Apple 2017 MacBook Air 13” Review: Reliable Renewed Laptop

As a reviewer with many years of experience testing traditional laptop computers, I understand how important it is to find the right device for your needs. I have carefully researched and personally tested the Apple 2017 MacBook Air with a 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage to give you a clear and honest opinion. This renewed model offers a 13.3-inch screen, long battery life, and reliable performance. In this review, I will share detailed insights to help you make a smart and confident buying decision.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

  • ✅ Lightweight and portable design
  • ✅ Solid 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking
  • ✅ Long battery life up to 12 hours
  • ✅ Affordable price for MacBook Air

What Could Be Better

  • ❌ Lower screen resolution (1440×900)
  • ❌ Limited 128GB storage capacity
  • ❌ Older Intel HD Graphics 6000

Who Should Buy This

This Apple 2017 MacBook Air is perfect for students, writers, and everyday users. It is great for people who need a light and easy-to-carry laptop. The 1.8GHz Core i5 CPU and 8GB RAM make it good for browsing, writing, and watching videos. The 13-inch screen is clear and comfortable for work or school tasks. It is also a good choice if you want a reliable Apple laptop at a low price.

If you need a laptop for heavy gaming, video editing, or running very large programs, this MacBook Air might not be the best choice. The 128GB storage is small, so it can fill up fast if you keep many files or apps. Also, if you want the latest features and fastest performance, a newer model would be better. Avoid this laptop if you need very high power or lots of storage space.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

  • Brand: Apple
  • Model: 2017 MacBook Air
  • Size: 13″ x 9″ x 0.68″
  • Weight: 2.96 Pounds
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Color Options: Silver
  • Special Features: 1.8GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD Storage, Retina Display, Backlit Keyboard, Force Touch Trackpad
  • Warranty: Renewed product warranty (varies by seller)

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first unboxed the renewed 2017 MacBook Air, I was pleasantly surprised by how clean and well-maintained it looked. The silver finish still had that classic Apple shine, and the laptop felt light and sturdy in my hands. Setting it up was straightforward, and I quickly noticed how crisp the 13.3-inch screen looked, even with its 1440×900 resolution. The size was perfect for me—easy to carry around but still big enough to work comfortably.

Daily Use

Using the MacBook Air daily was a smooth experience. The 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 handled my usual tasks like browsing, writing emails, and watching videos with ease. I also tried multitasking with several apps open, and the 8GB RAM helped keep everything running without much lag. The keyboard was comfortable to type on, and the trackpad was responsive, making navigation simple. Battery life was impressive too—I easily got through most of my workday without needing to plug it in.

Key Features in Action

The standout feature for me was the battery life. Apple promises up to 12 hours, and in real life, it came close to that, which was great for working on the go. The flash storage made the system feel fast when opening apps and saving files. While the Intel HD Graphics 6000 isn’t meant for heavy gaming, it handled video streaming and casual photo editing without any issues. The Turbo Boost feature also kicked in nicely when I needed a little extra speed.

Long-Term Performance

After using the MacBook Air for a few weeks, it remained reliable and steady. I didn’t notice any slowdowns or crashes, which was reassuring for a renewed device. The build held up well, and the fan stayed quiet even during heavier tasks. Overall, it felt like a solid, dependable laptop that could handle everyday use without problems. I’d say it’s a great option if you want a lightweight Mac with decent power and excellent battery life.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureApple 2017 MacBook Air with 1.8GHz Core i5 CPU 13-inch 8GB RAM 128 GB Storage Silver (Renewed)Dell Inspiron 13 5000HP Pavilion 14 Laptop
PriceSee PriceSee PriceSee Price
QualityReliable build quality with a lightweight aluminum chassis, solid keyboard, and robust battery life up to 12 hours.Sturdy plastic and metal build, decent keyboard, with moderate battery life around 8 hours.Good build with metal accents, comfortable keyboard, battery life up to 9 hours.
Features1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 2.7 GHz), 8 GB 1600 MHz LPDDR3 RAM, 128 GB PCIe flash storage, Intel HD Graphics 6000, 13.3″ 1440×900 display.8th Gen Intel Core i5 quad-core 1.6GHz (Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz), 8 GB DDR4 RAM, 256 GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics 620, 13.3″ Full HD (1920×1080) display.Intel Core i5 quad-core 1.6GHz (Turbo Boost up to 3.9 GHz), 12 GB DDR4 RAM, 256 GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics 620, 14″ Full HD (1920×1080) display.
Best ForUsers seeking a lightweight, reliable MacOS laptop for everyday tasks, web browsing, and moderate productivity.Windows users needing a compact laptop for multitasking and media consumption with higher resolution display.Students and professionals looking for a balanced laptop with larger screen and enhanced multitasking capability.

In my opinion, this Apple 2017 MacBook Air with 1.8GHz Core i5 CPU 13-inch 8GB RAM 128 GB Storage Silver (Renewed) stands out because of its combination of portability, long battery life, and macOS ecosystem, which the competitors do not offer. If you’re like me and prefer a lightweight laptop with reliable battery performance and seamless integration with Apple devices, this is the better choice. While competitors provide higher resolution screens and newer processors, the MacBook Air remains a solid option for users prioritizing portability and macOS experience.

Customer Feedback on Apple 2017 MacBook Air with 1.8GHz Core i5 CPU 13-inch 8GB RAM 128 GB Storage Silver (Renewed)

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally express high satisfaction with this renewed MacBook Air, appreciating its reliable performance and value for the price.

Most Praised Features

  • Lightweight and portable design favored for everyday use and travel.
  • Solid battery life supporting extended work sessions without frequent charging.
  • Good performance for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption.

Common Concerns

  • Limited storage capacity (128 GB) noted as a drawback for users with larger file needs.
  • Older model specifications sometimes feel outdated for demanding applications or multitasking.

Who Loves It Most

This MacBook Air appeals mostly to students, casual users, and professionals needing a lightweight, dependable laptop for everyday tasks without heavy software demands.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $175.00 for a renewed Apple 2017 MacBook Air, this price is very affordable compared to newer models and even some used laptops with similar specs. It offers a budget-friendly entry into the Apple ecosystem without the premium cost of brand-new devices.

Value Features

  • 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor – delivers reliable everyday performance for web browsing, office work, and light multitasking.
  • 8 GB RAM – ample memory for smooth operation of macOS and multiple apps simultaneously.
  • 128 GB PCIe-based flash storage – faster data access than traditional hard drives, suitable for basic storage needs.
  • Up to 12 hours battery life – excellent for all-day use without frequent charging, saving on power costs and inconvenience.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other renewed or used laptops in this price range, the MacBook Air stands out for its build quality, macOS experience, and battery longevity. While some Windows laptops may offer more storage or newer components, few match Apple’s optimization and design at this price.

Final Verdict

This renewed 2017 MacBook Air is a solid value for money choice for users needing a reliable, lightweight laptop for everyday tasks. At $175, it offers an affordable way to own an Apple laptop without breaking the bank.

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