New from factory MacBook Air, mid-2013!?

[pigoo3]

Totally agree with you Tom.

Now that we know that the OP has an 11" MBA (earlier in the thread we did not know if it was a 11" or 13"). The 11" 2013 & 2014 MBA's are basically exactly the same. The lower end model just received a "speed-bump" from 1.3 to 1.4ghz…the higher end one is the same @1.7ghz.

I agree…the 2014 units being manufactured now are probably just like the 2013's…and what we're talking is a firmware problem. Just not proper to call something a 2014 model…if the computer identify's itself (About This Mac) as a 2013 model. Just need to update the firmware.

As already mentioned. If someone try's to sell a used 2014 MBA to someone…but the computer says 2013…gonna be difficult to convince that buyer that the 2014 MBA is really a 2014 MBA.

As we know…they VERY first thing a buyer will think is…the seller is trying to scam someone.

Seems like someone at Apple is "asleep at the wheel". Apple really needs to do something about this!

- Nick

p.s. Here's an article from Everymac.com regarding the subject:

http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...-between-macbook-air-early-2014-mid-2013.html

 

[bobtomay]

Everymac also states it is the exact same machine and that they are only listing it as an early 2014 model...

because it is a custom upgrade option to the 1.4 CPU and as a customer "convenience". (link)

I could be way off base here, but this further leads me to believe that there has not been a change at the production line where the 1.7 models are assembled that would differentiate it from the mid '13 model - which it happens to be. It is not a new for 2014 model computer, no matter what folks would like for it to be. And doesn't matter whether it's the 11" or the 13". If it has the 1.7 CPU, it is the mid '13 model.

The difference - this year it is $100 cheaper and the 1.7 is an upgrade option from the 1.4 instead of an upgrade option from the 1.3 chip.
The serial and manufacture date would tell the tale.

And, if Apple has started calling an exact same computer a different model, this would indeed be a first that I am aware of.

 

[pigoo3]

I could be way off base here, but this further leads me to believe that there has not been a change at the production line where the 1.7 models are assembled that would differentiate it from the mid '13 model - which it happens to be.

With the info we have…I would come to the same conclusion.

And, if Apple has started calling an exact same computer a different model, this would indeed be a first that I am aware of.

Yes…definitely a confusing situation. Considering that there is little (if no) difference between the models. Seems like Apple shouldn't have released a "2014" MBA (just continued with the 2013 designation).

With the rumors of a 12" retina MacBook Air possibly in 2014…the need to release a "2014" regular MBA (which is the same as a 2013 MBA) would seem to have been unnecessary.

Marketing folks always want to have "new news" to perk things up. But there's nothing "new" here.

- Nick

 

[pm-r]

It seems to me, at least to appease the OP and their question, most all data-sites, including Apple's when entering its serial number, will no doubt list that Mac as a MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2013) model unless the databases get updated at some point, somehow.

So, why not just accept what it says and keep the proper dated sales receipt in a safe place?? End of worry and concern.

Or if one is really concerned, maybe find and change the description wherever it hides in the Library or System — if it's even kept there.

After all, it really is a Mid 2013 model by design, but it just happened to be made and purchased in 2014.

 

[pigoo3]

So, why not just accept what it says and keep the proper dated sales receipt in a safe place?? End of worry and concern.

Probably the best suggestion…especially since the computer was purchased directly from Apple.

I've purchased & sold MANY used computers…and BELIEVE ME. If a seller is selling a 2014 model computer…but "About This Mac" says "2013". The VERY FIRST THING…a potential buyer is going to think is…"Thus dude is trying to scam me!!!

Unless a buyer is VERY knowledgeable about this sort of thing (which VERY few buyers would be)…it would be pretty difficult to convince the buyer otherwise.

So having the original sales receipt when it is "selling time" would really come in handy if this sort of "model confusion" surfaced between the seller & buyer.

Great suggestion!

- Nick

 

[chscag]

Yes, that's a great suggestion. Especially since Apple is still selling the 2012 MacBook Pro in their on line store. Can you imagine buying that machine in Jan 2015 and trying to sell it later on as a 2015 model? I can see where some Craig's list sellers would do just that.

 

[pigoo3]

Especially since Apple is still selling the 2012 MacBook Pro in their on line store. Can you imagine buying that machine in Jan 2015 and trying to sell it later on as a 2015 model? I can see where some Craig's list sellers would do just that.

Extra awesome example Charlie!!!

Just to add to what you said. How about someone buying the current low-end "mid- 2012" 13" non-retina MacBook Pro in January 2015…AND they got extended Applecare (3 years).

Then selling this 2012 MBP at some point…mentioning that it has Applecare until January, 2018. And a prospective buyer thinking…"How the heck can a 2012 MacBook Pro have Applecare until Jan. 2018??"

Gotta be a scammer!!!lol

- Nick

 

[Basilium]

Just got new one after returning other. Same date. Tracked it from shanghai so.... idk I'm not gonna go thru all that again. just keep it :/ I ordered it over the phone and mentioned several times to make sure its 14!