MacBook Air Mid-2009

The Apple MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.86 13-inch from mid-2009 is equipped with a 1.86 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (SL9400). This processor has two independent cores on a single chip, a 6 MB shared level 2 cache on the chip, and operates on a 1066 MHz frontside bus.

It comes with 2 GB of onboard 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a 120 GB (4200 RPM) hard drive, and a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor that shares 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM with the main memory. The device also includes an integrated iSight video camera, a full-size backlit keyboard with an ambient light sensor, and a 13.3-inch widescreen TFT LED-backlit active-matrix "glossy" display with a native resolution of 1280x800. All of this is encased in a slender aluminum chassis that is 0.16-0.76 inches thick and weighs three pounds.

Connectivity options include AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a single USB 2.0 port, analog audio out, and a Mini DisplayPort for video output that supports an external 30-inch display. It lacks an internal Ethernet port (though an external adapter is included), as well as Firewire and optical audio in/out.

This MacBook Air model uses the same external housing as earlier versions, with a 13.3-inch display, full-size keyboard, and a single-button, "three-finger" trackpad. Internally, it also omits an optical drive, has a battery not designed for user replacement, and its memory is not upgradable beyond the built-in 2 GB.

However, when compared to the "NVIDIA/Late 2008" MacBook Air series, the "Mid-2009" models offer improved battery life (5 hours versus 4.5 hours), come with the Apple 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter as a standard accessory, and were introduced at significantly lower prices.

The Mid-2009 update was considered a modest but welcome refinement of the Late 2008 model. While it retained the same slim chassis, the key improvements were a faster processor and, most notably, enhanced battery life, which was a significant plus for users on the go. The lower price point at launch also made it a more accessible option. Although it still featured only one USB port and non-upgradable RAM, the balance of improved performance, better battery, and a more attractive price made it a more compelling package than its predecessor for mainstream users.