MacBook Air Early 2014

Originally a "configure-to-order" option for the MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.4 13-Inch (Early 2014/Haswell), the MacBook Air "Core i7" 1.7 13-Inch (Early 2014/Haswell) was later offered as a standard configuration. Besides the processor and its larger L3 cache, these two models are identical. For all practical purposes, this model is also the same as the MacBook Air "Core i7" 1.7 13-Inch (Mid-2013/Haswell) from the year before.

The Apple MacBook Air "Core i7" 1.7 13-Inch (Early 2014/Haswell) is equipped with a 22-nm "Haswell" 1.7 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (4650U) with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 4 GB of onboard 1600 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (upgradable to 8 GB at purchase, but not later), and a choice of 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of PCIe-based flash storage. The MF068LL/A configuration included 512 GB of flash storage and 8 GB of RAM. It also features an "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 5000 processor that shares system memory.

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

This top-tier configuration of the Early 2014 lineup was functionally identical to the high-end 2013 model it replaced. The 1.7 GHz Core i7 processor delivered excellent performance, handling demanding applications with more ease than the Core i5 versions. It inherited the phenomenal battery life and fast storage that made the generation famous. While it offered no new innovations, it represented the most powerful version of a highly refined and celebrated design. For power users who wanted the best possible performance in a MacBook Air package, this model was the clear, albeit pricey, choice.