Is the MacBook Air A1466 Still Worth Purchasing In 2024 and beyond?

The MacBook Air A1466 was released between 2013 and 2017

It has been a very popular laptop for several years because of its slim design, reliability, and overall performance.

However, as we move into 2025, you may be wondering if this model is still a good investment. Let’s explore if this model is still a good choice for today’s users or not.

Performance and Specifications

This MacBook Air model features Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, 4GB or 8GB of RAM, and SSD storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB. Since the SSD was still removable on this model, you can also upgrade to 1TB or even 2TB – a major benefit to getting an Air with a removable SSD.

The original specs were high in demand at the time of release but often times today’s users require more hard drive space, which is why it’s great that you can unscrew the back of the MacBook and upgrade the drive yourself very easily.

For basic tasks like web browsing, word processing, reporting, data entry tasks and watching videos, it is still a great choice. But, if you are needing a laptop that can handle more heavy tasks like video editing, graphic design, or software development applications, it may not be the perfect fit.

Battery Life

If you are purchasing a refurbished unit, you can also replace the battery and it will give you a good battery life. One thing to take into consideration however, is that when Apple’s website says the battery can last up to 12 hours on this unit or any other laptop they sell, they’re talking about the “best of the best” conditions.

They’re saying it can last “up to 12 hours,” which really means, it will only last 12 hours if you’re not on wifi, watching videos, if you have the screen brightness turned on a very low setting, or have it going into sleep mode within a minute or two of non-use.

Most of these settings that would yield a 12 hour battery life are not set to default, and likely your battery will drain much faster if you’re using your computer to do anything at all!

Under normal conditions for most users, you’ll be lucky to get 2-4 hours of battery life with this model.

Design and Portability

This model can still compete with Apple’s newer models that are considered to be best aesthetically. Its slim design and lightweight characteristics make it easy to carry, a key reason why it is popular among students and people who need a portable machine. However, it does not offer a Retina display, which is now common in newer models, which can be an problem for those who wants good Retina display.

Software and Compatibility

As of 2024, this MacBook Air can still run the latest versions of macOS, but there will be some limitations.

With time, it will also struggle to keep up with new software that require more powerful hardware.

Price Consideration

The main reasons to consider the A1466 today as well is its reasonable price. If you’ve limited budget and need a laptop for basic tasks only, this laptop can be a good option.

Is It Still Worth It?

The MacBook Air A1466 can still be a best choice in 2024 for those who need a reliable, portable laptop for daily use and are looking for a budget-friendly option; Furthermore, if you want to find a great refurbished one at an ultra discounted price, check out the following site.