MacBook Air 13-inch 2017 Review: Mixed Verdict in 2024
Starting with a surprising finding: while Apple’s official specs tout the MacBook Air 13-inch (2017, Renewed) as a lightweight, long-lasting ultraportable, user reports reveal a split between those who see it as a bargain gateway into macOS and others who feel its aging design and hardware limitations make it less compelling in 2024. Verdict: 7.4/10 — strong for light everyday use, but questionable for heavy workloads or modern multimedia demands.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent battery life (8–12 hours reported) | Low-resolution 1440x900 display feels dated |
| Durable aluminum build | Some units suffer from battery deterioration |
| Comfortable, tactile keyboard | Performance lags on modern apps |
| Magsafe 2 charging port and USB-A ports still present | Possible hardware failures (logic board, screen issues) |
| Affordable refurbished pricing | Limited storage (128GB base) |
| Smooth macOS integration with other Apple devices | No Retina display, poor off-angle viewing |
Claims vs Reality
Apple’s marketing for the 2017 MacBook Air emphasizes “up to 12 hours battery life” and “lightweight portability.” While many users confirm these points, several note that battery health varies drastically in refurbished units. A verified Best Buy buyer wrote: “Battery lasts quite a while,” while another complained, “battery at the end of its life… needs to be replaced.”
The brand also positions the Air as a “fully functional” renewed product, tested to look and work like new. This holds true for some — Reddit user reports praise “top notch build quality” and “healthy battery” — but others encountered disappointing refurbish quality. One Best Buy reviewer stated it arrived “scratched, dirty, and with a dying battery… shame on Best Buy for not overseeing refurbished electronics.”
Finally, Apple’s claim of a “brilliant widescreen display” is undermined by repeated criticism of its 1440x900 panel. CNET’s review calls it “the single most dated thing about the design,” with off-axis viewing issues. Laptop Mag agreed, noting that text “doesn’t look as sharp” compared to modern screens.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, ProductReview, and Trustpilot, the most consistent praise centers on battery life, keyboard feel, and build quality. Students and light office users benefit most — one Reddit user highlighted, “battery lasts for a good 6–7 hours with light usage” and “keyboard is really good.” Apple’s choice to keep USB-A ports and the Magsafe connector is celebrated by long-time Mac users. Laptop Mag points out the convenience: “I’m perfectly happy living an adapter-free life… safer thanks to the magsafe connector.”
Portability is another strength. A Popular Science reviewer noted it’s “perfectly portable for traveling… super thin body and sleek silver shade.” This makes it appealing for commuters, frequent flyers, and students carrying it between classes. The tactile feedback of the keyboard is prized for writing-heavy tasks — Laptop Mag’s tester compared it favorably to newer butterfly-switch keyboards that cause fatigue.
Common Complaints
The display’s resolution and quality are the most widespread gripe. CNET and Laptop Mag both criticized its lack of full HD and poor off-angle color, echoed by Reddit comments about “subpar brightness” and “large UI elements.” Design-wise, users call out the thick bezel as visually dated compared to modern laptops.
Battery issues plague some refurbished buyers. Trustpilot user Darry el T. returned his unit because “MacBook immediately turned off when unplugged… would not turn on unless plugged back in.” Best Buy and ProductReview customers also report needing battery replacements within months. Hardware reliability is inconsistent — one ProductReview user had a logic board replaced within warranty, then a dead battery months later.
Performance limitations are another theme. While fine for web browsing and office work, older fifth-gen Intel CPUs struggle with modern apps. Best Buy reviewer noted, “iOS is too old for certain apps… some like Microsoft Word, Excel aren’t compatible.” Engineers or gamers will find it unsuitable for demanding software.
Divisive Features
Storage capacity is debated. Some find 128GB “enough for all my files and photos” thanks to SSD speed, while others hit limits quickly. One ProductReview user regretted “choosing the 128GB model… too little.” The closed macOS ecosystem divides opinion: fans love seamless integration with iPhones and iPads, but Windows converts sometimes struggle with software availability and adaptation.
Older port selection — USB-A, Thunderbolt 2, SDXC — is beloved by those avoiding dongles, but irrelevant for users embracing USB-C workflows. Similarly, the classic wedge design is seen as iconic by some and outdated by others.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Best Buy reviews show mixed trust in refurbish vendors. When refurb quality control is high, buyers receive “like new” units with new chargers and flawless casings. Back Market customers often praise “flawless like out of the box brand new” devices. But lapses in QA lead to visible wear, dead batteries, or non-functional ports.
Long-term durability varies. Some Reddit and ProductReview users report years of reliable service for light use, while others experience major failures within months. One ProductReview user’s motherboard failed in less than five months with moderate use, breaking trust in Apple quality. Extended warranties are frequently recommended by experienced buyers.
Alternatives
CNET compares the Air to Windows ultrabooks like the Dell XPS 13 or Asus ZenBook UX330UA, which offer higher-resolution displays, newer processors, and slimmer bezels at similar prices. Laptop Mag notes the Acer Swift 7 is lighter and thinner but sacrifices battery life. Within Apple’s lineup, the 12-inch MacBook offers portability and Retina resolution for $300 more, but with shallower keyboards.
Price & Value
Current eBay listings show refurbished 2017 MacBook Air units ranging from $150 to $250 depending on condition, with higher prices for i7 CPU or 256GB+ SSD. Popular Science spotlighted deals at $199.97, calling it “perfect… without the Apple price tag.” Community tips emphasize checking battery health and cosmetic condition on arrival, and considering 256GB storage if budget allows.
Resale value remains modest — given age and performance limits, buyers should view it as a budget macOS entry point rather than a long-term investment. Some Reddit users recommend it for testing macOS before committing to a pricier MacBook Pro.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2017 MacBook Air still supported by macOS updates?
A: It runs macOS Monterey, but is incompatible with the latest three versions. This limits access to some apps like current Microsoft Office.
Q: How is the battery life on refurbished units?
A: Officially up to 12 hours, but user reports vary. Healthy batteries last 6–10 hours; degraded ones may require replacement soon after purchase.
Q: Can it handle heavy software like Photoshop or SPSS?
A: Light Photoshop use is fine; heavier workloads may cause slowdowns or crashes. One Best Buy user reported SPSS “regularly crashed” on this model.
Q: Is the display good enough for media consumption?
A: Adequate for casual streaming, but lacks Retina sharpness and has poor off-angle viewing. Power users or designers may find it limiting.
Q: Who should buy this model in 2024?
A: Best suited for students, casual users, or as a secondary travel laptop. Avoid if you need modern app compatibility or high-resolution visuals.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a student, casual user, or first-time Mac buyer seeking an affordable, portable laptop for basic tasks. Avoid if you require modern software compatibility, high-resolution graphics, or long-term heavy use. Pro tip from the community: always check refurb battery health and condition on arrival, and consider extended warranty for peace of mind.
