Released on October 14th, 2008, the 13″ MacBook Air (Late 2008) – MB940LL/A took the ultraportable laptop market by storm. Apple’s vision of a super-thin laptop that could still deliver strong performance became a reality with this model. It combined premium design, lightweight portability, and cutting-edge features, making it one of the most innovative laptops of its time.
While it’s certainly not a machine for heavy-duty work, the MacBook Air MB940LL/A was designed to cater to users who valued portability and efficiency for everyday tasks. Featuring a 1.86 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, GeForce 9400M graphics, and a 128GB SSD, it delivered solid performance and fast speeds in a thin, sleek package.
Key Features of the 13″ MacBook Air (Late 2008) – MB940LL/A
1.86 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor: A Step Up in Performance
The 1.86 GHz Core 2 Duo processor in the MacBook Air MB940LL/A provided a noticeable performance boost compared to earlier iterations. With two cores, it offered solid multitasking performance, allowing users to run common applications like word processors, web browsers, and email clients smoothly. Though not a powerhouse for intensive tasks such as video editing or 3D rendering, the processor was more than sufficient for basic productivity tasks, making it a reliable choice for business users, students, and casual professionals.
GeForce 9400M Graphics: Adequate for Everyday Visuals
For graphics, the MacBook Air MB940LL/A relied on the GeForce 9400M integrated GPU, with 256MB of VRAM. This setup allowed for decent visual performance for basic video playback, photo viewing, and web browsing. While not suitable for high-end gaming or demanding creative applications, it was perfectly adequate for everyday tasks that didn’t require a discrete GPU. The GeForce 9400M was also energy-efficient, contributing to longer battery life.
128GB SSD: Speed and Efficiency
One of the standout features of the MacBook Air MB940LL/A was its 128GB SSD. Unlike traditional hard drives, which are slower and more prone to mechanical failure, solid-state drives (SSDs) offer faster boot times, quicker application loading, and better durability due to the lack of moving parts. The 128GB SSD was a substantial improvement over previous hard drive options, ensuring a snappy, responsive experience. Though the storage capacity might feel limited by today’s standards, it was more than adequate for the typical user at the time who mainly used their laptop for work, web browsing, and media consumption.
2GB of RAM: Adequate for Most Users
With 2GB of integrated RAM, the MacBook Air MB940LL/A was able to handle moderate multitasking. While 2GB might not be enough for heavy multitaskers or those who run more resource-intensive software, it worked well for basic tasks such as email, browsing, and office productivity. Those who used the MacBook Air for light work would find the RAM to be perfectly sufficient. However, more demanding users would likely feel the need for an upgrade, particularly if they wanted to run multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns.
13-inch LED Display: Crisp and Compact
The 13-inch LED-backlit display on the MacBook Air MB940LL/A was a beautiful screen for the time. It offered good clarity and brightness, making it ideal for working on documents, viewing photos, or watching videos. The LED-backlit technology provided more energy efficiency than traditional displays, contributing to the overall longer battery life. While the resolution of 1280×800 was typical for laptops in this category, it was clear and sharp enough for general use, offering a good balance of screen size and portability.
128GB SSD: Speed and Efficiency
The 128GB SSD not only provided faster read/write speeds, but it also contributed to the lightweight design of the MacBook Air. Unlike the bulkier hard drives in traditional laptops, the SSD ensured that the MacBook Air MB940LL/A was incredibly thin and durable, providing a more streamlined experience.
Battery Life: Longer, More Efficient Usage
With its energy-efficient Core 2 Duo processor and SSD, the MacBook Air MB940LL/A offered an impressive 5-6 hours of battery life. For everyday users who needed a laptop that could easily last through a day of work, school, or light media consumption, the MacBook Air proved to be an excellent choice. Though battery life could vary based on usage, the lightweight design and efficiency made it ideal for those who needed a reliable, on-the-go machine.
Design: Ultra-Slim and Elegant
At just 0.16 inches at its thinnest point and weighing only 3.0 lbs, the MacBook Air MB940LL/A remains one of the thinnest laptops in the world. Its aluminum unibody design was not only stunning but also robust and durable. The MacBook Air was clearly designed with portability in mind, offering a device that could easily slip into a bag or briefcase without weighing you down. Despite its small size, it still maintained a premium feel, with its smooth, sleek finish and high-quality materials.
Connectivity and Ports: The Essentials
The MacBook Air MB940LL/A offered 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and a 45W MagSafe 1 power adapter. However, it did not include a traditional Ethernet port, USB 3.0, or an optical drive. While this could have been a downside for some users, the MacBook Air was built to cater to users who embraced a wireless lifestyle. External adapters could be used to add USB ports, Ethernet, and optical drives as needed.
No Optical Drive: The Shift to Digital
As with other MacBook Air models, the MB940LL/A lacked an optical drive, a decision Apple made to keep the device as thin as possible. With the increasing use of digital downloads, cloud storage, and streaming services, this decision was less of an inconvenience and more of a reflection of changing trends in computing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-thin and lightweight, ideal for portability.
- 128GB SSD for faster performance and increased durability.
- 1.86 GHz Core 2 Duo processor offers solid performance for everyday tasks.
- GeForce 9400M integrated graphics for decent video and photo processing.
- 5-6 hours of battery life, perfect for all-day use.
- Sleek aluminum unibody design.
Cons:
- Limited storage with only 128GB SSD, which may not be enough for large media libraries.
- 2GB of RAM may limit multitasking and heavier workloads.
- Lack of ports (only 1 USB) requires external adapters for additional connectivity.
- No optical drive, limiting the ability to use physical media directly.
Conclusion: A Groundbreaking Ultraportable
The 13″ MacBook Air (Late 2008) – MB940LL/A was a groundbreaking device that demonstrated how far ultraportable laptops had come. With its thin design, fast SSD storage, and efficient processor, the MacBook Air MB940LL/A quickly became a popular choice for business professionals, students, and anyone looking for a lightweight laptop that could handle everyday tasks with ease.
While it wasn’t meant for high-end gaming or resource-heavy applications, the MacBook Air MB940LL/A offered excellent performance for light productivity and media consumption. It remains a highly regarded milestone in Apple’s laptop history, setting the stage for future innovations in the ultraportable space.
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MacBook Air MB940LL/A Specs
- Order Number
- MB940LL/A
- Identifier
- MacBookAir2,1
- Model Number
- A1304
- EMC
- 2253
- Processor Speed
- 1.86GHz
- Processors (Cores)
- 1 (2 Cores)
- Processor Type
- Core 2 Duo
- Hard Drive
- 128GB SSD
- Hard Drive Type
- 1.8″ LIF
- RAM
- 2GB
- RAM Type
- Integrated
- Video Card 1
- GeForce 9400M
- VRAM
- 256MB
- Built-in Display
- 13″
- 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
- .16-.76 x 12.8 x 8.94 inches
- Avg. Weight
- 3.0 lbs
- Release Date
- October 14th 2008
- MSRP
- 2499
