For someone like me upgrading from a 2010 MacBook Air, or even a MacBook Pro from the last couple years, it would be no question: go ahead and buy one of Apple's latest MacBook Airs. The performance increase is noticeable even during everyday use (even while using the lowest-end 2012 machine).
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Conclusion: We like it
With its refresh of the 11-inch MacBook Air, Apple has added some key upgrades — including faster processors, better graphics performance, and USB 3.0 ports — while keeping everything that was good about the company's smallest laptop, including its Thundrbolt port and illuminated keyboard. Apple also cut the price of the base 128GB model by $100, to $1,099. We still think the 13-inch model is a better value, and a more usable computer. But if you must have the smallest, lightest, fully capable portable computer, it's hard to argue against the updated Air.
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Critic reviews
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The new 11-inch MacBook Air is every bit as fast as the 13-inch Air, despite its smaller size, but you'll give up 2 hours of battery life in the bargain.
Read the full review →The ultrabooks are catching up to the pioneer Apple MacBook Air 11-inch (Mid-2012) in terms of portability and capabilities, but the latest iteration is a nice system for those who want a second or third Mac around the house. However, for the price, competition is fierce.
Read the full review →The MacBook Air 11 continues to be a wonderfully portable laptop, suiting travel or those who are constantly on the move. While an IPS screen would be nice and the default storage sizes need to be raised, this is a lovely piece of engineering that has well and truly carved its niche.
Read the full review →It's easy for us to recommend the newest MacBook Air, because it's a fantastic machine. But, unlike this time last year, there are other impressive lightweight options out there.
Read the full review →In terms of performance and usability it's hard to fault the 2012 Apple MacBook Air. It may not have the sheer power of its MacBook Pro brethren, but it's hardly a slacker either with the third-generation Intel Core power making for a much slicker experience than last year's range.
Read the full review →This year's 11-inch MacBook Air is a superb ultra-portable laptop then, but there's one model that's better for most people - the 13-inch MacBook Air. It's only slightly larger but has a 1,440x900 resolution display, which is a better choice if this is to be your main computer day-to-day.
Read the full review →The performance of a 13" Ultrabook in an 11" form factor which looks and feels fantastic.
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jhearne86
I've only had this Air for a few days, and it's my first Mac too. I've had my eye on the Air for quite some time though. I'm loving it. The gestures, the polish everywhere, the fact that I can just set it up and not worry about deleting HP or Dell crapware when I get it. The App Store, updates,...
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etalk
This is the third Macbook Air that I've owned, and the best to date. I was at first a bit concerned about the lack of expandability with only two USB ports and one (1) Thunderbolt connection, but with the addition of an Apple Thunderbolt LED Cinema display, this combination has replaced my...
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pH77Hp
I've always wanted an Air since its first debut in 08- now that they are incredibly fast (seems faster than a 27" iMac even) and now come in an even more compact size, the 11" Air is the computer for me. AirPlay mirroring to my AppleTV should care of my media viewing needs. One day, I'd like to...
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nden
I use an iMac 2011 on my desk and use this now on the road ... had it just for a few days now ... am positively suprised on subjective responsiveness, seems faster than the iMac on everyday usage (email, browsing, writing, video viewing, some simple foto editing in iphoto) ... for my use could be...
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Jgstew
The Price is a tad high, but it is hard to configure an equivalent PC for a lower price, and even then the display & trackpad of an Apple laptop are unmatched in the PC space. If your budget is sub-$1000, then you have no reason to consider an Apple laptop. If your budget is over $1000, then...
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gordonfowler
This is the future for those who need a laptop that will work anywhere, including in the back of a string of international flights to Singapore from Boston. My next step is to sell off my iMac and get a cinema display and an external drive. It's not just the hardware: as a die hard ThinkPad fan...
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gr
I hesitated weeks between the MBA 11", MBA 13" and MBP Retina 13" … but I kept going back to this. And it's everything I hoped it will be.
Read the full review →How it stacks up
Instantly compare the Apple MacBook Air 11-inch (mid 2012) 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!