MacBook Air Mid-2012

The Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.8 13" (Mid-2012/USB 3.0) is powered by a 22-nm "Ivy Bridge" 1.8 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (3427U) 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), 128 GB or 256 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), 2.96-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 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, analog audio out, a "Thunderbolt" port, two USB 3.0 ports, and an SDXC-capable SD card slot. It lacks an internal Ethernet port, although an external Thunderbolt adapter was offered 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 boasts a faster processor, architecture, graphics, RAM, and storage.

The Mid-2012 13-inch model was a significant upgrade, powered by the new Ivy Bridge architecture. This resulted in faster processing and much-improved graphics performance with the Intel HD Graphics 4000. The upgrade to USB 3.0 ports was a key feature, offering a tenfold increase in transfer speeds over USB 2.0. While the new MagSafe 2 connector was a point of discussion, the overall package of enhanced performance, faster I/O, and the classic slim design was highly praised. It was considered a powerful and well-balanced machine that solidified the MacBook Air's dominance in the ultraportable market.