Apple Macbook Air 2017 with 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD Storage) (QWERTY English) Silver (Renewed)
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AI Verdict
This is a durable, legacy-port-equipped typing machine for students and writers who only need basic web browsing and don't mind a low-resolution screen or an older operating system.
The 5th-gen Intel processor and 1440x900 non-Retina display show their age, making this strictly a typewriter and web-browsing machine. The inclusion of legacy USB-A ports, a reliable pre-butterfly keyboard, and MagSafe 2 charging make it a highly functional pick for basic tasks.
If you need a sharper screen and support for the latest macOS updates, look for a Refurbished MacBook Air M1 (2020).
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- MagSafe 2 magnetic charging cable snaps away safely if tripped over
- Two USB-A 3.0 ports and an SDXC card slot eliminate the need for dongles
- Older scissor-switch keyboard avoids the sticky key failures of 2016-2019 MacBook Pros
- Battery replacement requires only 15 screws and no heat guns or chemical solvents
- 2.96-pound aluminum unibody chassis survives backpack drops better than plastic alternatives
Cons
- 1440 x 900 TN display washes out and inverts colors when viewed off-center
- 5th-generation Broadwell CPU stutters when running 1080p video and Zoom simultaneously
- Stuck on macOS Monterey, blocking installation of the newest Xcode and Final Cut versions
- 128GB SSD leaves only about 90GB of usable space after OS installation
Dimension Scores
The 5th-gen dual-core i5 stutters when running heavy multitasking or modern video editing software.
The 1440x900 TN panel has poor viewing angles and looks pixelated next to modern 1080p screens.
Renewed units typically yield 4-6 hours of screen-on time depending on the previous owner's cycle count.
The 2.96-pound aluminum unibody remains incredibly durable and easy to slip into a backpack.
Best For
- Middle and high school students typing Google Docs and doing web research
- Writers who want a reliable scissor-switch keyboard and distraction-free environment
- Basic home office setups for email, YouTube, and paying bills
Not Recommended For
- Video editors or graphic designers needing color accuracy and processing power
- iOS developers who need the latest Xcode version on macOS Sonoma
- Power users who keep 20+ Chrome tabs open simultaneously
Watch Out For
- Stuck on macOS Monterey — you cannot officially install macOS Ventura or Sonoma, breaking compatibility with newer software releases.
- The 128GB SSD fills up instantly — you get about 90GB of usable space out of the box after the OS installation.
- Renewed battery lottery — buyers frequently report receiving units with 400+ charge cycles that only last 3-4 hours, requiring a DIY battery swap.
- The screen is a TN panel — colors wash out and invert if you tilt the display even slightly past the optimal viewing angle.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR3 |
| ASIN | B0751N2Y78 |
| Brand | Apple |
| Color | Silver |
| Series | MacBook Air |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| CPU Model | Intel Core 5 |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz intel_core_5 |
| Hard Drive | 128 GB |
| Model Name | MacBook Air |
| Item Weight | 3 pounds |
| Screen Size | 13.3 Inches |
| Memory Speed | 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Wireless Type | 802.11a, Bluetooth |
| Hard Disk Size | 128 GB |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Special Feature | Stereo Speakers |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Operating System | Mac OS |
| Flash Memory Size | 128 GB |
| Item model number | MQD32LL/A |
| Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels |
| Product Dimensions | 16 x 12 x 10 inches |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 6000 |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB |
| Number of Processors | 2 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1440x900 Pixels |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 16 x 12 x 10 inches |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Standing screen display size | 13.3 Inches |
What Buyers Say
The 2017 MacBook Air runs on a 5th-generation Broadwell processor from 2015, making it strictly a typewriter and web-browsing machine. The most surprising finding from buyer reviews is the massive relief over the reliable scissor-switch keyboard and the convenience of built-in USB-A ports. Buyers frequently complain about the battery lottery with renewed units, often receiving laptops with 500+ charge cycles that die in under four hours. The 1440x900 TN display shocks users accustomed to modern smartphone screens, looking washed out and fuzzy off-angle.
“The screen looks like it's from 2010 and the battery only lasts 4 hours, but it types my college papers perfectly and I don't need stupid dongles for my flash drives.”
Common Praise
- Scissor-switch keyboard is tactile and avoids the infamous butterfly mechanism failures
- MagSafe 2 charging cable snaps away safely if someone trips over it
- Built-in USB-A ports and SD card slot eliminate the need for dongles
- Aluminum unibody chassis survives drops that would shatter plastic laptops
Common Complaints
- 1440x900 screen looks blurry and colors shift when viewing from an angle
- 128GB storage fills up almost instantly after downloading a few large apps
- Fans spin up loudly when trying to watch 1080p YouTube or use Zoom
- Renewed batteries often arrive with Service Recommended warnings and high charge cycles
Ownership Tips
- You will likely need to install a replacement battery kit from iFixit or Amazon within the first year.
- macOS Monterey still receives security updates, but you cannot download the latest versions of apps like Xcode.
- The 720p webcam is very grainy in low light, making it poor for professional Zoom calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update this to the newest macOS?
No. The 2017 MacBook Air maxes out at macOS 12 Monterey. You cannot install Ventura, Sonoma, or newer updates officially.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage later?
The 8GB of RAM is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. The 128GB SSD is removable and can be upgraded using a third-party NVMe drive and a pin adapter.
Does it have the bad butterfly keyboard?
No. This model uses Apple's older scissor-switch keyboard. It avoids the sticky key issues that plagued the 2016-2019 MacBook Pros.
How long will the battery last on a renewed unit?
Most renewed buyers report getting 4 to 6 hours of real-world use. Replacing the battery yourself takes about 15 minutes and a basic screwdriver kit.
Does it have standard USB ports?
Yes. It features two standard USB-A 3.0 ports and an SDXC card slot. You won't need to buy USB-C dongles for your older flash drives.
Buying Guide
When buying a renewed 2017 MacBook Air, you are getting a durable typing and web-browsing machine, not a modern powerhouse. The biggest wildcard is the battery health; expect to potentially replace the 54Wh battery yourself if it arrives with a high cycle count. You must be comfortable using an older operating system, as Apple capped this model at macOS 12 Monterey. 128GB of storage leaves you with about 90GB out of the box, so plan on using cloud storage or a low-profile SD card for your files.
1.8GHz Intel Core i5 (5th Gen)
This is the brain of the computer. Being a 5th-generation chip, it acts like an older car engine—reliable for driving around town, but it will struggle and get loud if you try to tow a heavy load like video editing.
1440 x 900 Glossy Display
This measures screen sharpness. Modern laptops are at least 1920x1080. This lower number means text looks slightly fuzzy, and the TN panel technology means colors wash out if you tilt the screen too far back.
128GB SSD
This is your digital trunk space. 128GB is very small—after the operating system takes its share, you only have room for a few dozen apps and some photos before you have to start deleting things.
Alternatives
If you need a sharper screen, faster performance, and all-day battery life, search for a Refurbished MacBook Air M1 2020 with 256GB of storage.
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