2010/11/12 MacBook Air

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I’m looking at purchasing an early model MacBook Air, preferably the 2012 model where they bumped up the capable RAM to 8 GB. In 2011 the early MacBook Pros came with 10.6.6 Snow Leopard the late 2011 models came with Lion 10.7.2 but from what I’m told these late model MBP’s are capable of having Snow Leopard installed even when Lion was pre-installed.

My question is can I install 10.6.8 Snow Leopard to a mid-2011 MacBook Air that came preloaded with 10.7.0 Lion like the MacBook Pros can?

Or even a mid-2012 MacBook air that came with 10.7.4 to capitalize on the 8 GB RAM upgrade?

I know that you can’t back install OSX platforms on MacBooks like you can with iMacs but 2011 seems to be a particular case between late models having the ability to accept early model OSX Snow Leopard.
 

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That usually doesn't work but there are instances where it does. The decudubg factor seems to be how similar the hardware is between the machines in question. Don't get your hopes up too much.

If you decide to do this make a bootable clone first. That way, if this doesn't work, you can reinstall everything from the clone and be back to a functioning system as quickly as possible.
 
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All those used the Sandy Bridge chips that year and since the MBP's could have Snow Leopard downloaded to that chip i have to assume that the Air could be loaded with the same? :/ even though the minimum says their pre-loaded 10.7.0 it's a gamble to purchase instead of the 2010 Core Duo series. Any one else have any ideas?
 
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When you test it, let us know how it works.
 
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okay I will, I found some other online data that says this was possible to do, so I'll post my own findings when I get it. cheers...
 

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I’m looking at purchasing an early model MacBook Air, preferably the 2012 model where they bumped up the capable RAM to 8 GB.

My question is can I install 10.6.8 Snow Leopard to a mid-2011 MacBook Air that came preloaded with 10.7.0 Lion like the MacBook Pros can?

My main thought is...if your preference is to purchase a 2012 MacBook Air...why the questions about 2011 MacBook Air and being able to install Snow Leopard?

If your actual main goal is to be able to install and run Snow Leopard...then 2012 MacBook Air's should not be considered.

Bottom line...can't have both a 2012 MacBook Air & be able to run Snow Leopard.:)

- Nick
 
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Nick...yeah that is what I gathered, the main goal was to install Snow Leopard on either a 2011 or 2012 and I would have liked the 8 GB RAM in the 2012 but I don't think it will be possible at all to have 10.6.8 on that one so I am forced to opt for the 2011 model and attempt my Snow Leopard install.

But I have another question the 2010 model has the Mini Display Port, can I run an ethernet adapter through there? ...albeit lower speeds than the Thunderbolt replacement port for the 2011 models. And is it true that the 2010 Air doesn't have a backlit keyboard but the 2011 does?
 
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You can attempt the install on the 2012, just get one with a return policy.
 

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But I have another question the 2010 model has the Mini Display Port, can I run an ethernet adapter through there? ...albeit lower speeds than the Thunderbolt replacement port for the 2011 models. And is it true that the 2010 Air doesn't have a backlit keyboard but the 2011 does?

- MiniDisplayport is primarily a video out port. To use ethernet with a 2010 MacBook Air...need to use a USB to Ethernet adapter.
- Yes it is true...2010 MacBook Air's do not have a backlit keyboard.
- Also true that 2011 MacBook Airs do have a backlit keyboard.

HTH,:)

- Nick
 

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