MacBook Air Mid-2012

The MacBook Air "Core i7" 2.0 11-Inch (Mid-2012/USB 3.0) was first offered as a "configure-to-order" option for the MD224LL/A MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.7 11-Inch (Mid-2012), but was later available as a standard configuration. Besides the processor and its larger L3 cache, these two models can be configured identically.

The Apple MacBook Air "Core i7" 2.0 11" (Mid-2012/USB 3.0) is powered by a 22-nm "Ivy Bridge" 2.0 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (3667U) with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 4 MB shared level 3 cache, a choice of 4 GB or 8 GB of non-upgradable onboard 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM, 128 GB or 256 GB of flash storage, and an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 processor that shares system memory.

This is all 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 802.11a/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, although an external Thunderbolt adapter was available as a US$29 option.

Compared to its predecessor, this model features 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 build-to-order 2.0 GHz Core i7 option for the 11-inch Mid-2012 MacBook Air pushed the limits of what a compact laptop could do. This Ivy Bridge processor provided a significant performance leap, especially in CPU-intensive tasks, making it feel exceptionally fast and responsive. When configured with 8 GB of RAM, it was a true powerhouse in a tiny package. The faster graphics and USB 3.0 ports were also welcome improvements. This model was highly regarded by those who needed maximum performance for tasks like coding or photo editing on the go, and it stood as a testament to Apple's engineering prowess.