Congratulations, you and your MacBook Air were made for each other.
Welcome to your MacBook Air. www.apple.com/macbookair Built-in FaceTime camera Make video calls to the latest iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or Mac. Thunderbolt high-speed I/O Connect high-performance devices and displays. Help Center facetime Help Center thunderbolt MacBook Air Click anywhere Pinch to zoom Multi-Touch trackpad Use gestures like these to control your Mac.
OS X Lion www.apple.com/macosx Launchpad Instant access to all your apps in one place. Full screen Make apps full screen with a click. Help Center mission control Help Center launchpad Help Center full screen Mail Group your messages by conversations. iPhoto Organize, edit, and share your photos. iMovie Turn home videos into home blockbusters. GarageBand Create greatsounding songs with ease.
Contents Chapter 1: Ready, Set Up, Go 8 9 9 15 18 Welcome What’s in the Box Setting Up Your MacBook Air Getting Additional Information onto Your MacBook Air Putting Your MacBook Air to Sleep or Shutting It Down Chapter 2: Life with Your MacBook Air 22 24 26 28 32 33 Basic Features of Your MacBook Air Keyboard Features of Your MacBook Air Ports on Your MacBook Air Using the Multi-Touch Trackpad Running Your MacBook Air on Battery Power Getting Answers Chapter 3: Problem, Meet Solution 38 39 42 46 An Oun
47 48 49 50 52 Problems with Your Internet Connection Problems with Wi-Fi Communication Keeping Your Software Up to Date Learning More, Service, and Support Locating Your Product Serial Number Chapter 4: Last, but Not Least 54 59 61 63 64 Important Safety Information Important Handling Information Understanding Ergonomics Apple and the Environment Regulatory Compliance Information Looking for Something? 70 Index 6 Contents
1 Ready, Set Up, Go www.apple.com/macbookair www.apple.
Welcome Congratulations on purchasing a MacBook Air. Your MacBook Air is streamlined for portability and a completely wireless experience. Read this chapter for help setting up and using your MacBook Air. ÂÂ If you know you won’t be migrating information from another Mac or Windows computer (PC), and you’d like to get started using your MacBook Air right away, you can follow the Setup Assistant to set up your MacBook Air quickly. For more information, see page 12.
What’s in the Box AC plug AC power cord 45W MagSafe Power Adapter Important: Remove the protective film covering the 45W MagSafe Power Adapter before setting up your MacBook Air. Setting Up Your MacBook Air Your MacBook Air is designed so that you can set it up quickly and start using it right away.
Step 1: Plug in the 45W MagSafe Power Adapter to provide power to the MacBook Air and charge the battery. Make sure the AC plug is fully inserted into the power adapter and the electrical prongs on your AC plug are in their completely extended position. Insert the AC plug of your power adapter into a power outlet and the MagSafe connector into the MagSafe power port. As the MagSafe connector gets close to the port, you’ll feel a magnetic pull drawing it in.
When you connect the power adapter to your MacBook Air, the indicator light on the MagSafe connector starts to glow. An amber light indicates that the battery is charging. A green light indicates that the battery is fully charged. If you don’t see a light, make sure the connector is seated properly and the power adapter is plugged into a working power outlet. Step 2: Press the power button (®) briefly to turn on your MacBook Air. The power button is located in the upper right corner of your keyboard.
Step 3: Configure your MacBook Air with Setup Assistant. The first time you turn on your MacBook Air, Setup Assistant starts. Setup Assistant helps you specify your Wi-Fi network, set up a user account, and transfer information from another Mac or PC. You can also transfer information from a Time Machine backup or other disk. If you’re migrating from another Mac, you might have to update software if the other Mac doesn’t have Mac OS X version 10.5.3 or later installed.
ÂÂ To do a setup with migration, select “From another Mac or PC” and click Continue. Follow the onscreen instructions to select the Mac or PC you want to migrate from. Your Mac or PC must be on the same wired or wireless network. Follow the onscreen instructions for migrating. ÂÂ To transfer information from a Time Machine backup or another disk, select “From a Time Machine backup or other disk” and click Continue. Select the backup or the other disk that you want to migrate from.
Step 4: Customize the Mac OS X desktop and set preferences. You can quickly make the desktop look the way you want using System Preferences, your command center for most settings on your MacBook Air. Choose Apple () > System Preferences from the menu bar or click the System Preferences icon in the Dock.
