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★★★★☆

Renewed Apple MacBook Air 2017 | i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD

Category: Creative Tools

Key Features

  • Lightweight Design: The MacBook Air 2017 boasts a sleek, lightweight design with dimensions of 16 x 12 x 10 inches and weighs just 3 pounds, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go users.
  • Dual-Core Processor & 8GB RAM: Equipped with a powerful 1.8 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM, this model offers excellent multitasking capabilities and smooth performance.
  • Integrated Graphics: The MacBook Air 2017 comes with an integrated Intel HD Graphics 6000 for basic graphics tasks, though it may not be suitable for high-end gaming or intensive creative work.
  • Thunderbolt & USB Ports: Offering two Thunderbolt 2 and two USB 3.0 ports, this model provides ample connectivity options for peripherals and external hard drives.

Design and Build

The MacBook Air 2017 is renowned for its premium build quality and elegant design. Its aluminum unibody construction ensures durability while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. The slim, lightweight profile makes it easy to carry around without sacrificing portability.

Operation System

MacOS Sierra offers a smooth and intuitive user experience, with a customizable dock, Mission Control, and split-screen multitasking capabilities. The system is highly responsive, even on the lower-end hardware of this MacBook Air model.

Processor and memory

The 1.8 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM provide solid performance for everyday use, including web browsing, email, and basic productivity tasks. However, it may struggle with demanding applications or gaming, making the MacBook Air less suitable for high-end gaming or professional-level creative work.

Graphics Card

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 6000 is sufficient for most standard graphics tasks, such as web browsing, email, and light photo editing. However, it falls short of being powerful enough for gaming or intensive graphic design projects.

Performance

While the MacBook Air 2017 offers solid performance for everyday use and basic productivity tasks, it may not be the best choice for users looking for high-end performance in areas like gaming or professional-level creative work. The dual-core processor and limited RAM can lead to lag when running multiple applications simultaneously.

Display

The 13.3-inch 1440 x 900 Glossy Display offers a clear and sharp image, making it ideal for reading documents, viewing photos, and light video editing. However, its resolution may not be as impressive as larger displays, making it less suitable for professional-level graphic design work.

Storage and Battery Life

The 128GB SSD provides fast storage access and ample space for your files, software, and applications. The battery life of the MacBook Air 2017 is around 9 hours on a single charge, which is quite good for an ultrabook.

Special Features

The MacBook Air 2017 features a built-in camera, stereo speakers, and dual microphones. It also supports Thunderbolt 2, USB 3.0, and Bluetooth connectivity options, providing flexibility for connecting peripherals and external hard drives.

Pros

  • Portable Design: The MacBook Air 2017's lightweight and slim design makes it easy to carry around.
  • Sleek Aesthetic: Its premium build quality and elegant design appeal to many users.
  • Battery Life: It offers a good battery life, with up to 9 hours of use on a single charge.
  • Integrated Graphics: The Intel HD Graphics 6000 provides sufficient performance for most standard tasks.

Cons

  • Limited RAM: The 8GB of RAM may not be enough for high-end gaming or professional-level creative work.
  • Integrated Graphics: The Intel HD Graphics 6000 falls short for demanding graphics tasks.
  • Lower Resolution Display: While clear, its resolution may not be as impressive as larger displays.

Recommendation

The MacBook Air 2017 is a solid choice for users looking for a portable and affordable laptop with good performance for everyday tasks. However, if you require high-end graphics capabilities or need more RAM for multitasking, it may be worth considering a different model.

Verdict

The MacBook Air 2017 offers a balance of portability, performance, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a reliable and efficient laptop. While it may not be the best option for high-end gaming or professional-level creative work, its solid performance and long battery life make it a versatile choice for most users.

Categories

  • Portable Ultrabooks
  • Creative Tools
  • Budget Student

Overall Rating

4

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