Congratulations, you and your MacBook Air were made for each other.
Built-in iSight camera Video chat with up to three friends anywhere in the world at the same time. www.apple.com/macbookair Mac Help isight Finder Browse the contents of your computer using Cover Flow. Time Machine Automatically back up your files to an extra hard drive. www.apple.com/macosx www.apple.
iMovie Collect all your video in one library. Create and share movies in minutes. iPhoto Organize all your photos with Events. Publish to a Web Gallery with a click. www.apple.com/ilife/imovie www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto iMovie Help iPhoto Help movie GarageBand Create music by adding musicians to a virtual stage. Enhance your song to sound like a pro. www.apple.
Contents Chapter 1: Ready, Set Up, Go 8 9 10 15 16 19 22 Welcome What’s in the Box Setting Up Your MacBook Air Setting Up DVD or CD Sharing Migrating Information to 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 26 28 30 32 34 35 Basic Features of Your MacBook Air Keyboard Features of Your MacBook Air Ports on Your MacBook Air Using the Trackpad and Keyboard Running Your MacBook Air on Batte
45 49 51 51 53 53 56 Reinstalling Software Using Remote Install Mac OS X Reinstalling Software Using the MacBook Air SuperDrive Problems with AirPort Extreme Wireless Communication Problems with Your Internet Connection Keeping Your Software Up to Date Learning More, Service, and Support Locating Your Product Serial Number Chapter 4: Last, but Not Least 58 60 62 64 65 Important Safety Information Important Handling Information Understanding Ergonomics Apple and the Environment Regulatory Compliance Infor
1 1 Ready, Set Up, Go 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 getting started setting up and using your MacBook Air. Â If you know you will primarily be downloading applications and content from the Internet and not migrating information from another Mac, you can follow the basic instructions to set up your MacBook Air quickly.
What’s in the Box ® Micro-DVI to VGA Adapter Micro-DVI to DVI Adapter AC plug 45W MagSafe Power Adapter AC power cord Important: Remove the protective film covering the 45W MagSafe Power Adapter before setting up your MacBook Air. About Optical Discs Although your MacBook Air doesn’t have an optical disc drive, it does include DVD discs with important software.
Setting Up Your MacBook Air Your MacBook Air is designed so that you can set it up quickly and start using it right away.
To extend the reach of your power adapter, replace the AC plug with the AC power cord. First pull the AC plug up to remove it from the adapter, and then attach the included AC power cord to the adapter, making sure it is seated firmly. Plug the other end into a power outlet. When disconnecting the power adapter from an outlet or from the computer, pull the plug, not the cord. When you first connect the power adapter to your MacBook Air, an indicator light on the MagSafe connector starts to glow.
Step 2: Press the power (®) button briefly to turn on your MacBook Air. You will hear a tone when you turn on the computer. ® Power button ® Trackpad Trackpad button It takes the computer a few moments to start up. After it starts up, Setup Assistant opens automatically. If your computer doesn’t turn on, see “If your MacBook Air doesn’t turn on or start up” on page 42.
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 enter your Internet information and set up a user account on your MacBook Air. You can also migrate information from another Mac during setup. Note: If you don’t use Setup Assistant to transfer information when you first start up your MacBook Air, you can do it later using Migration Assistant.
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. Choose Apple () > System Preferences from the menu bar or click the System Preferences icon in the Dock. System Preferences is your command center for most settings on your MacBook Air.
Setting Up DVD or CD Sharing You can partner your MacBook Air with another Mac or Windows computer that has an optical disc drive and is on the same wired or wireless network.
Insert the Mac OS X Install Disc 1 that came with your MacBook Air to install the DVD or CD Sharing Setup, which includes software for DVD or CD Sharing, Migration Assistant, and Remote Install Mac OS X: Â If the other computer is a Mac, double-click the DVD or CD Sharing Setup package on the Mac OS X Install Disc 1. Â If the other computer is a Windows computer, choose “DVD or CD Sharing” from the Install Assistant that starts automatically.
3 When you see the Connect To Your Other Mac screen with a passcode displayed, do the remaining steps on the other Mac. You will enter the passcode in Migration Assistant on the other Mac. 4 On the other Mac, open Migration Assistant (located in /Applications/Utilities/), and then click Continue. 5 When you are prompted for a migration method, select “To another Mac”, and then click Continue. 6 On the other Mac, quit any other open applications and then click Continue.
