Apple MacBook Air (13.3-inch, 2017)

Thin and light. Long-lasting battery. Multiple USB ports.

Low-resolution display. Older Intel Core i5 CPU.

The MacBook Air arguably started the ultrabook party, and it's still there even as a younger, thinner, and better-equipped crowd has arrived. But it has yet to overstay its welcome. For macOS fans—especially note-taking, paper-writing college...

Long battery life; Comfortable keyboard; Solid performance; Convenient MagSafe power port ; Lackluster display; Heavier than competitors ; The MacBook Air may not be a flagship notebook, but this 13-inch ultraportable is still a pretty good value.

Lackluster display; Heavier than competitors ; The MacBook Air may not be a flagship notebook, but this 13-inch ultraportable is still a pretty good value.

The MacBook Air may not be a flagship notebook, but this 13-inch ultraportable is still a pretty good value.

Excellent battery life ; Nippy storage ; Keyboard

Dated design ; Display ; Speakers

Apple's 13-inch MacBook Air now comes with much faster storage, better battery life and slightly improved performance in other areas. On the other hand, its display and design are beyond dated.

The MacBook Air remains the least expensive MacBook, and has finally received a minor spec upgrade. Battery life is excellent, and performance for everyday tasks remains smooth. It's the only MacBook left with standard USB ports or a MagSafe connection.

The design feels dated, with a thick bezel around a low-resolution screen. Windows laptops in the same price range offer newer components, higher-res screens and lighter, slimmer bodies.

The MacBook Air lives to fight another day, thanks to its mainstream price and long battery life, but this classic laptop is definitely in its twilight.

Really solid build quality ; New keyboard switches feel great ; The screen’s lovely for general use ; Decent battery life

FaceTime camera is 480p ; Keyboard is REALLY LOUD ; Would be nice if it was 200 quid cheaper ; USB-C rather than Thunderbolt 3

Little’s outwardly changed, but tweaks and spec bumps ensure Apple’s ultra-thin laptop’s still one of the best around

Thin and light construction; incredible battery life

Screen is underwhelming

Performance and storage upgrades keep the already superb MacBook Air ticking over, but the iffy quality screen is starting to hold it back

The 13-inch MacBook Air is Apple’s entry-level laptop, starting at £949 (US$999). It might lack the super-sharp Retina screen of the Macbook and MacBook Pro models but its display and performance is fine for most everyday uses. It boasts enough USB...