Low End Mac's Best Deals
Best MacBook Air Prices
2012.04.26
Short link: http://bit.ly/6Umr7
- Got a MacBook? Join our MacBook email list.
Apple reinvented the MacBook Air (MBA) in late 2010, releasing the SSD-based MBA in 11.6" and 13.3" versions. And in July 2011, Apple went the next step, leaving behind the outdated Core 2 Duo CPU in favor of the up-to-date Intel Core i5 and i7. The Mid 2011 models look like the 2010 editions, but they are twice as powerful, have Thunderbolt expansion ports, use Intel HD 3000 Graphics, and once again have backlit keyboards.
Rumor has it we'll see a 15" MacBook Air this year, or a nearly as slim 15" MacBook Pro, or possibly both. Time will tell.

Last year there was a big difference in CPU speed between the 11" and 13" models, but not this time around. The 11-incher comes with a 1.6 GHz i5 CPU, and the 13-incher is just a bit faster at 1.7 GHz.
2 GB of RAM is standard only on the $999 1.6 GHz entry-level 11" MBA, which is also the only one with a 64 GB SSD; all the other models ship with 4 GB of system memory and at least 128 GB of storage.
The 11" MBA runs at 1.4 GHz and includes a 64 GB SSD. Upgrade options include a 1.6 GHz CPU, a 128 GB SSD, and 4 GB of RAM. The Late 2010 13" MBA runs at 1.86 GHz and has a 128 GB SSD. Upgrade options include a 2.13 GHz CPU, a 256 MB SSD, and 4 GB of RAM.
If Apple's SSDs don't provide the capacity you need or you want an even faster SSD, Other World Computing (OWC) has a line of SSD upgrades for the 2010 and 2011 MBAs (up to 22% faster, up to 480 GB capacity) as well as for the 2008 and 2009 models (up to 41x faster than the stock hard drive and up to 480 GB capacity).
The original 13.3" MacBook Air weighs 3.0 lb. and is just 3/4" thick at the back end - and 1/6" thin at the front. It has 2 GB of RAM (not expandable), and that's coupled with a 120 GB hard drive or a 128 GB solid state drive (SSD). In addition, the Late 2008 and 2009 versions have Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics (a big improvement over the Intel integrated graphics of the Early 2008 model), a Mini Display Port, and supports resolutions to 2560 x 1600 on an external display.
The current 13.3" MBA is a bit lighter (2.9 lb.) and thinner (0.69"), while the 11.6" version weighs in at a featherweight 2.3 lb. The new 13-incher also has two USB 2.0 ports, something users have been clamoring for since the original MBA was introduced.
Apple made a lot of compromises to make the original MacBook Air as thin and light as possible: It uses a 1.8" iPod hard drive, has no RAM sockets, doesn't include ethernet or FireWire ports, has a only one USB port, and uses integrated graphics. On the plus side, it has the same size screen and keyboard as the MacBook.
An older MBA, with its limited RAM and drive space, is a perfect candidate for the $29 upgrade to Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, which only supports Intel Macs and thus uses less drive space - a big factor on this little computer.
The best deals are marked in bold type in the listings below. Listings note RAM/drive size (and type, for solid state drive).Best Used MacBook Air Prices
- 11" 1.4 GHz from $689
- 11" 1.6 GHz from $779
- 11" 1.6 GHz i5 from $850
- 13" 1.6 GHz from $530
- 13" 1.8 GHz from $729
- 13" 1.86 GHz from $729
- 13" 2.13 GHz from $819
Best Close-Out MacBook Air Prices
- 11" 1.4 GHz 2/128, $829, PowerMax
- 13" 1.86 GHz 2/256, $950, B&H
Best New MacBook Air Prices
- 11" 1.6 GHz i5 2/64, $939, B&H, MacMall (Low End Mac earns more when you buy from MacMall)
- 11" 1.6 GHz i5 4/64, $1,049, J&R
- 11" 1.6 GHz i5 4/128, $1,120, Amazon.com, B&H
- 11" 1.6 GHz i5 4/128, $1,499, PC Connection, PowerMax (Low End Mac earns more when you buy from PC Connection)
- 11" 1.8 GHz i5 4/128, $1,349, B&H, PC Connection, PowerMax (Low End Mac earns more when you buy from PC Connection)
- 11" 1.8 GHz i7 4/256, $1,619, B&H
- 13" 1.7 GHz i5 4/128, $1,210, Amazon.com, B&H, MacMall (Low End Mac earns more when you buy from MacMall)
- 13" 1.7 GHz i5 4/256, $1,498, B&H
- 13" 1.8 GHz i7 4/256, $1,650, B&H MacMall, PC Connection (Low End Mac earns more when you buy from MacMall or PC Connection)
Best Mac OS X Prices
- Best Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Deals
- Best Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard Deals
- OS X 10.7 Lion is available through the Mac App Store for $30
Be sure to factor in shipping costs and possible sales tax. Your best value depends on whether you need/want a printer, case, etc.
