MacBook Air 13.3-inch, Intel Core i3, 256 GB SSD, in Gold

MacBook Air 13.3-inch, Intel Core i3, 256 GB SSD, in Gold (Model: MWTL2B/A)

MacBook Air 13.3-inch, Intel Core i3, 256 GB SSD, in Gold is priced at Kes 75,000  here at Novelty Tech Solution in Nairobi, Kenya

Quick Summary

The MacBook Air (Intel, Early 2020) was a key update that featured the new “Magic” keyboard and a base storage boost to 256GB. However, it was powered by Intel’s older dual-core processors, which were already considered underpowered at the time of release. The model MWTL2B/A was quickly overshadowed and discontinued just months later when the M1 model launched, making it the final entry in the Intel MacBook Air era.

Full Specifications & Information

1. General Information

• Marketing Name: MacBook Air (13-inch, 2020)

• Model Number: MWTL2B/A (This Order Number specifies the Gold color, Core i3, 256GB SSD configuration).

• Model Identifier: MacBookAir9,1

• Release Date: March 31, 2020

• Discontinued: November 10, 2020 (Replaced by the M1 model after only 7 months).

• Design: Classic tapered wedge design.

• Operating System (Original): macOS Catalina

• Operating System (Latest): macOS Monterey (macOS 12). This model is no longer supported by the latest macOS versions (like Ventura, Sonoma, or Sequoia), meaning it does not receive security updates or new features.

2. Design & Display

• Color: Gold

• Display: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Retina Display

• Resolution: 2560-by-1600 pixels at 227 pixels per inch (ppi)

• Technology: IPS

• Brightness: 400 nits typical

• Color Support: P3 wide color gamut, True Tone technology

• Bezels: Traditional bezels.

• Build: Aluminum unibody enclosure.

• Dimensions: 0.41–1.61 cm height x 30.41 cm width x 21.24 cm depth

• Weight: 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg)

3. Performance & Storage

• Processor: 1.1GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i3 (10th Generation, Ice Lake)

  • Turbo Boost: Up to 3.2GHz

• Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics

• Memory (RAM): 8GB of 3733MHz LPDDR4X onboard memory (soldered, not upgradeable).

• Storage: 256GB PCIe-based SSD (soldered, not upgradeable).

4. Connectivity & Expansion

• Ports:

  • Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports (up to 40Gb/s) on the left side.

  • 3.5mm headphone jack.

• Wireless:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)

  • Bluetooth 5.0

5. Camera, Audio, and Microphones

• Front Camera: 720p FaceTime HD camera.

• Audio: Stereo speakers.

• Microphones: Three-mic array.

6. Battery & Power

• Battery: 49.9-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery

• Battery Life:

  • Up to 11 hours of wireless web browsing.

  • Up to 12 hours of Apple TV app movie playback.

• Power Adapter: 30W USB-C Power Adapter.

7. Keyboard & Input

• Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard with a scissor mechanism. This was the key feature of this update, fixing the widely criticized “Butterfly” keyboard from previous models.

• Trackpad: Force Touch trackpad.

8. In the Box (Original Packaging)

• MacBook Air (13-inch, 2020, Gold)

• 30W USB-C Power Adapter

• USB-C Charge Cable (2m)

Key Features & Selling Points (at the time)

• Magic Keyboard: The return of a reliable, comfortable scissor-switch keyboard was the main reason to buy this over earlier models.

• Double the Base Storage: Apple increased the base storage from 128GB to 256GB, addressing a major pain point.

• Retina Display: Continued with the beautiful, color-accurate Retina display.

• Faster RAM: Shifted to faster LPDDR4X memory.

Critical Considerations & Weaknesses

• Underpowered Processor: The dual-core Intel Core i3 was a significant performance bottleneck, even in 2020. It struggles with multitasking, heavy web browsing with many tabs, and any form of creative work.

• No Longer Supported: Being cut off from macOS updates is a major security and functionality concern. It will not receive any new features or critical security patches from Apple.

• Poor Value Compared to M1: When the M1 MacBook Air was released later the same year, it offered a monumental leap in CPU and GPU performance, better battery life, and a cooler, fanless design for a similar price, making this Intel model obsolete very quickly.

• Thermal Throttling: Like earlier Intel Airs, it used a passive cooling system (no fan) which caused the processor to slow down (throttle) under sustained load to prevent overheating.

Who is this MacBook for today?

Given its limitations, this model is now primarily a budget-conscious, legacy device. It might be suitable for:

• A very basic secondary computer for web browsing and email, with the understanding that it is no longer secure for sensitive tasks.

• Someone who needs a Mac that will run an older, specific version of macOS or 32-bit software (which does not run on M-series Macs).

• A user on an extremely tight budget who is fully aware of its performance and security limitations.

Important Recommendation: For virtually any user in 2024 and beyond, an M1 MacBook Air (like the MGND3FN/A discussed previously) is a vastly superior machine in every aspect—performance, battery life, thermal management, and software support—and can often be found for a similar price on the refurbished or second-hand market. This Intel model is not recommended for primary use.