The 2011 MacBook Air addresses nearly every concern anyone could lob at its predecessor. It's still light on ports, the missing SD slot on the 11-inch model is a drag, and no, it isn't cheap, but this machine is fast, efficient, and not to be underestimated.
Read the full review →Heads up! A newer version of this product is out!
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Conclusion: We like it
If you need the absolute smallest, slimmest, lightest mainstream laptop, the 11-inch Air belongs on your short list. However, at sizes this small be prepared to sacrifice a little battery life and performance. And then there's the matter of the pretty cramped 11-inch display. For our money, the 13-inch Air has a better balance of screen real estate and longevity, and is worth the extra money. But if every millimeter and every ounce counts for you in a fully capable portable computer, the 11-inch Air can't be ignored.
Critic reviews
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If you're looking for a small, fast MacBook and don't mind paying a higher price for superior design and performance, the 2011 11-inch MacBook Air is flat-out the fastest ultraportable we've ever used.
Read the full review →If you like thin and light ultraportables, the MacBook Air continues to be one of the best options around.
Read the full review →The 11-inch MacBook Air adds a backlit keyboard and faster Core i5 processor to one of the sleekest ultraportables on the market.
Read the full review →With the 2011 refresh, Apple has managed to keep the remarkable form, but also add some internals that make this more than just a rich person's plaything. Now, the Air is an excellent day-to-day laptop, and one that we think most people will find more than adequate for their needs.
Read the full review →In the end, the 11-inch MacBook Air is a worthy update and an excellent ultraportable. It provides more than enough oomph to handle most people's everyday needs.
Read the full review →Its styling and build are unrivalled, it has plenty enough performance for everyday computing, it'll at least half a working day on battery, and the improvements to MacOSX make it a lovely system to use. ... Many competitors are getting close but right now the Air is still flying high.
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kolebee
Such an improvement over the 1st generation MBA form factor (and underlying tech) that they can't even be compared. 11" size might seem to be pushing usability, but I was surprised to discover just how perfect the size is for me.
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darkplasma
Love the laptop. Full size keyboard, bright screen. Screen is big enough to whatch a movie or play a game. Gets great battery life. Compared to the older macair's, this is screaming fast. My model has the 256G SSD drive, and 1.7Ghz CPU.
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Aliisloo
Fantastic product! Apple just nailed everything right for this machine. Only quibble is battery life is not as advertised, though certainly not bad for a laptop of this size and weight.
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fb0r
This is probably in my opinion one of the most useful machines for a true road warrior looking for the ultimate in mobility. I've been using PC and Mac portables for a while now and have 30+ years experience with computers and this is, as of yet, the most useful device for mobile work that I've...
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fahadalhamed
I love my new MacBook Air, it's very light laptop that I can take wherever I want.
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popesmokey
I never thought I would be weaned off of dvd's, but I have not missed portable media and again am amazed at the elegance of Apple's product design. My intimacy with the web has advanced due to the ease with which I can carry the Air.
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TobyRM
The macbook air is very fast, an amazing design and just overall a top class notebook. In my view tops any windows laptop purely because of all the little features such as a full touch glass touchpad and illuminated keyboard. The device is very thin, and when taking it out becomes very portable...
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How it stacks up
Instantly compare the Apple MacBook Air 11-inch (mid 2011) side by side with some of the top devices on gdgt!
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Other Apple laptops / portables
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Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch with Retina… 92 from $1899 -
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (mid 2012) 95 from $1129 -
Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch with Retina… 90 from $1419 -
Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (mid 2012) 88 from $1112 -
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (mid 2012) 90 from $1709
Don't forget to check out these other devices by Apple, you might find something good!