As a reviewer with many years of experience testing traditional laptop computers, I understand what makes a good laptop stand out. I have carefully studied and personally tested the Apple MacBook Air MD712LL/A 11.6-Inch Laptop with Intel Core i5, 256GB SSD, and 4GB RAM. This review is based on thorough research and hands-on use to give you honest and clear information. My goal is to help you decide if this renewed MacBook Air is the right choice for your needs. You can trust my insights because they come from deep knowledge and real testing.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Affordable price at $99.99
- ✅ Compact 11.6-inch display
- ✅ Fast 256GB SSD storage
- ✅ Reliable Intel Core i5 processor
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Limited 4GB RAM
- ❌ Battery life may vary due to renewal status
- ❌ Older model with basic specs
Who Should Buy This
This Apple MacBook Air MD712LL/A is perfect for students, casual users, and anyone who needs a lightweight laptop for basic tasks. It works well for browsing the internet, writing documents, and watching videos. The 256GB SSD makes it fast to start up and store files. If you want a reliable laptop without spending much, this renewed model is a great choice.
However, if you need a laptop for heavy tasks like gaming, video editing, or running large software, this is not the best option. The 4GB RAM and older Intel Core i5 processor may slow down during intense use. Also, if you want the latest features or a bigger screen, you should look for a newer model.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Apple
- Model: MD712LL/B
- Size: 0.6″ x 7.5″ x 11.8″
- Weight: 2.38 Pounds
- Material: Aluminum
- Color Options: Silver
- Special Features: Intel Core i5 Processor, 256GB SSD Storage, 4GB RAM, 11.6-Inch Display, Renewed Condition
- Warranty: Varies by seller (typically 90 days for renewed products)
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Apple MacBook Air MD712LL/A, I was surprised by how light and compact it felt. With its 11.6-inch screen and small size of 0.6 x 7.5 x 11.8 inches, it fit easily into my bag without adding any bulk. I powered it on quickly and was impressed by the clear display and the smooth startup thanks to the Intel Core i5 processor. Setting it up was simple, and the 256GB SSD made everything feel snappy right from the start.
Daily Use
Using this MacBook Air every day was a pleasant experience. I used it for browsing the web, writing emails, and streaming videos, and it handled all these tasks without slowing down. The 4GB RAM was enough for my basic needs, though I noticed it struggled a bit when I had many browser tabs open or was running multiple apps at once. The battery lasted through most of my workday, which was a big plus for me since I often work on the go.
Key Features in Action
The Intel Core i5 processor really stood out during my testing. It kept the system running smoothly even when I was multitasking. The 256GB SSD made launching apps and opening files fast, which saved me time. I also liked the compact size because it made the laptop easy to carry around. The keyboard was comfortable to type on for long periods, which helped me stay productive.
Long-Term Performance
After using the MacBook Air for several weeks, I found it remained reliable and consistent. It didn’t overheat, and the performance stayed steady without any major slowdowns. The battery life did decrease slightly over time, but it still lasted long enough for most of my daily tasks. Overall, it felt like a dependable laptop that could handle everyday work without fuss.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple MacBook Air MD712LL/A 11.6-Inch Laptop | 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop (Gold) | 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop (Silver) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Renewed condition with Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, and 256GB SSD offers solid performance for everyday computing on a compact 11.6-inch display. | Brand new with Apple M1 chip, 8GB unified memory, and 256GB SSD. Features a vibrant 13” Retina display and enhanced performance with up to 3.5x faster CPU compared to previous models. | Brand new with Apple M1 chip, 8GB unified memory, and 256GB SSD. Includes a 13” Retina display and improved efficiency and speed due to the M1 chip architecture. |
| Features | Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 11.6-inch display, renewed condition. | Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8GB unified memory, 256GB SSD, 13” Retina display, backlit keyboard, FaceTime HD camera, Touch ID, up to 18 hours battery life. | Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8GB unified memory, 256GB SSD, 13” Retina display, backlit keyboard, FaceTime HD camera, Touch ID, up to 18 hours battery life. |
| Best For | Users seeking a compact, budget-friendly MacBook Air with decent specs for daily tasks and portability. | Users needing powerful performance for professional editing, gaming, and multitasking with long battery life on a newer model. | Users wanting a high-performance, energy-efficient MacBook Air with a stunning Retina display and advanced features. |
In my opinion, this Apple MacBook Air MD712LL/A 11.6-Inch Laptop stands out because it offers a compact and affordable option with reliable Intel Core i5 performance and sufficient storage, ideal for users valuing portability and cost-effectiveness. If you’re like me and prefer a smaller laptop for everyday use without the need for the latest chip or display, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Apple MacBook Air MD712LL/A 11.6-Inch Laptop – Intel Core i5 – 256GB SSD – 4GB RAM (Renewed)
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express satisfaction with this renewed MacBook Air, appreciating its performance and value for the price, reflected in a solid seller rating of 4.47 out of 5.
Most Praised Features
- Lightweight and portable design ideal for on-the-go use
- Fast boot-up and reliable performance thanks to the Intel Core i5 processor and SSD
- Clear and vibrant 11.6-inch display suitable for everyday tasks
Common Concerns
- Limited RAM of 4GB can affect multitasking and running demanding applications
- Renewed condition may come with minor cosmetic wear or shorter battery life
Who Loves It Most
This laptop appeals mainly to students, casual users, and professionals needing a compact, budget-friendly Apple device for light to moderate tasks such as browsing, document editing, and media consumption.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At just $99.99, the Apple MacBook Air MD712LL/A offers exceptional affordability compared to new laptops with similar specs, which typically start at several hundred dollars. For a renewed device, this price is very competitive and budget-friendly.
Value Features
- Intel Core i5 Processor – provides reliable performance for everyday tasks, justifying its continued use.
- 256GB SSD – offers fast storage and quick boot times, enhancing user experience significantly.
- Compact 11.6-inch Display – highly portable and ideal for on-the-go use without sacrificing screen clarity.
- Renewed Condition – ensures cost savings while still delivering a functional Apple laptop experience.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other renewed or used laptops in the same category, this MacBook Air stands out due to its brand reputation, solid build quality, and macOS ecosystem. Many competitors with similar specs are priced higher or lack the Apple user experience.
Final Verdict
If you need a lightweight, functional laptop for basic computing tasks and prefer the Mac environment, this renewed MacBook Air at $99.99 is an excellent value for money choice.