Important: You can set an option to reset your password in Users & Groups preferences, in case you forget your login password. For help with system preferences, open Help Center and search for “system preferences” or for the specific preference you want help for. Getting Additional Information onto Your MacBook Air Your MacBook Air comes with several applications installed, including the iLife suite. Many other applications can be downloaded from the Mac App Store or the Internet.
The computer with the optical drive can be a Mac with Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later, or a Windows 7, Windows XP, or Windows Vista computer. If the Mac has Mac OS X v10.5.3 or later, DVD or CD Sharing is already installed. You can partner with more than one other computer, but you can use only one partner computer at a time. Mac or Windows computer MacBook Air If the other computer is a PC or a Mac with a Mac OS X version earlier than 10.5.
Important: After you install the DVD or CD Sharing Setup package on your other Mac, make sure you have the latest software by choosing Apple () > Software Update. Install any available Mac OS X updates. Sharing Discs with DVD or CD Sharing You can enable DVD or CD Sharing on a Mac or PC to use the Remote Disc feature of MacBook Air. Remote Disc allows you to share the discs you insert into the optical disc drive of the other computer.
To use a shared DVD or CD: 1 On the other computer, insert a DVD or CD into the optical disc drive. 2 On your MacBook Air, select Remote Disc when it appears under Devices in the Finder sidebar. If you see the “Ask to use” button, click it. 3 On the other computer, when prompted, click Accept to allow your MacBook Air to use the DVD or CD. 4 On your MacBook Air, use the disc as you normally would once it becomes available.
To wake your MacBook Air: ÂÂ If the display is closed, simply open it to wake your MacBook Air. ÂÂ If the display is already open, press the power button (®) or any key on the keyboard. When your MacBook Air wakes from sleep, your applications, documents, and computer settings are exactly as you left them. Shutting Down Your MacBook Air If you aren’t going to use your MacBook Air for an extended period of time, it’s best to shut it down.
2 Life with Your MacBook Air www.apple.
Basic Features of Your MacBook Air FaceTime camera Camera indicator light Stereo speakers (under keyboard) Battery (built-in) 22 Trackpad Chapter 2 Life with Your MacBook Air
Built-in FaceTime camera and camera indicator light Use the included FaceTime application to make video calls to other FaceTime users (on any iPhone 4, iPad 2, new iPod touch, or Mac with FaceTime), take pictures with Photo Booth, or capture video with iMovie. The indicator light glows when the FaceTime camera is operating. Built-in stereo speakers Listen to music, movies, games, and multimedia files. Built-in rechargeable battery Use battery power when you’re away from a power outlet.
Keyboard Features of Your MacBook Air Function (fn) key Mission Control key Brightness keys 24 Keyboard illumination keys Launchpad key Chapter 2 Life with Your MacBook Air Media keys Mute key Volume keys Power button
Function (fn) key Press and hold this key to activate customized actions assigned to the function keys (F1 to F12). To learn how to customize function keys, search for “function keys” in Help Center. Brightness keys (F1, F2) Increase ( ) or decrease ( ) the brightness of the screen. Mission Control key (F3) Open Mission Control to get a comprehensive view of what’s running on your MacBook Air, including Dashboard, all your spaces, and all open windows.
Ports on Your MacBook Air d USB 2.0 port ¯ MagSafe power port Microphone f Headphone port d USB 2.
¯ MagSafe power port Plug in the included 45W MagSafe Power Adapter to recharge the MacBook Air battery. d USB (Universal Serial Bus) 2.0 ports Connect a MacBook Air SuperDrive, USB to Ethernet adapter, iPod, iPhone, iPad, mouse, keyboard, printer, disk drive, digital camera, joystick, modem, and more to your MacBook Air. f Headphone port Connect external speakers and headphones.
Using the Multi-Touch Trackpad Use the trackpad to move the pointer and to perform a variety of Multi-Touch gestures. Unlike typical trackpads, the entire MacBook Air trackpad is a button, and you can click anywhere on the trackpad. To enable Multi-Touch gestures, view instructional videos of the gestures, and set other trackpad options, choose Apple () > System Preferences, and then click Trackpad.
ÂÂ Secondary-clicking or “right-clicking” lets you access shortcut menu commands. • To set up two-finger secondary-clicking anywhere on the trackpad, select “Secondary click” in the Point & Click pane of Trackpad preferences. • To set up a one-finger secondary-click zone in the bottom left or right corner of the trackpad, select “Secondary click” in the Point & Click pane of Trackpad preferences, and choose an option from the pop-up menu.
