MacBook Air teardown details, photos
updated 09:55 am EST, Fri February 1, 2008
MacBook Air teardown
A new teardown of the MacBook Air, as performed by repair specialist iFixit, reveals significant facts about the notebook. While Apple suggests that users cannot replace the battery themselves, it may actually be an easy matter for tech-savvy installers, dependent only on having a Phillips screwdriver. Conversely, people wanting to upgrade the PATA 1.8-inch hard drive may have a very difficult time, as there is only 5mm (0.2 inches) of vertical space. For sake of reference, iFixit notes that the 160GB drive in the iPod classic requires 8mm of space.
The company also observes that the controller chip used for the trackpad, a Broadcom BCM5974, is the exact same as that used in the iPhone and iPod touch. Aside from potentially saving money for Apple on parts, this means that any touch functionality changes on the iPhone could theoretically be promulgated through all three devices.
[Photos and details provided by iFixit (link), which provides how-to's as well as parts for sale on its website]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
That was fast!
Gotta love those guys at MacFixit (or iFixit, or whatever they're called now)! Without their detailed step-by-step instructions, we'd be paying serious dollar for replacing defective hard drives from our iBooks, MacBooks, PowerBooks... The interactive guides for every conceivable hardware revision that ever came out of Apple are all there for everyone, down to the last s****. Not just Macs, but iPods, as well as the iPhone.
Of course, they'll sell you replacement parts, too...