MacBook Air Mid-2012

The Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.7 11" (Mid-2012/USB 3.0) is powered by a 22-nm "Ivy Bridge" 1.7 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (3317U) with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 4 GB of onboard 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM (which cannot be upgraded after purchase), either 64 GB or 128 GB of flash storage, and an "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor that shares system memory.

All of this is 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 options include 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, analog audio out, a "Thunderbolt" port, and two USB 3.0 ports. It lacks an internal Ethernet port, though an external Thunderbolt adapter was available as a US$29 option.

Compared to its predecessor, this model has a very similar external enclosure, though it includes the aforementioned USB 3.0 ports and a new, thinner and wider "MagSafe 2" power connector. Internally, however, it features a faster processor, architecture, graphics, RAM, and storage.

The Mid-2012 11-inch model introduced the Ivy Bridge processor, which brought a notable boost in both CPU and graphics performance with the Intel HD 4000. The inclusion of two USB 3.0 ports was a significant and much-needed upgrade, greatly improving data transfer speeds with compatible peripherals. The new MagSafe 2 connector was a more divisive change, as it required an adapter for older chargers. Despite this, the substantial performance gains and modern I/O solidified this model's reputation as a powerful and highly capable ultraportable that could handle a wide range of tasks with impressive speed.