Released on October 20th, 2010, the 11″ MacBook Air (Late 2010) – MC906LL/A made a significant impact on the ultraportable laptop market. Featuring the 1.6 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, a 128GB SSD, and 4GB of RAM, this 11-inch model offered a lightweight and powerful solution for users seeking a balance of performance and portability. With its compact size, sleek design, and premium features, it quickly became the go-to choice for those who needed a lightweight laptop that didn’t compromise on performance.
At an initial MSRP of $1299, the MacBook Air MC906LL/A offered a mix of solid performance and portable elegance. Here’s an in-depth look at the key features that made this MacBook Air model an ideal choice for users on the go.
Key Features of the 11″ MacBook Air (Late 2010) – MC906LL/A
1.6 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor: Efficient Performance
The 1.6 GHz Core 2 Duo processor was a reliable chip for the time. It allowed for smooth operation for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and word processing, as well as some multitasking. While the Core 2 Duo chip wasn’t as powerful as the newer Intel processors available today, it provided a solid foundation for a lightweight laptop. Users could easily run typical applications without lag, making this MacBook Air perfect for professionals and students alike.
128GB SSD: Speed and Reliability
The 128GB SSD (Solid State Drive) set the 11″ MacBook Air (MC906LL/A) apart from many other laptops of its time. It provided faster data access compared to traditional hard drives, ensuring quicker boot times, app launches, and file transfers. With SSD storage, the MacBook Air offered a more responsive and stable experience. Although 128GB might not seem like a lot by today’s standards, it was more than enough for everyday tasks, especially with the use of cloud storage options for extra space.
4GB RAM: Boosting Multitasking Ability
One of the standout upgrades for this model was the 4GB of integrated RAM. This extra memory allowed for better multitasking compared to the standard 2GB found in many laptops from that era. Whether it was running a browser with multiple tabs open or using apps like Microsoft Word, Photoshop, or iTunes, the increased RAM helped ensure smoother performance and reduced lag. The 4GB RAM made this MacBook Air much more capable for users who required a bit more from their system, making it suitable for light photo editing or handling large documents.
GeForce 320M Graphics: Solid Visuals for Everyday Use
Equipped with the GeForce 320M integrated graphics and 256MB of VRAM, the 11″ MacBook Air (MC906LL/A) handled everyday graphics tasks without issue. Although it wasn’t designed for heavy gaming or professional video editing, the GeForce 320M was more than sufficient for streaming HD videos, web browsing, and photo editing at a casual level. For users who were primarily using the laptop for business tasks, media consumption, or light creative work, the graphics performance was perfectly adequate.
11-inch Display: Compact and High-Quality
The 11-inch LED-backlit display provided clear visuals and bright colors, perfect for users who valued portability. With a resolution of 1366 x 768, the display offered sharp text and images while still maintaining the small, lightweight profile that made this device so attractive. The 11-inch size was perfect for users who needed a small laptop for travel, commuting, or working in small spaces. Whether used for emailing, document editing, or light media consumption, the display was more than adequate.
Portability: Ultra-Slim and Lightweight
One of the biggest selling points of the 11″ MacBook Air (MC906LL/A) was its compact design. With measurements of just 0.11-0.68 inches thick and weighing only 2.3 lbs, the MacBook Air was exceptionally easy to carry around, making it a favorite among frequent travelers, students, and professionals on the go. Whether slipped into a backpack or a small carrying case, the 11″ MacBook Air could go anywhere without weighing you down.
Battery Life: Ready for Long Days
The 11″ MacBook Air (MC906LL/A) offered 5-7 hours of battery life on a full charge, depending on the intensity of use. This made it perfect for a day of classes, business meetings, or work on the go without worrying about finding a power outlet. Its long battery life was a big factor in why it became so popular among professionals and students alike.
Connectivity and Ports
While the 11″ MacBook Air was compact, it didn’t skimp on essential ports:
- 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi for fast, reliable internet connectivity.
- Bluetooth 2.1+EDR for pairing wireless accessories.
- USB 2.0 ports for connecting a variety of peripherals like flash drives and external drives.
- Mini DisplayPort for connecting to an external display or projector.
- 45W MagSafe 1 power adapter for efficient charging.
As is common with MacBook Air models, the optical drive was omitted in favor of a slimmer form factor, which was generally acceptable given the shift toward digital content and cloud services.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and ultra-portable design perfect for travelers and students.
- 4GB of RAM for better multitasking and performance compared to earlier models.
- 128GB SSD ensures fast system performance and responsiveness.
- GeForce 320M graphics are ideal for everyday use and light multimedia tasks.
- Long battery life (5-7 hours) for all-day productivity on the go.
- Bright 11-inch display with sharp resolution.
Cons:
- Core 2 Duo processor is dated by modern standards and not suitable for heavy multitasking or intensive workloads.
- GeForce 320M graphics are not capable of handling demanding tasks like high-end gaming or professional video editing.
- 128GB SSD may feel restrictive for users with large storage needs.
- No optical drive, which can be inconvenient for those who need to access physical media.
Ideal Use Cases
The 11″ MacBook Air (Late 2010) – MC906LL/A is perfect for those who need a portable, reliable laptop for basic tasks. Its ideal use cases include:
- Students looking for a lightweight, portable laptop for note-taking, document editing, and web research.
- Frequent travelers who need a compact device for media consumption, email, and light productivity.
- Professionals who need a reliable laptop for work on the go, including light office tasks, presentations, and email management.
Conclusion: A Compact Solution for Everyday Use
The 11″ MacBook Air (Late 2010) – MC906LL/A remains a great option for those who prioritize portability and reliable performance for everyday tasks. With its 1.6 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 128GB SSD, and 4GB of RAM, it delivered a smooth experience for users who needed a compact, efficient laptop. While its hardware is outdated by today’s standards, the MacBook Air MC906LL/A still holds up well as a basic laptop for light computing needs, and its lightweight design makes it a great choice for users always on the move.
***
For All Original Parts with Limited Warranty and Tech Support Please Visit Our Website At
http://www.TronicsCenter.com
MacBook Air MC906LL/A Specs
- Order Number
- MC906LL/A
- Identifier
- MacBookAir3,1
- Model Number
- A1370
- EMC
- 2393
- Processor Speed
- 1.6GHz
- Processors (Cores)
- 1 (2 Cores)
- Processor Type
- Core 2 Duo
- Hard Drive
- 128GB SSD
- Hard Drive Type
- PCI-E-003
- RAM
- 4GB
- RAM Type
- Integrated
- Video Card 1
- GeForce 320M
- VRAM
- 256MB
- Built-in Display
- 11″
- Color
- Silver
- Input
- Multi-Touch Trackpad
- Optical Drive
- N/A
- AirPort
- 802.11a/b/g
- Bluetooth
- 2.1+EDR
- Power Brick
- 45w MagSafe 1
- Dimensions
- .11-.68 x 11.8 x 7.56 inches
- Avg. Weight
- 2.3 lbs
- Release Date
- October 20th 2010
- MSRP
- 1299