Unless otherwise noted, there is no surcharge for credit card purchases, and shipping is not included. Vendors are listed in alphabetical order. Be sure to visit their sites for full details.
Prices may be limited to quantity on hand. Not responsible for typos. Please email any corrections or additional sources with competitive prices toDan Knight .
Buying through some of these links benefits Low End Mac. Buying at these prices benefits you.
Profiles
- Early 2008: Intel graphics, 1.6 GHz/80 GB hard drive, 1.8 GHz/64 GB SSD
- Late 2008: Nvidia 9400M graphics, 1.6 GHz/120 GB hard drive, 1.86 GHz/128 GB SSD
- 2009: Nvidia 9400M graphics, 1.86 GHz/120 SSD, 2.13 GHz/128 GB SSD
- 11.6" 2010: Nvidia 320M graphics, 1.4-1.6 GHz, 64-128 GB SSD
- 13.3" 2010: Nvidia 320M graphics, 1.86-2.13 GHz, 128-256 GB SSD
- 11.6" 2011: Intel HD 3000 graphics, 1.6 GHz i5 or 1.8 GHz i7, 64-256 GB SSD
- 13.3" 2011: Intel HD 3000 graphics, 1.7 GHz i5 or 1.8 GHz i7, 128-256 GB SSD
New MacBook Air
| Amazon.com | B&H | J&R | MacMall | PC Connection | PowerMax 11" / 13" |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 MacBook Air | ||||||
| 11" 1.4 GHz, 2/128 | $829 sh | |||||
| 13" 1.86 GHz, 2/128 | $949 + sh | $949 sh | ||||
| 13" 1.86 GHz, 2/256 | $1,099 sh | $949.95 sh | ||||
| 2011 MacBook Air | ||||||
| 11" 1.6 GHz i5, 2/64 | $939.99 sh | $938.95 sh | $969.88 sh | $938.99 sh | $949.99 sh | $989 sh |
| 11" 1.6 GHz i5, 4/64 | $1,049 sh | $1,049.99 sh | $1,099 sh | |||
| 11" 1.6 GHz i5, 4/128 | $1,119.99 sh | $1,119.95 sh | $1,159.88 sh | $1,139.98 sh | $1,129.99 sh | $1,199 sh |
| 11" 1.6 GHz i5, 4/256 | $1,499 sh | $1,499 sh | ||||
| 11" 1.8 GHz i7, 4/128 | $1,348.95 sh | $1,349 sh | $1,349 sh | |||
| 11" 1.8 GHz i7, 4/256 | $1,619 sh | $1,649 sh | $1,649 sh | $1,649 sh | ||
| 13" 1.7 GHz i5, 4/128 | $1,209.99 sh | $1,209.95 sh | $1,249.88 sh | $1,209.98 sh | $1,219.99 sh | $1,279 sh |
| 13" 1.7 GHz i5, 4/256 | $1,499.99 sh | $1,498 sh | $1,529.99 sh | $1,499.98 sh | $1,498.99 sh | $1,594 sh |
| 13" 1.8 GHz i7, 4/256 | $1,649.95 sh | $1,699 sh | $1,649.99 sh | $1,649.99 sh | $1,699 sh | |
| SuperDrive | $79 sh | $79 sh | $79 | $79 | ||
- Amazon.com collects sales tax on orders shipped to KS, KY, ND, NY, and WA.
- MacMall collects sales tax on orders shipped to CA, IL, MN, TN, and WI.
- PC Connection collects sales tax on orders shipped to AL, IL, NC, NJ, NY, and OH.
Used and Store Refurbished
Used and store refurb units are covered by a store warranty and are not eligible for AppleCare. Also look on eBay for used MBAs.