7 On the other Mac, enter the six-digit passcode displayed in Setup Assistant on your MacBook Air. 8 Click Continue to start the migration. Important: Don’t use the other Mac for anything else until the migration is complete.
Getting Additional Information onto Your MacBook Air Your MacBook Air comes with several applications installed, including the iLife ’08 suite. Many other applications can be downloaded from the Internet. If you want to install third-party applications from CD or DVD, you can: Â Install applications onto your MacBook Air using the optical disc drive on another Mac or Windows computer (if DVD or CD Sharing is set up and enabled). Read the next section for more information.
2 On the other Mac, choose Apple () > System Preferences and then open Sharing. 3 In the Sharing panel, select “DVD or CD Sharing” in the Service list. If you want other users to request permission to share a DVD or CD, select “Ask me before allowing others to use my DVD drive.” To enable DVD or CD Sharing, if your other computer is a Windows computer: 1 Make sure your MacBook Air and the Windows computer are on the same wireless network.
2 On the Windows computer, open the DVD or CD Sharing control panel. 3 Select “Enable DVD or CD Sharing.” If you want other users to request permission to share a DVD or CD, select “Ask me before allowing others to use my DVD drive.” 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 the Remote Disc when it appears under Devices in the Finder sidebar. If you see the “Ask to use” button, click it.
Putting Your MacBook Air to Sleep or Shutting It Down When you finish working with your MacBook Air, you can put it to sleep or shut it down. Putting Your MacBook Air to Sleep If you’ll be away from your MacBook Air for only a short time, put it to sleep. When the computer is in sleep, you can quickly wake it and bypass the startup process. To put your MacBook Air to sleep, do one of the following: Â Close the display. Â Choose Apple () > Sleep from the menu bar.
Shutting Down Your MacBook Air If you aren’t going to use your MacBook Air for a day or two, it’s best to shut it down. The sleep indicator light goes on briefly during the shutdown process. To shut down your MacBook Air, do one of the following: Â Choose Apple () > Shut Down from the menu bar. Â Press the power (®) button and click Shut Down in the dialog that appears.
2 2 Life with Your MacBook Air www.apple.
Basic Features of Your MacBook Air Ambient light sensor iSight camera Camera indicator light Microphone Mono speaker (under keyboard) ® Battery (built-in) Trackpad Trackpad button 26 Sleep indicator light Infrared (IR) receiver Chapter 2 Life with Your MacBook Air ® Power button
Ambient light sensor The ambient light sensor adjusts the illuminated keyboard according to the available light in your operating environment. Built-in iSight camera and camera indicator light Videoconference with others using iChat AV, snap pictures with Photo Booth, or capture video with iMovie. The indicator light glows green when the iSight camera is operating.
Keyboard Features of Your MacBook Air ® Function (fn) key C Media ’ Media Dashboard Exposé keys esc F1 Brightness keys 28 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 Keyboard illumination keys Chapter 2 Life with Your MacBook Air F8 Eject key F9 F10 F11 F12 — Mute - Volume key keys
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, choose Help > Mac Help from the menu bar and search for “function keys.” ¤ Brightness keys (F1, F2) Increase ( ) or decrease ( ) the brightness of your MacBook Air display. Exposé All Windows key (F3) Open Exposé for quick access to all your open windows. Dashboard key (F4) Open Dashboard to access your widgets.
Ports on Your MacBook Air ® Port hatch f Headphone jack ¯ MagSafe power port 30 d USB 2.
¯ MagSafe power port Plug in the included 45W MagSafe Power Adapter to recharge the MacBook Air battery. Port hatch Open the port hatch to use the headphone jack, USB 2.0 port, and Micro-DVI port. f Headphone jack Connect external speakers or headphones. d USB (Universal Serial Bus) 2.0 port Connect an external optical disc drive, USB to Ethernet adapter, modem, iPod, mouse, keyboard, and more to your MacBook Air. You can also connect USB 1.1 devices.
