<P> On July 20, 2011, Apple released updates to the 11.6" and 13.3" models of the MacBook Air, which also became Apple's entry - level laptops due to lowered prices and the discontinuation of the white MacBook around the same time . The mid-2011 MacBook Airs were powered by the new Sandy Bridge 1.6 or 1.7 GHz dual - core Intel Core i5, or 1.8 GHz dual - core Intel Core i7 processors, that came with an Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor, and with a backlit keyboard, two USB 2.0 ports, FaceTime camera, a standard of 2 GB of RAM (configurable up to 4 GB), Thunderbolt which shares function with Mini DisplayPort and Bluetooth was upgraded to v4. 0 . Maximum SSD flash memory storage options were increased up to 256 GB . Both 11" and 13" models had an analog audio output / headphone minijack (that also supports an iPhone / iPod touch headset with microphone), but only the 13" model had an integrated SDXC - capable SD Card slot . These models use a less expensive "Eagle Ridge" Thunderbolt controller that provides two Thunderbolt channels (2 × 10 Gbit / s bidirectional), compared to the MacBook Pro which uses a "Light Ridge" controller that provides four Thunderbolt channels (4 × 10 Gbit / s bidirectional). A USB ethernet adapter was immediately available upon release and a Thunderbolt - to - Firewire 800 adapter became available in mid-year 2012 . </P> <P> On June 11, 2012, Apple released an updated model in the same form factor as the prior model . The new model is powered by the new Ivy Bridge dual - core Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, doubles the RAM and SSD speeds, has the new USB 3 ports (with USB 2 capability) in place of the USB 2 ports and the new MagSafe 2 charging port . The camera was upgraded to 720p FaceTime HD . </P> <P> On June 10, 2013, Apple released another update in the same form factor as the 2012 model during the company's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). The 11" and 13" models have a minimum standard 4 GB RAM, with a maximum configuration of 8 GB . Both models are powered by the Haswell ULT 1.3 GHz dual - core Intel Core i5 processors, with Turbo Boost up to 2.6 GHz, while a 1.7 GHz Dual - Core i7, with Turbo Boost up to 3.3 GHz, option is also available . Each model's storage standard is 128 GB SSD, upgradeable to 256 GB and 512 GB SSD . Due to Haswell CPUs, battery life has considerably improved from the previous generation, and the mid-2013 models are capable of 9 hours on the 11" model and 12 hours on the 13" model; a team of reviewers exceeded expected battery life ratings during their test . </P> <P> While Apple's MacBook lines have been affected towards consumer trend to smartphones, they still managed to ship 2.8 M Macs in Q2 2012, notably Air, compared to 500K total Ultrabooks, despite there being dozens of Ultrabooks from various manufacturers on the market while Apple only offered 11" and 13" models of it . While several Ultrabooks were able to claim individual distinctions such as being the lightest or thinnest, the Air was regarded by reviewers as the best all - around Ultrabook in regard to "OS X experience, full keyboard, superior trackpad, Thunderbolt connector and the higher - quality, all - aluminum unibody construction". The Air was among the first to receive Intel's latest CPUs before other PC manufacturers, and Apple OS X has gained market share on Windows in recent years . Through July 1, 2013, the MacBook Air took in 56% of all Ultrabook sales in the United States, despite being one of the higher - priced competitors . </P>

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