Apple MacBook Air "Core i7" 1.8 11" (Mid-2011) Specs

Identifiers: Mid-2011 - MD214LL/A - MacBookAir4,1 - A1370 - 2471

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

The MacBook Air "Core i7" 1.8 11-Inch (Mid-2011/Thunderbolt) originally was offered as a "configure-to-order" configuration of the MC969LL/A MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.6 11-Inch (Mid-2011), but it was sold as a standard configuration later, as well. Other than processor (and the corresponding larger level 3 cache), these two models are identical.

The Apple MacBook Air "Core i7" 1.8 11" (Mid-2011/Thunderbolt) features a 32-nm "Sandy Bridge" 1.8 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (2677M) with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 4 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 (the standard MD214LL/A configuration has 256 GB of storage by default), 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), 2.3 pound, aluminum case with an integrated "FaceTime" video camera, a backlit full-size keyboard (the function keys are smaller, however) and an 11.6" widescreen TFT LED backlit active-matrix "glossy" display (1366x768 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 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

Tech Specs

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.

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Introduction Date:

July 20, 2011

Discontinued Date:

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.

Processors:

1 (2 Cores)

Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.

Geekbench 2 (32):

5795

Geekbench 2 (64):

6400

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 MacBookAir4,1 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.

Geekbench 3 (32):

2150

Geekbench 3 (32):

4094

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 MacBookAir4,1 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.

Geekbench 3 (64):

2397

Geekbench 3 (64):

4648

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 MacBookAir4,1 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.

Geekbench 4 (SC):

2578

Geekbench 4 (MC):

4798

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 MacBookAir4,1 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.

Geekbench 5 (SC):

501

Geekbench 5 (MC):

1063

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 MacBookAir4,1 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.

Processor Speed:

1.8 GHz

Processor Type:

Core i7 (I7-2677M)

Details:

This model is powered by a 32 nm, 64-bit Intel Mobile Core i7 "Sandy Bridge" (I7-2677M) processor which includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 4 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 -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize four total "cores" or "threads" (two real and two virtual). 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?

Turbo Boost:

2.9 GHz

Custom Speeds:

N/A

Details:

Processor Upgrade:

Soldered

FPU:

Integrated

Details:

N/A

System Bus Speed:

5 GT/s*

Cache Bus Speed:

1.8 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.

ROM/Firmware Type:

EFI

EFI Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

N/A

L1 Cache:

32k/32k x2

L2/L3 Cache:

256k x2, 4 MB (on chip)

Details:

Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 4 MB of shared level 3 cache.

RAM Type:

DDR3 SDRAM*

Min. RAM Speed:

1333 MHz

Details:

Shipped standard with 4 GB of 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM onboard.

Standard RAM:

4 GB

Maximum RAM:

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.

Motherboard RAM:

4 GB*

RAM Slots:

None

Details:

*There are no RAM slots. 4 GB of RAM is soldered onboard and cannot be upgraded later.

Video Card:

HD Graphics 3000

VRAM Type:

Integrated

Details:

This model has an Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.

Standard VRAM:

384 MB

Maximum VRAM:

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.

Built-in Display:

11.6" Widescreen

Native Resolution:

1366x768

Details:

11.6" color widescreen TFT LED-backlit active-matrix "glossy" display with a 1366 by 768 native resolution. Apple reports that it also supports "1344 by 756, 1280 by 720, 1024 by 576 pixels at 16:9 aspect ratio; 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.

2nd Display Support:

Dual/Mirroring

2nd Max. Resolution:

2560x1600

Details:

The maximum resolution supported on an external display is 2560x1600.

Standard Storage:

128 GB SSD*

Std. Storage Speed:

N/A

Details:

If equipped as a custom configuration when initially released, this model has 128 GB of flash storage by default, although it could be configured with 256 MB of flash storage at the time of purchase as a US$300 option. The MD214LL/A standard configuration has 256 GB of flash storage by default. The storage is not intended to be upgraded after purchase. 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 internal 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.

Storage Dimensions:

Proprietary (2.2 mm)

Storage Interface:

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.

Standard Optical:

None*

Standard Disk:

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. Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive available for the MacBook Air? Can it be used with other Macs?

