The Apple MacBook Air is a notebook computer initially introduced, manufactured, and marketed by Apple in 2008 as part of its line of MacBook Air computers. The launch date for this groundbreaking product was January 15, 2008, with an initial price point of $1,799.
At its debut, the Original MacBook Air also known as “MacBook Air Early 2008” revolutionized the world of laptops by claiming the title of the thinnest notebook available. Measuring an unprecedented 0.16 inches at its thinnest point and a maximum height of 0.76 inches, the MacBook Air surpassed its competitors in terms of sleekness and portability.
Despite its slender profile, the MacBook Air boasts a generous 13.3-inch LED-backlit widescreen display, a full-size backlit keyboard, a built-in iSight video camera facilitating video conferencing, and a spacious trackpad with multi-touch gesture support, allowing users to perform actions such as pinch, rotate, and swipe.
Under the hood, the MacBook Air is powered by either a 1.6 GHz or 1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4 MB L2 cache. Standard features include 2 GB of memory, an 80 GB 1.8-inch hard drive, and the latest 802.11n Wi-Fi technology alongside Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity.
Steve Jobs, the then-CEO of Apple, remarked on the MacBook Air’s revolutionary design, stating, “We’ve built the world’s thinnest notebook—without sacrificing a full-size keyboard or a full-size 13-inch display.” This sentiment underscores the MacBook Air’s commitment to performance despite its ultra-slim form factor.
Key features of the first-generation MacBook Air include its vibrant 13.3-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, energy-efficient design, and intuitive multi-touch trackpad. The backlit keyboard enhances usability in various environments, while an ambient light sensor automatically adjusts brightness for optimal visibility.
In terms of battery life, the MacBook Air offers up to five hours of wireless productivity. Its AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi networking provides enhanced performance and range compared to previous iterations.
Additionally, users have the option to purchase the MacBook Air SuperDrive, an external drive designed specifically for the MacBook Air, enabling convenient access to optical media. However, with the rise of digital content consumption, many users may find wireless alternatives more convenient.
Internally, the MacBook Air is equipped with Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 2 GB of memory, and an 80 GB 1.8-inch hard drive, with an optional 64 GB solid-state drive available for added durability. Connectivity options include a micro-DVI port, USB 2.0, a headphone jack, and Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter.
Each MacBook Air comes bundled with iLife ’08, featuring updated versions of iPhoto and iMovie, seamlessly integrated with the .Mac Web Gallery for online sharing. Furthermore, the MacBook Air runs on Leopard, offering features such as Time Machine for automatic backups, Quick Look for file previews, and enhanced Mail and iChat applications.
From an environmental standpoint, the MacBook Air demonstrates Apple’s commitment to sustainability, with features such as an aluminum enclosure, mercury-free LCD display with arsenic-free glass, and PVC-free internal components. The retail packaging also reflects eco-conscious practices, utilizing 100 percent post-consumer recycled material.
As of October 14, 2008, the MacBook Air has been discontinued, marking the end of an era. Nonetheless, its impact on the laptop industry and its enduring legacy remain significant.
Today, the Original MacBook Air celebrates its 16-year anniversary, a testament to its enduring influence on portable computing.
Original MacBook Air Details
| Introduced | January 15, 2008 – 16 years ago |
| Released | January 30, 2008 – 16 years ago |
| Discontinued | October 14, 2008 – 15 years ago |
| Last Software Update | October 4, 2012 – 11 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 258 days (8 months) |
| Time of Support | 56 months (4 years) |
| Model Identifier | MacBookAir1,1 |
| Model Number | A1237 |
| EMC | 2142 |
| Order Number | MB003LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,799 (1.6 GHz and 80 GB HDD) $3,098 (1.8 GHz and 64 GB SSD) $2,598 (1.8 GHz and 64 GB SSD from July 8, 2008) |
| Colors | Aluminum unibody |
| Weight | 3 Ibs. 1.360 KG |
| Dimensions | 0.16 – 0.76” H x 12.74” W x 8.9” D 0.40 – 1.93 cm H x 32.35 cm W x 22.6 cm D |
MacBook Air Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo P7500 “Merom” (1.6 GHz) Intel Core 2 Duo P7700 “Merom” (1.8 GHz) |
| Processor Speed | 1.6 GHz 1.8 GHz |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| System Bus | 800 MHz |
| Cache | 4 MB on-chip shared L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 GB (HDD) 64 GB (SSD) |
| Media | 1 – MacBook Air SuperDrive (Optional) |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 2 GB DDR2 PC2-5300 SDRAM |
| Maximum Memory | 2 GB |
| Memory Slots | None |
| Interleaving Support | Yes |
Display
| Built-in Display | 13.3″ Color TFT glossy widescreen Display |
| Pixel Density | 114 dpi |
| Brightness | 300 cd/m² |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 720 x 480 800 x 500 800 x 600 1024 x 640 1024 x 768 1152 x 720 1280 x 800 (native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA X3100 |
| Graphics Memory | 144 MB DDR2 SDRAM* |
| Display Connection | 1 – Micro-DVI (S-Video, VGA, and Composite with adapter) |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
| External Resolution | Up to 1920 by 1200 pixels |
| Camera | iSight (640 x 480) |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Hard Drive Interface | Parallel ATA (PATA) |
| Bays | None |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g/n |
| Ethernet | USB Ethernet Adapter MB442Z/A (Optional) |
| Modem | Apple USB Modem MA034Z/A (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR |
| Infrared | 1 – For Apple Remote Only |
| USB | 1 – 480 Mbps |
| Audio In | 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – Micro-DVI (S-Video, VGA, and Composite with adapter) |
| Security Slot | None |
Sensors
| Motion Sensor | Sudden Motion Sensor (SMS) |
| Liquid Sensor | None |
Keyboard and trackpad
| Keyboard | Built-in Full-size 78-key (U.S.) or 79-key (ISO) incl. 12 function and 4 arrow keys, embedded keypad, ambient light sensor, illuminated |
| Trackpad | Solid-state trackpad with Multi-Touch gesture support |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X 10.5.1 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.5.2 Mac OS X 10.5.4 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.7.5 |
| Firmware | Intel Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.5 iLife ’08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand) |
Power
| System Battery | Integrated 37 W Lithium-Polymer |
| Backup Battery | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours |
| Maximum Battery Cycles | 300 |
| Maximum Continuous Power | Unknown |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 45 W MagSafe Power Adapter |
