Apple originally introduced the MacBook Air about 12 years ago, in January 2008. At the time the Air served as a premium ultraportable style laptop, though, the placement of the MacBook Air has shifted a bit in the Apple laptop lineup over the years.
The most recent MacBook Air was released in July 2019 and this release was considered to be part of the third generation for the Air. Or more specifically, the second model that was released as part of the third generation of the Air.
Unlike the original Air, this current version serves more like the entry-level model in the MacBook lineup, as opposed to the premium ultraportable it was once considered. Of course, the MacBook Air has quite a bit going for it, despite being the ‘entry-level’ model.
MacBook Air: Colors, display and size
The current MacBook Air is available in three different colors — Space Gray, Gold, and Silver. The display measures in at the, now familiar, 13.3-inch size. Previous generations of the MacBook Air have had an 11-inch model, however, the 13.3-inch display has been around since the original MacBook Air was released. This latest 13.3-inch display is Retina and supports a max resolution of 2560 x 1600 and sits with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a PPI of 227. The display also supports True Tone, which Apple has said means a “more natural viewing experience.”
The MacBook Air retains its place as being the lightest laptop in the Apple lineup and weighs in at 2.75 pounds. In comparison, the current-generation 13.3-inch MacBook Pro weighs in at 3.02-pounds. The MacBook Air sports a tapered design going from 0.16 – 0.61 in terms of the thickness. The remaining measurements for the MacBook Air include a width of 11.97-inches and a depth of 8.36-inches.
MacBook Air: Specs
- 13.3-inch LED backlit display with IPS technology (2560 x 1600, 227ppi, 16:10 aspect ratio)
- Intel UHD Graphics 617
- 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
- 8GB or 16GB of RAM
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage
- WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.2
- Stereo Speakers
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Full-size 78 key keyboard with LED backlit keys and ambient light sensor
- Force Touch trackpad
- Integrated Touch ID sensor
- Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
- 30W USB-C power adapter
- 0.16-0.61 (H) x 11.97 (W) x 8.36 (D) inches
- 2.75 pounds
MacBook Air: Features
The Apple MacBook line has the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro. The Pro model has a bit more in terms of power and performance, however, the Air has some key features — especially for those who are out and about carrying their laptop on a regular basis.
- Thin and Light: Some people use a notebook so they can work in various places in their house, and some use their notebook so they can work anywhere and everywhere. If you fall into the anywhere and everywhere category you’ll likely appreciate the size and weight of the MacBook Air. This notebook weighs in at 2.75 pounds, which is a little over a quarter-pound lighter than the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro (3.02 pounds). And with measurements of 0.16-0.61 (H), by 11.97 (W), by 8.36 (D) inches you should be able to find room in your bag.
- All-day battery life: This is another area where the MacBook Air will shine. Apple promises an “all-day” battery life, which translates to up to 12 hours of use. For comparison, this is about two hours more as compared to the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro (up to 10 hours).
- Retina Display with True Tone: The MacBook Air display went Retina when the third-generation was released in October 2018. Apple then added True Tone with the July 2019 model release. The True Tone technology means the display can automatically adjust to better match your environment. Apple has said this will help to make your “web pages and email look as natural as the printed page.”
- Touch ID: A nice perk, and one that means you will be able to quickly login by placing your finger on the Touch ID sensor. This allows you to access system settings, locked documents and notes, and also makes using Apple Pay a bit quicker by not having to enter your payment details each and every time.
- Apple T2 Security Chip: The T2 security chip ties in (partially) with the Touch ID. This is the second-generation security chip from Apple and helps to keep your MacBook Air more secure. The T2 security chip allows for on-the-fly data encryption and also means easy access to Siri.
- Made from 100% recycled aluminum: Apple has said the MacBook Air is made from “6000 series aluminum or strength and durability” and that it is made “without mining any new aluminum from the earth,” which makes it the “greenest Mac ever created.”
MacBook Air: 2019 vs 2018 model years
We can understand always wanting the latest and greatest, however, in the case of the 2018 vs. 2019 MacBook Air — there isn’t much difference. The specs are largely the same, with the key difference being the display. Both models feature a 13.3-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 (16:10 and 227 ppi). The 2019 MacBook Air added the True Tone.
Otherwise, both model years feature the 1.6GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor and came standard with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. Basically, this presents a great opportunity to pick up a 2018 model year MacBook Air with the potential of saving a few extra dollars.
START AT
MacBook Air: Pricing
Apple currently offers the MacBook Air with two-base model configurations. The two models are priced at $1,099 and $1,299 with the difference being in the amount of internal storage.
- $1,099: 1.6GHz dual-core Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD storage
- $1,299: 1.6GHz dual-core Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD storage
The RAM can be bumped from 8GB to 16GB, and the internal storage can be bumped to 256GB, 512GB or 1TB with these base model configurations. A fully spec’d 2019 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage would set you back $1,899.
Of course, there is an opportunity to cut some of that cost by shopping for a newish MacBook Air here on Swappa. Pricing will vary depending on the model year, 2018 or 2019, and based on the condition and specs (storage and RAM), but there is the possibility to save hundreds as compared to retail pricing.
START AT
Snag the best deals on used MacBooks deals wherever you go. Download the Swappa App today!
