MacBook Air Mid-2012

Initially a "configure-to-order" option for the MD232LL/A MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.8 13-Inch (Mid-2012), the MacBook Air "Core i7" 2.0 13-Inch (Mid-2012/USB 3.0) was also sold as a standard configuration. Other than the processor and its larger L3 cache, these two models can be identical.

The Apple MacBook Air "Core i7" 2.0 13" (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 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 4 GB or 8 GB of non-upgradable onboard 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM, 256 GB or 512 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), 2.96-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, though an external Thunderbolt adapter was available as a US$29 option.

Compared to its predecessor, this model has a very similar external enclosure but 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.

As the top-tier configuration for the Mid-2012 refresh, the 2.0 GHz Core i7 MacBook Air was praised for its impressive power. The Ivy Bridge processor delivered desktop-like speed for many tasks, and the Intel HD 4000 graphics provided a solid boost over the prior generation. The inclusion of USB 3.0 was a significant quality-of-life improvement for transferring large files. This model was seen as a true workhorse, capable of handling professional workloads while retaining the signature thin and light design. It was the definitive choice for users who refused to compromise on performance or portability.