Apple MacBook Air 13 review
The Apple Apple MacBook Air 13 ranks as the #526 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 70. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #24-ranked features among 45 laptops. Consider the AORUS 7 or Alienware m15 R5, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The new MacBook Air 13-inch is an attractive ultra book with the same design since 2010, but it's aging well. With the Haswell CPU refresh and Intel HD 5000 graphics, this laptop provides decent performance for everyday tasks. However, it may not be suitable for serious gaming. In our tests, Diablo 3 ran smoothly at lower settings, but became choppy with high-end settings. Despite some limitations, the MacBook Air 13-inch is a solid choice for those who prioritize portability and design over raw power. If you're in the market for an ultra book that's easy to carry around and can handle general tasks like browsing, email, and office work, then this laptop is worth considering. Ultimately, the value of the MacBook Air 13-inch depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you're looking for a hassle-free, all-in-one device that fits neatly into your lifestyle, then this laptop is definitely worth considering.
Build
The Apple MacBook Air 13's build is a masterclass in minimalist design. The ultra-book's sleek aluminum unibody is both sturdy and visually appealing, exuding a sense of premium quality. Weighing just 2.96 pounds, it's surprisingly light without compromising on durability. The industrial design has aged well since its introduction around 2010, remaining one of the most attractive looking ultrabooks on the market. Despite being over three years old, the MacBook Air 13's build still feels modern and desirable, making a strong statement about Apple's commitment to aesthetics and craftsmanship. Give Apple MacBook Pro 13 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled build.
Display
The display on the MacBook Air 13 is a highlight of this device. Although it's not a Retina display, it still provides vibrant colors and crisp text. The 1440 x 900 resolution is sufficient for everyday tasks, but may not be ideal for those who require a higher pixel density. The display is also quite bright, making it suitable for use in well-lit environments. While it may not be the best display on the market, it's certainly adequate for most users. Overall, the MacBook Air 13's display is a solid choice, but those seeking exceptional visual quality may want to consider other options. Get your hands on Apple iPad Air 13 if you're looking for better display.
Performance
The MacBook Air 13's performance is respectable, but not exceptional. The Intel Core i7 processor handles everyday tasks with ease, but demanding programs and games can push the machine to its limits. The Intel HD 5000 graphics are capable of running some games, albeit at low settings, while video playback is smooth. Multitasking is handled well, and Adobe Creative Suite runs without major issues. Overall, the MacBook Air 13's performance is suitable for most users, but may not satisfy those who require high-end computing capabilities. Consider discovering the power of Acer Chromebook Plus 516, featuring the latest advancements in performance.
Battery and Charging
The MacBook Air 13-inch (mid 2013) boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge. The device's efficient Intel HD 5000 graphics and Haswell CPU contribute to its power efficiency. Charging the laptop is relatively quick, with Apple claiming it can reach 80% in just 2 hours. In our tests, we found the battery life to be consistently good, making this ultrabook an excellent choice for those who need a reliable device that lasts all day.
Connectivity
The MacBook Air 13's connectivity options are solid, but not revolutionary. The laptop features Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, ensuring seamless connections to devices and networks. Two Thunderbolt 3 ports offer fast data transfer and display output capabilities. However, the lack of a traditional USB port may be a drawback for some users. Overall, the MacBook Air 13's connectivity is adequate, but not necessarily a standout feature in this ultraportable laptop. For a superior connectivity, AORUS 17G could be the right choice.
Features
The MacBook Air 13 is a sleek ultra-book with a refreshed Haswell CPU and Intel HD 5000 graphics. Its attractive design has aged well, making it one of the most visually appealing options in its class. Key features include a native resolution display, a built-in SSD storage, and 4GB of RAM, providing ample space for multitasking and resource-intensive tasks. A better alternative might be Apple MacBook Pro 13, featuring a next-level features.
Support and Maintenance
The MacBook Air 13 is still an attractive option with its sleek design, but what sets it apart is its reliable support and maintenance. Apple's extensive customer care network ensures timely assistance, whether you need software updates or hardware repairs. The company's online resources are also comprehensive, providing detailed guides and troubleshooting tools to help users resolve issues independently. This commitment to support and maintenance makes the MacBook Air 13 a great choice for those who value hassle-free ownership.
Pros
1. Same industrial design we've seen since about 2010 but it's aging well, still one of the most attractive looking ultra books on the market
2. Has a lot of space to work with (about 86 gigs free) after installing Adobe CS 5.5 and other software
3. Can play Diablo 3 at 25-21 frames per second, making it possible to play some games, even if not for serious gaming
4. Speakers are quite nice and can run iTunes on just fine and play iTunes video and iTunes HD video without a problem
5. Photoshop runs smoothly with quick image analysis, rotation, and other filters
6. Haswell CPU refresh and Intel HD 5000 graphics provide good performance for general use
7. Pretty darn nice to have about almost 100 gigs free out of the box
Cons
1. Not a serious gaming machine, but still has some limitations (e.g. turning up fans when playing demanding games)
2. Noise from fan when playing demanding games
3. Fan can get quite loud and kick in quickly when running demanding tasks or games
4. Texture quality is high, shadow quality is medium, physics is high, cluster density is high with anti-aliasing turned on may be too much for the MacBook Air to handle
5. Turning off anti-aliasing and reducing settings helps performance but makes graphics less pretty
6. Can't run demanding games at high framerates (only 25-21 FPS)
7. May have some limitations in terms of graphical power, especially when running demanding games
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features