The following trackpad gestures work in certain applications. When you perform these gestures, slide your fingers lightly on the surface of the trackpad. For more information, see Trackpad preferences or choose Help > Help Center and search for “trackpad.” ÂÂ Two-finger pinching lets you zoom in or out on PDFs, images, photos, and more. ÂÂ Two-finger rotating lets you rotate photos, pages, and more.
ÂÂ Three-finger swiping works in the Finder and all applications. Swiping three fingers to the left or right lets you cycle through full-screen applications. Swiping three fingers up opens Mission Control. You can also set these options to work with four fingers. ÂÂ Four-finger pinching displays Launchpad when you pinch your thumb and three fingers together. Spread the same fingers apart to return to the desktop. Note: You can specify other functions for many gestures.
Running Your MacBook Air on Battery Power When the MagSafe power adapter isn’t connected, your MacBook Air draws power from its built-in battery. The length of time that you can run your MacBook Air varies, depending on the applications you use and the external devices connected to your MacBook Air. Turning off features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® wireless technology and reducing screen brightness can help conserve battery charge.
The battery in your MacBook Air can be replaced only by an Apple Authorized Service Provider or at an Apple Retail Store. Getting Answers Much more information about using your MacBook Air is available in Help Center, and on the Internet at www.apple.com/support/macbookair. To get help from Help Center: 1 Click the Finder icon in the Dock (the bar of icons along the edge of the screen).
More Information For more information about using your MacBook Air, see the following: 34 To learn about See Troubleshooting your MacBook Air if you have a problem Chapter 3, “Problem, Meet Solution” on page 37. Finding service and support for your MacBook Air “Learning More, Service, and Support” on page 50. Or go to the Apple Support website at www.apple.com/support/macbookair. Using Mac OS X The Mac OS X website at www.apple.com/macosx. Or search for “Mac OS X” in Help Center.
To learn about See Caring for the battery Help Center and search for “battery.” Connecting a printer Help Center and search for “printing.” USB connections Help Center and search for “USB”. Connecting to the Internet Help Center and search for “Internet.” Using the Thunderbolt port Help Center and search for “Thunderbolt.” Connecting an external display Help Center and search for “display port.” Specifications The Specifications page at support.apple.com/specs.
3 Problem, Meet Solution www.apple.com/support www.apple.
Occasionally, you may have problems while working with your MacBook Air. Read on for troubleshooting tips to try when you have a problem. You can also find more troubleshooting information in Help Center and on the MacBook Air Support website at www.apple.com/support/macbookair. If you experience a problem with your MacBook Air, there’s usually a simple and quick solution. Think about the conditions that led up to the problem.
Problems That Prevent You from Using Your MacBook Air If your MacBook Air doesn’t respond or the pointer doesn’t move On rare occasion, an application might “freeze” on the screen. Mac OS X provides a way to quit a frozen application without restarting the computer. To force an application to quit: 1 Press Command (x)-Option-Esc or choose Apple () > Force Quit from the menu bar. The Force Quit Applications dialog appears with the application selected. 2 Click Force Quit.
If your MacBook Air freezes during startup, or you see a flashing question mark, or the display is dark The flashing question mark usually means that your MacBook Air can’t find the system software on the internal flash storage or on any external disks that are attached. Wait a few seconds. If your MacBook Air still doesn’t start up, shut it down by holding down the power button (®) for about 8 to 10 seconds.
ÂÂ Press and release the power button (®) and immediately hold down the Command (x), Option, P, and R keys simultaneously until you hear the startup sound a second time. This resets the parameter RAM (PRAM). ÂÂ If you still can’t start up your MacBook Air, see “Learning More, Service, and Support” on page 50 for information about contacting Apple for service. If the screen suddenly goes black or your MacBook Air freezes Try restarting your MacBook Air.
Repairing, Restoring, or Reinstalling Mac OS X Software If you have a problem with your Mac software or hardware, Mac OS X provides repair and restore utilities that may eliminate problems and can even restore your software to its original factory settings. You can access these utilities from the Mac OS X Utilities application, even if your computer isn’t starting up correctly. Use the Mac OS X Utilities application to: ÂÂ Repair your computer’s disk using Disk Utility.
ÂÂ Reinstall Mac OS X and Apple applications. ÂÂ Restore your computer to its factory settings by erasing its disk and reinstalling Mac OS X and your Apple applications. If your computer detects a problem, it opens the Mac OS X Utilities application automatically. You can also open it manually by restarting your computer. To open the Mac OS X Utilities application: mm Restart your computer while holding down the Command (x) and R keys. The Mac OS X Utilities pane appears.