Using the Trackpad and Keyboard Use the trackpad to move the pointer and to scroll, tap, double-tap, and drag. How far the pointer moves onscreen is affected by how quickly you move your finger across the trackpad. To move the pointer a short distance, move your finger slowly across the trackpad; the faster you move your finger, the farther the pointer moves.
 Two-finger scrolling lets you drag to scroll quickly up, down, or sideways in the active window. This option is on by default. The following trackpad gestures work in certain applications, such as Preview or iPhoto. For more information, choose Help > Mac Help and search for “trackpad.”  Two-finger pinching lets you zoom in or out on PDFs, images, photos, and more.
 Two-finger rotating lets you rotate photos, pages, and more.  Three-finger swiping lets you rapidly page through documents, move to the previous or next photo, and more. Running Your MacBook Air on Battery Power When the 45W MagSafe Power Adapter is not connected, your MacBook Air draws power from its built-in rechargeable 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.
You can also check the amount of battery charge left by viewing the Battery ( ) status icon in the menu bar. The battery charge level displayed is based on the amount of power left in the battery with the applications, peripheral devices, and system settings you are currently using. To conserve battery power, close applications and disconnect peripheral devices not in use, and adjust your Energy Saver settings. For more information about battery conservation and performance tips, go to www.apple.
More Information For more information about using your MacBook Air, see the following: 36 To learn about Do this Troubleshooting your MacBook Air if you have a problem See Chapter 3, “Problem, Meet Solution,” on page 39. Finding service and support for your MacBook Air See “Learning More, Service, and Support” on page 53. Or go to the Apple Support website at www.apple.com/support/macbookair. Using Mac OS X Go to the Mac OS X website at www.apple.com/macosx. Or search for “Mac OS X” in Mac Help.
To learn about Do this Using Bluetooth wireless technology Go to the Bluetooth Support page at www.apple.com/support/ bluetooth. Or open the Bluetooth File Exchange application, located in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder, and choose Help > Bluetooth Help. Connecting a printer Search for “printing” in Mac Help. USB connections Search for “USB” in Mac Help. Connecting to the Internet Search for “Internet” in Mac Help.
3 3 Problem, Meet Solution www.apple.
Occasionally you may have a problem while working with your MacBook Air. Read on to find some solutions to try when you have a problem. You can also find more troubleshooting information in Mac Help 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.
The application quits, leaving all other applications open. If you need to, you can also restart the Finder from this dialog. Next, save your work in any open applications and restart the computer to make sure the problem is entirely cleared up. If you are unable to force the application to quit, press and hold the power (®) button for a few seconds until the computer shuts itself down. Wait 10 seconds and then turn on the computer.
 Wait a few seconds. If the computer still doesn’t start up, shut it down by pressing and holding the power (®) button for about 8 to 10 seconds. Disconnect all external peripherals and try restarting by pressing the power (®) button while holding down the Option key. When your computer starts up, click the hard disk icon, and then click the right arrow. After the computer starts up, open System Preferences and click Startup Disk. Select a local Mac OS X System folder.
 If you still can’t start up your MacBook Air, see “Learning More, Service, and Support” on page 53 for information about contacting Apple for service. If the display suddenly goes black or your MacBook Air freezes Try restarting your MacBook Air. 1 Unplug any devices that are connected to your MacBook Air, except the power adapter. 2 Press the power (®) button to restart the system. 3 Let the battery charge to at least 10 percent before plugging in any external devices and resuming your work.
Using Apple Hardware Test If you suspect a problem with the MacBook Air hardware, you can use the Apple Hardware Test application to help determine if there’s a problem with one of the computer’s components, such as the memory or processor. To use Apple Hardware Test on your MacBook Air: 1 Disconnect all external devices from your computer except the power adapter. 2 Restart your MacBook Air while holding down the D key.
Reinstalling Software Using Remote Install Mac OS X Use Remote Install Mac OS X on the partner computer whose optical disc drive you want to share (installation instructions for this and other components of the DVD or CD Sharing Setup software are on page 15) when you want to do one of the following tasks on your MacBook Air:  Reinstall Mac OS X and other software that came with your MacBook Air  Reset your password  Use Disk Utility to repair the MacBook Air hard disk Note: You can also do these tasks u
To use Remote Install Mac OS X: 1 Insert the Mac OS X Install Disc 1 into the optical disc drive of the other computer. 2 If the other computer is a Mac, open /Applications/Utilities/Remote Install Mac OS X. On Windows, choose “Remote Install Mac OS X” from the Install Assistant. 3 Read the introduction and click Continue. 4 Choose the install disc you want to use, and click Continue.
