Apple
The 2017 13‑inch MacBook Air is a minor refresh with a faster dual‑core i5 CPU and 8 GB of RAM, retaining the classic thin aluminum design and long battery life but lacking a Retina display and modern ports.
Pros
Cons
Current
$219.00
Average
$208.13
Lowest
$175.74
Highest
$290.00
Lower = better sales rank
Apple
Apple
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From Expert Reviews
Praised by Experts
Criticized by Experts
From User Reviews
Users Love
Users Complain About
Best For
Students, casual users, travelers, and budget‑conscious Apple fans who need a lightweight laptop for note‑taking, web browsing, streaming, and basic productivity.
Not Ideal For
Video/photo editors, developers running VMs or heavy IDEs, gamers, and anyone requiring modern connectivity (USB‑C/Thunderbolt 3) or high‑performance graphics.
Expert Opinion
Professional reviewers acknowledge the 2017 Air as a solid, low‑cost entry into the Apple ecosystem, praising its upgraded 8 GB RAM and all‑day battery life, while consistently pointing out the dated non‑Retina display and legacy port selection as significant drawbacks compared to newer models.
What Users Say
Everyday users appreciate the Air's portability, battery endurance, and still‑responsive keyboard and trackpad, but many express frustration over the low‑resolution screen, lack of USB‑C, and the inability to upgrade storage or memory, noting that the device feels underpowered for modern multitasking.
Common Complaints
Blurry non‑Retina screen, missing USB‑C ports, non‑upgradable RAM/SSD, slower SSD performance, and fan activation under light loads.
What People Are Saying
“Still runs macOS smoothly for basic tasks even in 2026.”
“The screen looks blurry compared to my iPhone or iPad.”
“Battery lasts all day — I use it for classes and writing.”
How It Compares
vs. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Choose the M1 Air for performance, display quality, and battery life; choose the 2017 Air for lower cost and legacy port compatibility.