Repairing a Disk with Disk Utility If you have a problem with your computer, or if you start your computer and see the Mac OS X Utilities application, you may need to repair your computer’s disk. 1 Select Disk Utility in the Mac OS X Utilities pane and click Continue. 2 Select the disk or partition in the list on the left, and then click the First Aid tab. 3 Click Repair Disk.
Reinstalling Mac OS X and Apple Applications Under some circumstances, you may need to reinstall Mac OS X and Apple applications. You can reinstall while keeping your files and user settings intact. 1 Make sure your MacBook Air is connected to the Internet by using an Ethernet or Wi-Fi network. (To connect to a Wi-Fi network, follow the instructions on page 43.) 2 In the Mac OS X Utilities pane, select Reinstall Mac OS X and click Continue.
1 Make sure your MacBook Air is connected to the Internet by using an Ethernet or Wi-Fi network. (To connect to a Wi-Fi network, follow the instructions on page 43.) 2 In the Mac OS X Utilities pane, select Disk Utility and click Continue. 3 Select the disk in the list on the left, and then click the Erase tab. 4 Select Mac OS Extended (Journaled) from the Format pop-up menu, type a name for the disk, and then click Erase. 5 After the disk is erased, choose Disk Utility > Quit Disk Utility.
5 When the Apple Hardware Test main screen appears (after about 45 seconds), follow the onscreen instructions. 6 If Apple Hardware Test detects a problem, it displays an error code. Make a note of the error code before pursuing support options. If Apple Hardware Test doesn’t detect a hardware failure, the problem may be software related.
If you have two or more computers sharing an Internet connection, be sure that your wireless network is set up properly. You need to know if your ISP provides only one IP address or if it provides multiple IP addresses, one for each computer. If only one IP address is provided, then you must have a router capable of sharing the connection, also known as network address translation (NAT) or “IP masquerading.
ÂÂ Check the Wi-Fi status icon (Z) in the menu bar. Up to four bars appear, indicating signal strength. If signal strength is low, try changing your location. ÂÂ Get help online by choosing Help > Help Center, and then searching for “wi-fi”. Also see the instructions that came with the wireless device for more information. Keeping Your Software Up to Date You can connect to the Internet and automatically download and install the latest free software versions, drivers, and other enhancements from Apple.
Learning More, Service, and Support Your MacBook Air does not have any user-serviceable or user-replaceable parts. If you need service, contact Apple or take your MacBook Air to an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can find more information about your MacBook Air through online resources, onscreen help, System Information, and Apple Hardware Test. Online Resources For online service and support information, go to www.apple.com/support and choose your country from the pop-up menu.
If you need assistance, AppleCare telephone support representatives can help you with installing and opening applications, and basic troubleshooting. Call the support center number nearest you (the first 90 days are complimentary). Have the purchase date and your MacBook Air serial number ready when you call. Your 90 days of complimentary telephone support begins on the date of purchase. Country Phone Website United States 1-800-275-2273 www.apple.com/support Australia (61) 1-300-321-456 www.apple.
Locating Your Product Serial Number Use one of these methods to find your MacBook Air serial number: ÂÂ Turn over your MacBook Air. The serial number is etched into the case near the hinge. Serial number ÂÂ Choose Apple () > About This Mac. Click the version number beneath the words “Mac OS X” to cycle through the Mac OS X version number, the build version, and the serial number. ÂÂ Open System Information (in the Utilities folder in Launchpad). In the Contents pane, click Hardware.
4 Last, but Not Least www.apple.com/environment www.apple.
For your safety and that of your equipment, follow these rules for handling and cleaning your MacBook Air and for working more comfortably. Keep these instructions handy for reference by you and others. NOTICE: Incorrect storage or use of your MacBook Air may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Important Safety Information WARNING: Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in fire, electric shock, or other injury or damage. Built-in battery Do not remove the battery from your MacBook Air.
To operate the computer safely and reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries, follow these guidelines: ÂÂ Set up your MacBook Air on a stable work surface that allows for adequate air circulation under and around the computer. ÂÂ Do not operate your MacBook Air on a pillow, blanket, or other soft material, because the material can block the airflow vents. ÂÂ Never place anything over the keyboard when operating your MacBook Air. ÂÂ Do not push objects into the ventilation openings.
To reduce the possibility of overheating the power adapter or of heat-related injuries, do one of the following: ÂÂ Plug the power adapter directly into a power outlet. AC plug MagSafe connector MagSafe Power Adapter ÂÂ If you’re using the AC power cord, place the power adapter on a desk, table, or on the floor in a well-ventilated location.
