Original Prices - Asia

RMB 9,998, 12,498 HK$9,998, HK$12,488
Rs 73,900, 89,900 Rp 12,499,000, 15,499,000
¥110,800, ¥138,800 KRW 1,650,000, 1,990,000
RM 3,999, 4,999 PHP 65,990, 79,990
S$1,688, S$2,088 NT$41,900, NT$51,900
THB 42,900, 52,900 VND 31,499,000, 38,999,000

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

A$1449, A$1799 NZ$1999, NZ$2499

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.



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