Two updates help to keep the Air one of the fastest ultrabooks around, while another two make it even more comfortable to use.
When Intel released the mobile versions of its third-generation Core series chips, the MacBook’s were among the first to benefit. In the case of the 2012 Apple MacBook Air we see the low-voltage editions again being pressed into service – this time the Intel Core i5-3427U, specified at 1.8GHz.
Apple MacBook Air 13in (Mid-2012): Performance
Where last year’s Sandy Bridge models were seeing around 17fps in our standard FEAR game test, Ivy Bridge laptops typically get at least a 60% increase in video framerate. In the case of the Apple MacBook Air here, we recorded an impressive 29fps at Maximum settings, indicating that the Air can take on light gaming again as well as the 2010 model with dedicated nVidia graphics.
Apple MacBook Air 13in (Mid-2012): Features
Looking around the sculpted one-piece aluminium casework, and there are no material differences from the previous model. Except for the revision to MagSafe 2 for the power connector, and the movement of port legends from the left to the right.
MagSafe 2 is electrically (and magnetically) the same as the original safety cable that keeps the charging plug held in place by magnets. But Mk II is very slightly smaller, designed with even slimmer notebooks in mind, so the move to the newer design here is probably as much about unifying the revision across the MacBook line in the coming years.
Not so visible is an upgrade of the webcam built into the screen bezel. This is now listed as a FaceTime HD camera, and it allows calls over Skype or Apple’s video conferencing system to be made at 1280 x 720-pixel size – subject to your internet connection having sufficient speed.
The final tweak we could find on 2012’s MacBook Air is to the cooling fan. Just like the Retina MacBook Pro, the Air now has an asymmetric-blade fan inside to reduce resonance. In use, we can vouch for the extremely quiet operation of the MacBook Air. It’s probably the quietest ultraportable you can find.
When Intel released the mobile versions of its third-generation Core series chips, the MacBook’s were among the first to benefit. In the case of the 2012 Apple MacBook Air we see the low-voltage editions again being pressed into service – this time the Intel Core i5-3427U, specified at 1.8GHz.
Apple MacBook Air 13in (Mid-2012): Performance
Where last year’s Sandy Bridge models were seeing around 17fps in our standard FEAR game test, Ivy Bridge laptops typically get at least a 60% increase in video framerate. In the case of the Apple MacBook Air here, we recorded an impressive 29fps at Maximum settings, indicating that the Air can take on light gaming again as well as the 2010 model with dedicated nVidia graphics.
Apple MacBook Air 13in (Mid-2012): Features
Looking around the sculpted one-piece aluminium casework, and there are no material differences from the previous model. Except for the revision to MagSafe 2 for the power connector, and the movement of port legends from the left to the right.
MagSafe 2 is electrically (and magnetically) the same as the original safety cable that keeps the charging plug held in place by magnets. But Mk II is very slightly smaller, designed with even slimmer notebooks in mind, so the move to the newer design here is probably as much about unifying the revision across the MacBook line in the coming years.
Not so visible is an upgrade of the webcam built into the screen bezel. This is now listed as a FaceTime HD camera, and it allows calls over Skype or Apple’s video conferencing system to be made at 1280 x 720-pixel size – subject to your internet connection having sufficient speed.
The final tweak we could find on 2012’s MacBook Air is to the cooling fan. Just like the Retina MacBook Pro, the Air now has an asymmetric-blade fan inside to reduce resonance. In use, we can vouch for the extremely quiet operation of the MacBook Air. It’s probably the quietest ultraportable you can find.
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