Disconnect the power adapter and disconnect any other cables if any of the following conditions exists: ÂÂ You want to clean the case (use only the recommended procedure described on page 60). ÂÂ The power cord or plug becomes frayed or otherwise damaged. ÂÂ Your MacBook Air or power adapter is exposed to rain, excessive moisture, or liquid spilled into the case. ÂÂ Your MacBook Air or power adapter has been dropped, the case has been damaged, or you suspect that service or repair is required.
Hearing damage Permanent hearing loss may occur if earbuds or headphones are used at high volume. You can adapt over time to a higher volume of sound that may sound normal but can be damaging to your hearing. If you experience ringing in your ears or muffled speech, stop listening and have your hearing checked. The louder the volume, the less time is required before your hearing could be affected.
Important Handling Information NOTICE: Failure to follow these handling instructions could result in damage to your MacBook Air or other property.
Storing your MacBook Air If you are going to store your MacBook Air for an extended period of time, keep it in a cool location (ideally, 71° F or 22° C) and discharge the battery to 50 percent. When storing your computer for longer than five months, discharge the battery to approximately 50 percent. To maintain the capacity of the battery, recharge the battery to 50 percent every six months or so.
Understanding Ergonomics Here are some tips for setting up a healthy work environment. Keyboard and Trackpad When you use the keyboard and trackpad, your shoulders should be relaxed. Your upper arm and forearm should form an angle that is slightly greater than a right angle, with your wrist and hand in roughly a straight line. This Not this Use a light touch when typing or using the trackpad and keep your hands and fingers relaxed. Avoid rolling your thumbs under your palms.
Change hand positions often to avoid fatigue. Some computer users might develop discomfort in their hands, wrists, or arms after intensive work without breaks. If you begin to develop chronic pain or discomfort in your hands, wrists, or arms, consult a qualified health specialist. External Mouse If you use an external mouse, position the mouse at the same height as the keyboard and within a comfortable reach. Chair An adjustable chair that provides firm, comfortable support is best.
Built-In Display Adjust the angle of the display to minimize glare and reflections from overhead lights and windows. Do not force the display if you meet resistance. The display is not designed to open past 135 degrees. You can adjust the brightness of the screen when you take the computer from one work location to another, or if the lighting in your work area changes. More information about ergonomics is available on the web: www.apple.com/about/ergonomics Apple and the Environment Apple Inc.
Regulatory Compliance Information FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. See instructions if interference to radio or television reception is suspected.
Bluetooth Industry Canada Statement This Class B device meets all requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la Class B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada. Industry Canada Statement Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada.
Português Apple Inc. declara que este dispositivo MacBook Air está em conformidade com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva 1999/5/CE. Română Prin prezenta, Apple Inc. declară că acest aparat MacBook Air este în conformitate cu cerinţele esenţiale şi cu celelalte prevederi relevante ale Directivei 1999/5/CE. Singapore Wireless Certification Taiwan Wireless Statements Slovensko Apple Inc.
Russia External USB Modem Information When connecting your MacBook Air to the phone line using an external USB modem, refer to the telecommunications agency information in the documentation that came with your modem. ENERGY STAR® Compliance European Union—Disposal Information The symbol above means that according to local laws and regulations your product should be disposed of separately from household waste.
China Battery Statement Taiwan Battery Statement 68 020-5563-A EFUP15china
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Index A AC plug 10 AC power adapter.
four-finger pinching 31 four-finger swiping 31 frozen application 39 Function (fn) key 25 H hand positions, recommended 62 headphone port 27 Help Center 33 Help, finding answers 33 high-speed data transfer 27 I iLife applications 34 installing DVD or CD Sharing Setup 16 IP masquerading 48 K keyboard ergonomics 62 features 24 illumination keys 25 shortcuts 29 See also keys keys brightness 25 Function (fn) 25 keyboard illumination 25 Launchpad 25 media 25 Mission Control 25 Mute 25 volume control 25 L
Q question mark, flashing 40 quitting an application 39 R Remote Disc 17, 18 resetting password 15 Rewind key 25 right-clicking 29 rotating objects using trackpad 30 S safety general instructions 55 handling information 60 important information 8 power adapter 56 screen.
KKApple Inc. © 2011 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Apple. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Apple is not responsible for printing or clerical errors. Apple 1 Infinite Loop Cupertino, CA 95014 408-996-1010 www.apple.com The Apple logo is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.