Apple MacBook Air 13" (2017) Review: The Timeless Ultrabook

Introduction

The Apple MacBook Air 13" (2017), also known by its model number A1466, is one of the most iconic laptops Apple has ever produced. First introduced as part of Apple’s long-running Air lineup, this 2017 edition represents the last refresh before Apple completely redesigned the MacBook Air in 2018 and later shifted to its own Apple Silicon chips in 2020.

With its slim wedge-shaped design, all-day battery life, and lightweight portability, the 2017 Air cemented its reputation as the go-to laptop for students, writers, and business travelers who needed a reliable daily driver. It remains a highly popular option in the refurbished market thanks to its combination of affordability, durability, and dependable macOS performance.

In this review, we’ll explore the MacBook Air 13" (2017) in detail. We’ll look at its specifications, design, performance, display, keyboard, and overall usability. We’ll also compare it against other MacBook models like the MacBook Air M1, Air M2, and the 2018 Pro models. Finally, we’ll explain why buying refurbished from Refurbo makes this laptop a smart investment in 2025.

Specifications Overview

Design and Build Quality

The MacBook Air 13" (2017) carried forward the wedge-shaped aluminum unibody design that had become synonymous with the Air. Crafted from a single block of aluminum, the laptop feels sturdy, premium, and sleek. At just 1.7 cm at its thickest point and tapering down at the edges, it is extremely portable and easy to slip into a bag.

Despite being nearly a decade old, the design still feels modern compared to many Windows ultrabooks of its era. The silver finish is timeless, and the Apple logo on the lid lights up when in use—a nostalgic design choice that Apple later phased out in newer models.

For durability, the Air’s aluminum body has held up exceptionally well. Even after years of use, refurbished units tend to look almost new, thanks to the resilience of the chassis and the quality of Apple’s construction.

Display

The MacBook Air 2017 features a 13.3-inch LED-backlit display with a resolution of 1440×900 pixels at a 16:10 aspect ratio. While modern MacBooks now ship with Retina displays that offer sharper resolution and richer colors, this display was designed for everyday productivity.

Text appears crisp enough for reading documents and writing, though images and videos do not look as sharp as on newer Retina models. Brightness levels are decent for indoor use, but outdoor visibility under direct sunlight is limited.

Color reproduction leans towards a cooler tone and lacks the vibrancy of newer MacBooks, but for general tasks like web browsing, working on spreadsheets, or streaming videos, the display is perfectly functional.

Performance

Under the hood, the MacBook Air 2017 is powered by a 5th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, paired with 8 GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 256 GB SSD storage. By 2025 standards, this configuration is not cutting-edge, but it remains more than capable for daily productivity tasks.

The dual-core i5 is efficient for handling word processing, browsing, email, and streaming. Paired with the SSD, the Air boots quickly and loads applications without major delays. The Intel HD Graphics 6000 can handle light photo editing and even casual games but struggles with graphically demanding workloads.

For professionals working with heavy software such as video editing or 3D rendering, newer Apple Silicon models like the MacBook Air M1 or M2 are significantly faster. But for students, office workers, and casual users, the Air 2017 remains surprisingly competent.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The 2017 Air is equipped with Apple’s older scissor-switch keyboard, which many users still prefer over the controversial butterfly keyboards found in later MacBooks. The keys have good travel, tactile feedback, and spacing, making typing comfortable and accurate for long sessions.

The large glass trackpad supports multi-touch gestures such as pinch-to-zoom, swipes, and Mission Control. Even without Apple’s Force Touch technology, it remains one of the most responsive and accurate trackpads available on laptops of this generation.

Connectivity

One of the standout features of the 2017 Air is its variety of ports—something that newer MacBooks sacrificed in favor of minimalism. The Air includes two USB-A ports, a Thunderbolt 2 port, an SDXC card slot, an audio jack, and the beloved MagSafe 2 charging port.

This wide range of ports makes it extremely practical for professionals who frequently connect external devices without needing adapters. For photographers and students who still rely on SD cards and USB drives, this Air is far more convenient than newer USB-C-only MacBooks.

Battery Life and Thermals

Battery life was one of the Air’s strongest selling points. Apple advertised up to 12 hours of wireless web browsing, and real-world tests usually delivered around 10–12 hours depending on workload. Even in 2025, a well-maintained refurbished unit can still provide 7–9 hours of use, which is impressive for a laptop of its age.