Standard Modem:

None

Standard Ethernet:

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?

Standard AirPort:

802.11a/b/g/n

Standard Bluetooth:

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?

USB Ports:

2 (2.0)

Firewire Ports:

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?

Expansion Slots:

None

Expansion Bays:

None

Details:

No expansion slots or bays provided. 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.

Incl. Keyboard:

Full-size

Incl. Input:

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?

Case Type:

Notebook

Form Factor:

MacBook Air 11"

Details:

This MacBook Air uses a razor thin aluminum case design with a "catchless" magnetic latch.

Apple Order No:

MD214LL/A

Apple Subfamily:

Mid-2011

Details:

The Apple order number should be unique to this model.

Apple Model No:

A1370 (EMC 2471)

Model ID:

MacBookAir4,1

Details:

Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. Also see: All Macs with the A1370 Model Number, the 2471 EMC Number, and the MacBookAir4,1 Model Identifier. For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.

Battery Type:

35 W h Li-Poly

Battery Life:

5 Hours

Details:

Apple reports that this model has a "built-in 35-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" and the company claims that it can provide up to 5 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 and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells quality batteries for this MacBook Air.

Pre-Installed MacOS:

X 10.7 (11A2063)

Maximum MacOS:

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?

Minimum Windows:

7 (32-Bit)*

Maximum Windows:

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.

MacOS 9 Support:

None

Windows Support:

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.

Dimensions:

.11-.68 x 11.8 x 7.56

Avg. Weight:

2.38 lbs (1.08 kg)

Details:

In inches while closed - minimum height to maximum height by width by depth, (0.3 cm-1.7 cm, 29.95 cm, 19.2 cm).

Original Price (US):

US$1349*

Est. Current Retail:

US$50-US$100

Details:

As first introduced, this configure-to-order MacBook Air has the same 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of flash storage as the MC969LL/A configuration, but has been custom configured with a 1.8 GHz "Core i7" processor for an additional US$150, which brings the original total to US$1349. The MD214LL/A standard configuration has 256 GB of flash storage and originally cost US$1649. Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

Ports

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.

Expand All Details | Contract All Details

Video (Monitor):

1 (Thunderbolt)

Floppy (Ext.):

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.

ADB:

None

SCSI:

None

Details:

N/A

Serial (Standard):

None

Serial (Geoport):

None

Details:

N/A

USB:

2 (2.0)

Firewire:

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?

Modem:

None

Ethernet:

None

Details:

No internal modem or Ethernet. An external Apple USB 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter was offered as a US$29 option.

S-Video Input:

None

S-Video Output:

None

Details:

N/A

Microphone:

1 (Internal)

Sound In:

None

Details:

Internal omnidirectional microphone.

Sound Out:

None*

Headphone:

1*

Details:

*Single analog audio output/headphone jack.

Security (Lock):

None

Joystick (PC):

None

Details:

N/A

Power:

N/A

Power Adapter:

1

Details:

100V-240V AC, 45W "MagSafe" power adapter.

Global Original Prices

Global original prices for the MacBook Air "Core i7" 1.8 11" (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

Canada:

C$1349

Brazil:

R$4.024

Mexico:

MXN $20,089

United States:

US$1349*

Original Prices - Europe

Austria:

€1299

Belgium:

€1329

Denmark:

DKK 10,154

Finland:

€1329

France:

€1299

Germany:

€1299

Ireland:

€1329

Italy:

€1299

Luxembourg:

€1263,10

Netherlands:

€1299

Norway:

NOK 10,720

Portugal:

€1329

Spain:

€1299

Sweden:

SEK 12.360

Switzerland:

CHF 1'399

United Kingdom:

£1149

Original Prices - Asia

China:

RMB 10,358

Hong Kong:

HK$10,448

India:

N/A

Indonesia:

N/A

Japan:

¥116,235

Korea:

KRW 1,678,100

Malaysia:

RM 4,156

The Philippines:

PHP 67,330

Singapore:

S$1,787

Taiwan:

NT$42,730

Thailand:

THB 44,822

Vietnam:

VND 32,405,425

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

Australia:

A$1509

New Zealand:

NZ$2099

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.

Popular Q&As

Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Air models follow.

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