MacBook Air | 2008
The MacBook Air is Apple’s lightweight laptop lineup, boasting a sleek aluminum unibody design. True to its name, it is known for its light weight. However, with the release of the MacBook 12 in 2015, which weighs less than 1 kg, the 1.3 kg weight of the MacBook Air seems somewhat awkward in the lightweight laptop market when compared to the early models from 2008.
Although the MacBook Air was one of the early models that helped start the ultrabook category, it is not classified as an ultrabook because Intel holds the trademark for the term. The MacBook Air did meet Intel's ultrabook specifications during its Intel-based years but never received official ultrabook certification.
Unlike many other laptops that adopted the 16:9 aspect ratio for cost-saving reasons, the MacBook Air maintains a 16:10 ratio, which is one of the few laptops to do so. This aspect ratio is particularly useful for tasks like web browsing and word processing, as it allows more information to be displayed on screen. Additionally, by increasing the vertical length of the laptop, the MacBook Air was able to house a larger battery and avoid sacrificing the trackpad size compared to other 13-inch laptops.
The MacBook Air was the last Apple laptop to feature the EFI startup chime and the glowing Apple logo until it was discontinued in 2018. It was later revived with the introduction of macOS Big Sur updates. In November 2018, the MacBook Air was redesigned with a Retina display, and subsequent updates have been made in the following years. In 2020, the MacBook Air with the M1 chip was released, followed by a redesign with the M2 chip in 2022. In 2023, a 15-inch version of the MacBook Air was launched, and an M3-powered model is expected in 2024.
The MacBook Air is also known for its durability. Despite failing a water resistance test by CNET, the device continued to function despite significant damage in other tests. The unibody design and Apple’s meticulous finishing contribute to its strong build, making it an excellent choice for students and those who frequently move their laptops.
One iconic feature of the MacBook Air is its glowing Apple logo on the lid. The backlight from the LCD screen illuminates the logo, making it particularly noticeable in public places. This glowing feature was discontinued after 2018, but the design remains iconic.
