The MacBook Air “Core i7” 1.8 11-Inch (2011/2012/Thunderbolt) technically is a “configure-to-order” configuration of the MC969LL/A MacBook Air “Core i5” 1.6 11-Inch, but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than processor (and the corresponding larger level 3 cache), these two models are identical. The Apple MacBook Air “Core i7″ 1.8 11” (2011/2012/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), 256 GB of flash storage, 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 (1366×768 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 2560×1600 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.

Product Features

• 1.8 GHz “Core i7” 64-bit processor / Brand New Authentic 45W MagSafe Power adapter
• 4GB DDR3 memory / 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive) / Backlit Keyboard
• Fresh installation of OS X v10.10 Yosemite / factory reset / 7 hour battery
• 11.6 inch LED-backlit display 1366-by-768 resolution / Two USB ports / one ThunderBolt Port
• Airport Wifi Card / “multi-touch” (4 finger) trackpad / Bluetooth 4.0 / iSight Web Cam