#2017 macbook air i7 review pro
#2017 macbook air i7 review windows 7
#2017 macbook air i7 review free

On our standard rundown test, where we'll loop a video until the machine calls it quits, the new Air clocked in at just over five and a half hours. Notes: For 3DMark06, the first number reflects score with the discrete GPU off (if possible), the second with it on.ĭespite that, we had no issues with battery life.

#2017 macbook air i7 review pro

MacBook Pro (early 2011) (2.2GHz Core i7-2720QM, Radeon HD 6750M, under Windows 7) MacBook Air (mid 2011) (1.7GHz Core i5-2557M, Intel HD Graphics 3000, Under Windows 7) So, it's still no gaming rig, but it is the sort of machine you wouldn't think twice about trying to do some serious business on. PCMark Vantage clocked in at 9,484, actually higher than the 15-inch Pro's 8,041 when we tested it, though the Air's 3DMark 06 score was considerably lower thanks to the limited graphics prowess here, just 4,223.

#2017 macbook air i7 review windows 7

We also threw Windows 7 on there, Boot Camp making it easy, and ran through a further suite of benchmarks to see how it fares there. MacBook Air (late 2010) (1.83GHz Core 2 Duo, GeForce 320M) MacBook Pro (early 2011) (2.2GHz Core i7-2720QM, Radeon HD 6750M / Intel Graphics 3000) Honestly, that wasn't much of a concern before thanks to the lack of power, but now. We still found its resolution to be more than adequate for most tasks but just a bit limiting for anyone working on photos or doing anything where pixels really count. Contrast is helped by the glossy sheen here - and no, you still can't option out a matte unit. We spent our time testing the 13-incher and, as before, it continues to impress when it comes to contrast, brightness, and viewing angles, which are plenty wide enough to enable two-person, coach-class viewing of that latest episode of Top Gear. When it comes to displays nothing has changed: the 13-inch model features a 1440 x 900 glossy, LED-backlit panel while the 11 still does 1366 x 768. Intel HD 3000 graphics power the lot and stock processors include 1.6GHz and 1.7GHz Core i5's, though a 1.8GHz Core i7 is available for $100 more.

SSDs are standard across the board, starting at 64GB for the 11 and going up to 256GB for the top-shelf 13-inch. On the memory front, 4GB of DDR3 memory is found on all but the base 11-inch model, which gets by with half that. The backlit keyboard is nice, and the addition of Thunderbolt could be a boon in 12 months or so, but its the new selection of processors that really turn the Air into a serious machine, as you'll see when we talk benchmarks in a bit.

Step inside the case and you'll find the most important changes here: new Intel Core i5 and i7 ULV processors.

#2017 macbook air i7 review free

Like before, the omission of these ports leaves the Air free to pinch down to a delicious taper beneath the keyboard, thin enough to make for a decent cleaver when no proper blade can be found - or when you just can't be bothered to find one. All other ports have been deemed unnecessary by Apple's designers and therefore relegated to myriad USB adapters for things like Ethernet - though if you start relying on those you'll likely need to start packing a USB hub as well. On the left you'll find a 3.5mm headphone jack, the MagSafe power connector and. The 11-inch model is likewise emblazoned, but sadly has still not been granted an SD reader, something restricted to the bigger 13.

This 10Gb/sec interconnect has become standard fare on all new machines coming out of Cupertino, a fact that should help to accelerate the so-far tardy uptake in support from accessory manufacturers. On the 13-inch model you'll still have to make do with but one USB port on the left and one on the right, but now that latter one is flanked by a Thunderbolt connector, Apple's implementation of Intel's Light Peak standard. The outside of this 2011 refresh of the MacBook Air is virtually indistinguishable from that which came before it.