CowBoom.com
- used 11" 1.4 GHz Nvidia graphics, 2/64 SSD, $749.99 shipped
- used 11" 1.4 GHz Nvidia graphics, 2/128 SSD, $799.99 shipped
- used 11" 1.6 GHz i5, 2/64 SSD, $849.99 shipped
- used 11" 1.6 GHz i5, 4/128 SSD, $949.99 shipped
- used 13" 1.6 GHz Intel graphics, 2/80 HD, $529.99 shipped
- used 13" 1.86 GHz Nvidia graphics, 2/128 SSD, $749.48 shipped
- used 13" 1.86 GHz Nvidia graphics, 2/256 SSD, $899.48 shipped
PowerMax 11" / 13"
Free ground shipping.
- used 11" 1.4 GHz Nvidia graphics, 2/60 HD, $689 shipped
- used 11" 1.4 GHz Nvidia graphics, 2/128 SSD, $709 shipped
- used 11" 1.6 GHz Nvidia graphics, 4/64 SSD, $779 shipped
- used 11" 1.6 GHz Nvidia graphics, 4/128 SSD, $839 shipped
- used 13" 1.6 GHz Intel graphics, 2/80 HD, $679 shipped
- used 13" 1.6 GHz Nvidia graphics, 2/120 HD, $739 shipped
- used 13" 1.8 GHz Intel graphics, 2/80 HD, $729 shipped
- used 13" 1.8 GHz Intel graphics, 2/64 SSD, $839 shipped
- used 13" 1.86 GHz Nvidia graphics, 2/120 HD, $729 shipped
- used 13" 1.86 GHz Nvidia graphics, 2/128 SSD, $839 shipped
- used 13" 2.13 GHz Nvidia graphics, 2/128 SSD, small dents, $819 shipped
- lots of other configurations listed
Mac of All Trades
Ground shipping averages $30. Add $9 for Apple Remote. Mac of All Trades collects sales tax on orders shipped within FL. It has the highestproduct turnover of any used Mac dealer we track.
- used 13" 1.6 GHz Early 2008, 2/80 HD, $599.99
- used 13" 1.7 GHz i5, 4/256 SSD, Apple warranty to 9/4/12, $1,299
Small Dog Electronics 11" /13"
Flat rate $4.99 shipping.
- used 11" 1.4 GHz, 2/128 SSD, $799.99
- used 11" 1.6 GHz i5, 2/64 SSD, $899.99
- used 13" 1.86 GHz, 2/120 HD, $599.99
- used 13" 1.7 GHz i5, 4/128 SSD, $1,049.99
TechRestore
MacBook Air Upgrades
Other World Computing
OWC has a wide range of SSDs for various MacBook Air models, including extra-fast 6G models for the 2011 MBA.
Mercury Auro Pro Express for 2010/11 models
- 120 GB 6G, $259.99
- 180 GB 3G, $259.99
- 240 GB 3G, $394.99
- 240 GB 6G, $499.99
- 480 GB 3G, $949.99
- 480 GB 6G, $1,069.99
Mercury Auro Pro MBA for 2008/09 models
- 40 GB, $129.99
- 60 GB, $159.99
- 120 GB, $2334.99
- 240 GB, $414.99
About LEM Support Usage Privacy Contact
Follow
Low End Mac on Twitter
Join Low End Mac
on Facebook
Low End Mac Reader Specials
Macsales Add 2nd Hard Drive or SSD to Mac mini, MacBook or MacBook Pro. 1TB of Hard Drive or SSD Capacity from $64.99! Video Guides Make it easy - OWC DataDoubler - Macsales.com
Don't install Parallels to play poker online! Macpokeronline.com will show you how to download and play Poker on a Mac natively on your Mac in just minutes.
Favorite Sites
MacSurfer
Cult of Mac
Shrine of Apple
MacInTouch
MyAppleMenu
InfoMac
The Mac Observer
Accelerate Your Mac
RetroMacCast
PB Central
MacWindows
The Vintage Mac Museum
Deal Brothers
DealMac
Mac2Sell
Mac Driver Museum
JAG's House
System 6 Heaven
System 7 Today
the pickle's Low-End Mac FAQ
Affiliates
Amazon.com
The iTunes Store
PC Connection Express
Parallels Desktop for Mac
eBay

