Apple announced a new 13-inch and 11-inch MacBook earlier in the week. We have already seen the 13-inch 2013 MacBook Air being taken apart, and now it is the turn of the new 11-inch version.
We’ve already taken apart this year’s MacBook Air 13″ and we know last year’s 11″ Air inside and out, so we didn’t expect many surprises when we popped the hood on this edition. But the new 11″ did have a few oddities tucked away in its aluminum sleeves. For starters, the AirPort card received an upgrade from the 2012 model, with the addition of 802.11ac Wi-Fi as found in the AirPort Extreme. The new 11″ Air also features an SSD that resembles the one used in the 13″, save one key difference: the chips on the 11″ Air are from Marvell, Sandisk, and Samsung, rather than Samsung alone.
Detailed Teardown Insights
The teardown of the 11-inch MacBook Air revealed several interesting aspects about its internal components. The inclusion of the 802.11ac Wi-Fi card is a significant upgrade, providing faster and more reliable internet connectivity. This is particularly beneficial for users who rely on high-speed internet for tasks such as streaming, video conferencing, and large file downloads.
Another notable discovery was the SSD configuration. Unlike the 13-inch model, which uses Samsung chips exclusively, the 11-inch model incorporates a mix of Marvell, Sandisk, and Samsung chips. This diversification in component sourcing could be a strategic move by Apple to mitigate supply chain risks or to optimize performance and cost.
Repairability and User Experience
It looks like the 11-inch model scored the same as the 13-inch model, a score of 4 out of 10 on iFixit’s repair scale. This means that the device is not easy to repair. The low repairability score is primarily due to the use of proprietary screws, a glued battery, and soldered RAM, which make it challenging for users to perform DIY repairs or upgrades.
Despite the low repairability score, the MacBook Air remains a popular choice among consumers due to its sleek design, lightweight build, and robust performance. The 11-inch model, in particular, is favored by users who prioritize portability without compromising on power.
You can see lots more photos and find out more details on what was discovered inside the new 2013 MacBook Air over at iFixit.
The new 11-inch MacBook Air offers several enhancements over its predecessor, including improved Wi-Fi capabilities and a diversified SSD configuration. However, its low repairability score may be a drawback for some users. For those interested in a deeper dive into the internal components and repair challenges, the detailed teardown by iFixit provides valuable insights.
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