MacBook Air Late 2008

The Apple MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.86 13" (NVIDIA/Late 2008) is outfitted with a 1.86 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (SL9400), which integrates two independent processor cores on a single chip, a 6 MB on-chip shared level 2 cache, and a 1066 MHz frontside bus.

It is equipped with 2 GB of non-upgradable 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a 128 GB Solid-State Drive (SSD), and a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor that shares 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM with main memory. Additional features include 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. These components are housed in a slim aluminum case measuring 0.16-0.76 inches in thickness and weighing three pounds.

Connectivity options comprise AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a single USB 2.0 port, analog audio out, and video output via a Mini DisplayPort that can support an external 30-inch display. The device does not include Ethernet (an external adapter was available for purchase), Firewire, or optical audio in/out.

This model utilizes the same housing as the original MacBook Air, featuring the same 13.3" display, full-size keyboard, and single-button, "three-finger" trackpad. Internally, it also omits an optical drive, has a non-user-replaceable battery, and its memory cannot be expanded beyond the included 2 GB. However, it offers several internal upgrades, including a slightly faster processor in this configuration, superior NVIDIA graphics, a more advanced architecture with a faster system bus and memory, and a larger L2 cache. It also ships with a larger SSD and replaces the mini-DVI port with the modern Mini DisplayPort standard.

This higher-end configuration of the Late 2008 MacBook Air was praised for its use of a 128 GB SSD, which delivered a dramatic performance improvement over the hard drive-based model. Paired with the faster 1.86 GHz processor and capable NVIDIA graphics, this machine felt snappy and responsive. It was lauded as the version that came closer to fulfilling the promise of a no-compromise ultraportable. However, the high price tag, coupled with the familiar constraints of non-upgradable RAM and a single USB port, meant it appealed primarily to professionals and enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for peak performance in a slim package.