MacBook Air Early 2014

The Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.4 11-Inch (Early 2014/Haswell) is equipped with a 22-nm "Haswell" 1.4 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (4260U), featuring two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 4 GB of onboard 1600 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (which could be upgraded to 8 GB only at the time of purchase), 128 GB or 256 GB of PCIe-based flash storage, and an "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 5000 graphics processor that shares system memory.

All of these components are housed in a slim (0.11-0.68 inch), 2.3-pound aluminum case with an integrated 720p "FaceTime HD" webcam, a backlit full-size keyboard, and an 11.6-inch widescreen TFT LED-backlit active-matrix "glossy" display (1366x768 native resolution).

Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, analog audio out, a "Thunderbolt" port, and two USB 3.0 ports.

When compared to its predecessor, this model is nearly identical, sharing the same design and architecture. However, it features a faster processor, improved reported battery life (due to OS X optimizations rather than hardware changes), and a few minor differences in identifiers.

The Early 2014 11-inch MacBook Air was viewed as a very minor refresh to the stellar 2013 model. It featured a slightly faster 1.4 GHz processor, which provided a marginal performance increase that was barely noticeable in real-world use. The most significant change was a lower starting price, making the acclaimed design and battery life more accessible. For owners of the 2013 model, there was no compelling reason to upgrade. However, for newcomers, it represented an even better value, continuing the legacy of its predecessor as a top-tier ultraportable.