8 If you chose AirPort as your network in step 5, on your MacBook Air choose your AirPort network from the pop-up list. If the network is secure, you are prompted for a password. You can enter a private network name by choosing the ellipsis (...) and typing the name. 9 If you chose AirPort as your network in step 5, when you see the AirPort status icon indicating signal strength, click Continue in Remote Install Mac OS X.
To install Mac OS X and the applications that came with your MacBook Air, using a partner computer: 1 Follow the procedure for using Remote Install Mac OS X beginning on page 46. 2 Click Continue in Remote Install Mac OS X. Status messages appear on the other computer’s screen during installation. 3 Click Customize to select what to install (Mac OS X and Bundled Software, or Bundled Software Only), or click Install to perform a basic installation.
3 On your MacBook Air, choose Utilities > Reset Password from the menu bar and follow the onscreen instructions. When you finish, quit Mac OS X Installer. 4 On the other computer, click Quit to exit Remote Install Mac OS X. Using Disk Utility When you need to repair, verify, or erase your MacBook Air hard disk, use Disk Utility by sharing the optical disc drive of another computer. To use Disk Utility from a partner computer: 1 Follow the procedure for using Remote Install Mac OS X beginning on page 46.
To install iCal, iChat AV, iSync, iTunes, Safari, and the iLife ’08 applications, you need to select “Install Mac OS X and Bundled Software.” 3 Follow the onscreen instructions, selecting your MacBook Air as the destination volume for installation. Note: To restore Mac OS X on your computer to the original factory settings, click Options in the “Select a Destination” pane of the Installer, and then select “Erase and Install.
Problems with AirPort Extreme Wireless Communication If you have trouble using AirPort Extreme wireless communication: Â Make sure the computer or network you are trying to connect to is running and has a wireless access point. Â Make sure you have properly configured the software according to the instructions that came with your base station or access point. Â Make sure you are within range of the other computer or the network.
To use Network Diagnostics: 1 Choose Apple () > System Preferences. 2 Click Network and then click “Assist me.” 3 Click Diagnostics to open Network Diagnostics. 4 Follow the onscreen instructions. If Network Diagnostics can’t resolve the problem, there may be a problem with the Internet service provider (ISP) you are trying to connect to, with an external device you are using to connect to your ISP, or with the server you are trying to access.
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. When you are connected to the Internet, Software Update checks Apple’s Internet servers to see if any updates are available for your computer. You can set your MacBook Air to check the Apple servers periodically, and download and install updated software. To check for updated software: 1 Open System Preferences.
Onscreen Help You can often find answers to your questions, as well as instructions and troubleshooting information, in Mac Help. Choose Help > Mac Help. System Profiler To get information about your MacBook Air, use System Profiler. It shows you what hardware and software is installed, the serial number and operating system version, how much memory is installed, and more. To open System Profiler, choose Apple () > About This Mac from the menu bar and then click More Info.
Your 90 days of complimentary telephone support begins on the date of purchase and telephone fees may apply. Country Phone Website United States 1-800-275-2273 www.apple.com/support Australia (61) 133-622 www.apple.com/au/support Canada (English) (French) 1-800-263-3394 www.apple.com/ca/support www.apple.com/ca/fr/support Ireland (353) 1850 946 191 www.apple.com/ie/support New Zealand 00800-7666-7666 www.apple.com/nz/support United Kingdom (44) 0870 876 0753 www.apple.
Locating Your Product Serial Number Use one of these methods to find your computer’s serial number:  Turn your MacBook Air over. The serial number is etched into the case, near the hinge. Serial number  Choose Apple () > About This Mac and then click the version number beneath the words “Mac OS X.” Clicking cycles between the Mac OS X version number, the build version, and the serial number.  Open System Profiler (in /Applications/Utilities/) and click Hardware.
4 4 Last, but Not Least 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. Important Safety Information WARNING: Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in fire, electric shock, or other injury or damage. Avoiding water and wet locations Keep your computer away from sources of liquid, such as drinks, washbasins, bathtubs, shower stalls, and so on.
