MacBook Air Early 2014

The Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.4 13-Inch (Early 2014/Haswell) features a 22-nm "Haswell" 1.4 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (4260U) with 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 at the time of purchase, but not later), 128 GB or 256 GB of PCIe-based flash storage, and an "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 5000 graphics processor that shares system memory.

This all is packed in a razor-thin 0.11-0.68 inch), 2.96-pound, aluminum case with an integrated 720p "FaceTime HD" webcam, a backlit full-size keyboard and a 13.3-inch widescreen TFT LED-backlit active-matrix "glossy" display (1440x900 native resolution).

Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, analog audio out, a "Thunderbolt" port, two USB 3.0 ports, and an SDXC-capable SD card slot.

Compared to its predecessor, this model is practically identical—with the same design and architecture—but it has a faster processor, longer reported battery life (due to OS X improvements rather than hardware), and a few, but not many, different identifiers, as well.

Considered a subtle iteration, the Early 2014 13-inch model offered a minor speed bump with its 1.4 GHz processor compared to the previous year's version. This resulted in a slight performance gain, but the celebrated all-day battery life and slim design remained the main attractions. Apple also made this highly successful formula more appealing by reducing the price. While it wasn't a necessary upgrade for 2013 users, it affirmed the MacBook Air's position as the leading ultraportable on the market, offering an exceptional and now more affordable package for new buyers.