The Air runs cool and quiet, thanks to its power-efficient Intel chip. The fans only kick in during heavy multitasking or extended video playback, and even then, the noise is minimal.

Security Features

The MacBook Air 2017 does not come with advanced biometric security like Touch ID or Face ID, which were introduced in later models. However, macOS provides strong software-based security, including FileVault encryption, Gatekeeper protection, and regular security updates.

For users who prioritize hardware security, newer MacBooks offer stronger features, but the Air still covers the basics well.

Comparison with Other MacBooks

To put the 2017 Air in perspective, it’s important to compare it against other MacBooks that professionals might consider:

• MacBook Air M1: Far more powerful with Apple Silicon, Retina display, and better battery life. Heavier workloads run flawlessly.
• MacBook Air M2: Slimmer design, higher resolution screen, improved speakers, and even faster performance.
• MacBook Pro 13" (2018): Offers Touch Bar, Retina display, and higher performance, but lacks the port variety and is heavier.
• MacBook Air 2015: Similar in design to the 2017 model but with slightly weaker performance and older components.

Detailed MacBook Comparison Table

Why Buying Refurbished from Refurbo Makes Sense

Choosing a refurbished MacBook Air 2017 from Refurbo is a smart and cost-effective decision. Refurbo puts every device through a rigorous quality inspection, hardware testing, and software optimization process to ensure it works as good as new.

The price advantage is significant—refurbished models often cost a fraction of what a new MacBook would. Yet, you still get the same macOS ecosystem, smooth performance, and premium Apple design.

In addition, buying refurbished contributes to sustainability by reducing e-waste and extending the lifecycle of premium laptops. With warranty coverage and after-sales support, Refurbo ensures peace of mind while helping you save money and stay eco-conscious.

Conclusion

The Apple MacBook Air 13" (2017, A1466) remains a beloved classic in Apple’s lineup. With its lightweight design, all-day battery life, reliable performance, and wide port selection, it continues to serve students, professionals, and casual users well in 2025.

While it cannot compete head-to-head with modern Apple Silicon-powered MacBooks, its affordability in the refurbished market makes it an excellent choice for those who need a dependable everyday laptop without breaking the bank.

If you value practicality, simplicity, and a laptop that just works, the 2017 Air still delivers. For buyers looking to enter the Apple ecosystem at a budget-friendly price point, this model is a strong contender—especially when purchased refurbished from Refurbo.

FAQs

Q: Is the MacBook Air 13" (2017) still a good laptop in 2025?
A: Yes, while it is not the most powerful MacBook by today’s standards, it remains a reliable choice for students, writers, and professionals who need a lightweight machine for everyday productivity, browsing, and media consumption.

Q: How is the display quality on the MacBook Air 13" (2017)?
A: The laptop features a 13.3-inch screen with a resolution of 1440×900. While it does not match modern Retina displays, it delivers sharp text and decent colors for productivity tasks and casual use.

Q: Can the MacBook Air 13" (2017) handle multitasking?
A: With 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM and an Intel Core i5 processor, the MacBook Air 2017 can comfortably handle multitasking across web browsing, documents, and light media editing. However, it may struggle with heavy workloads like advanced video editing or large-scale data processing.

Q: What is the battery life like on the MacBook Air 2017?
A: The MacBook Air 2017 offers excellent battery life, often lasting 10–12 hours under normal use, making it one of the most travel-friendly laptops even by today’s standards.

Q: Does the MacBook Air 2017 support modern connectivity?
A: It comes with 2× USB-A ports, a MagSafe 2 charging port, Thunderbolt 2, an SDXC card slot, and an audio jack. While it lacks USB-C, adapters can easily bridge compatibility for modern accessories.

Q: Is the MacBook Air 2017 good for students?
A: Yes, thanks to its lightweight build, long battery life, and smooth macOS experience, it remains a great option for students who prioritize portability and reliability for note-taking, research, and assignments.

Q: How does the MacBook Air 2017 compare to newer MacBook models?
A: Newer MacBooks with Apple Silicon (like the M1 and M2 Air) are significantly faster, more efficient, and have sharper displays. However, the MacBook Air 2017 still provides excellent value when bought refurbished, especially for users with lighter computing needs.