Using the 45W MagSafe Power Adapter Make sure the AC plug or AC power cord is fully inserted into the power adapter and the electrical prongs on your AC plug are in their completely extended position before plugging the adapter into a power outlet. Use only the power adapter that came with your MacBook Air, or an Apple-authorized power adapter that is compatible with this product. The AC power cord provides a grounded connection. The power adapter may become very warm during normal use.
Using the battery Discontinue use of your battery if it has been dropped, crushed, bent, or deformed. Do not expose the battery to temperatures above 212° F or 100° C. Do not remove the battery from your MacBook Air. The battery should be replaced only by an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Avoiding 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.
Carrying your MacBook Air If you carry your MacBook Air in a bag or briefcase, make sure that there are no loose items (such as paper clips or coins) that could accidentally get inside the computer through vent openings or get stuck inside a port. Also, keep magnetically sensitive items away from the MagSafe power port. Using connectors and ports Never force a connector into a port.
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.
Use a light touch when typing or using the trackpad and keep your hands and fingers relaxed. Avoid rolling your thumbs under your palms. This Not this 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.
You might have to raise your chair so that your forearms and hands are at the proper angle to the keyboard. If this makes it impossible to rest your feet flat on the floor, you can use a footrest with adjustable height and tilt to make up for any gap between the floor and your feet. Or you can lower the desktop to eliminate the need for a footrest. Another option is to use a desk with a keyboard tray that’s lower than the regular work surface.
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.
Responsible party (contact for FCC matters only): Apple Inc. Corporate Compliance 1 Infinite Loop M/S 26-A Cupertino, CA 95014-2084 Korea Statements Wireless Radio Use This device is restricted to indoor use when operating in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency band. Singapore Wireless Certification Cet appareil doit être utilisé à l’intérieur. Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy The radiated output power of the AirPort Extreme technology is below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits.
VCCI Class B Statement 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 As an ENERGY STAR® partner, Apple has determined that standard configurations of this product meet the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency.
Disposal and Recycling Information European Union—Disposal Information: This symbol indicates that your product must be disposed of properly according to local laws and regulations. When your product reaches its end of life, contact Apple or your local authorities to learn about recycling options. The symbol above means that according to local laws and regulations your product should be disposed of separately from household waste.
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Index A AC plug 10, 11 AC power adapter. See power adapter AC power cord 11 adjusting your display 29 AirPort Extreme troubleshooting 51 ambient light sensor 27 AppleCare 54 Apple Hardware Test, using 44 Apple Remote 27, 37 application freeze 40 applications Front Row 27, 37 iChat AV 27 iLife ’08 36 Keynote 27 B battery charging 34 location 27 performance 34 storing 61 blinking question mark 41 brightness keys 29 70 Looking for Something? built-in speaker 27 button, power 12, 27 C camera.
brightness 29 Dashboard 29 Exposé 29 function 29 keyboard illumination 29 media 29 Media Eject 29 Mute 29 volume control 29 flashing question mark 41 Force Quit 40 forward delete 32 Front Row application 27, 37 frozen application 40 Function (fn) key 29 H hand positions 62 headphone jack 31 Help, finding answers 35 I iChat AV application 27 iLife ’08 applications 36 illuminated keyboard 27 infrared receiver (IR) 27 installation discs 9 installing DVD or CD Sharing Setup 16 iSight video camera 27 K keybo
port 31 using 10 power button 12, 27 problems computer freezes 41 computer won’t turn on 42 connecting to partner computer 43 display goes black 43 pointer won’t move 40 trouble using AirPort 51 putting your computer to sleep 22 Q question mark, flashing 41 R rechargeable battery 34 Remote DVD or CD 19, 20 Remote Install Mac OS X Disk Utility 49 installing Mac OS X 45 resetting your password 48 repairing a disk 49 resetting your password 48, 50 Rewind key 29 right click 32 rotating objects using trackpad
U updating software 53 USB connections 37 ports 31 V verifying a disk 49 video camera indicator light 27 micro-DVI port 31 volume control keys 29 W waking your computer 22 Z zooming using the trackpad 27, 33 Looking for Something? 73
K Apple Inc. © 2008 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 95014-2084 408-996-1010 www.apple.