Congratulations, you and your MacBook Air were made for each other.
Get to know your MacBook Air. www.apple.com/macbookair Built-in iSight camera and iChat Video chat with friends and family anywhere in the world. Mac Help isight Finder Browse your files like you browse your music with Cover Flow. Mac Help finder MacBook Air Multi-Touch trackpad Scroll through files, adjust images, and enlarge text using just your fingers.
Mac OS X Snow Leopard www.apple.com/macosx Time Machine Automatically back up and restore your files. Mac Help time machine Quick Look Instantly preview your files. Spotlight Find anything on your Mac. Mac Help quick look Mac Help spotlight iMovie Make a greatlooking movie in minutes. GarageBand Create a greatsounding song with ease. iMovie Help movie GarageBand Help record iLife www.apple.com/ilife iPhoto Turn your photos into something amazing.
Contents Chapter 1: Ready, Set Up, Go 8 9 10 15 16 19 21 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 24 26 28 30 34 35 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 Batter
Chapter 3: Problem, Meet Solution 40 44 45 46 47 47 50 52 Problems That Prevent You from Using Your MacBook Air Using Apple Hardware Test Problems with Your Internet Connection Problems with AirPort Extreme Wireless Communication Keeping Your Software Up to Date Reinstalling the Software That Came With Your MacBook Air Learning More, Service, and Support Locating Your Product Serial Number Chapter 4: Last, but Not Least 54 57 59 61 62 Important Safety Information Important Handling Information Understand
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 getting started setting up and using your MacBook Air. ÂÂ If you know you won’t be migrating information from another Mac, 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 13.
What’s in the Box AC plug AC power cord Software Reinstall Drive 45W MagSafe Power Adapter Your MacBook Air package includes the Software Reinstall Drive, a USB flash drive that contains software for reinstalling Mac OS X and the applications that came with your MacBook Air, resetting your password, and using Disk Utility. For more information about how and when to use the Software Reinstall Drive, see Chapter 3, “Problem, Meet Solution” on page 39.
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 included AC power cord. First pull the AC plug up to remove it from the adapter, and then attach the 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 your MacBook Air, pull the plug, not the cord. When you connect the power adapter to your MacBook Air, the indicator light on the MagSafe connector starts to glow.
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. When you turn on your MacBook Air, you hear a startup tone. ® Power button It takes your MacBook Air a few moments to start up. After it starts up, Setup Assistant opens automatically. If your MacBook Air doesn’t turn on, see 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, 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.
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.
If the other computer is a Windows computer or a Mac with a Mac OS X version earlier than 10.5.3, download the DVD or CD Sharing Setup software for your partner computer: ÂÂ If the other computer is a Windows computer, go to: http://support.apple.com/ downloads/DVD_or_CD_Sharing_Update_1_0_for_Windows ÂÂ If the other computer is a Mac with Mac OS X v10.4.10–10.5.2, go to: http://support.apple.
3 On your MacBook Air, follow the Setup Assistant onscreen instructions until you get to the “Do You Already Own a Mac?” screen. Select “from another Mac” as the source of the information you want to transfer. On the next screen, choose your wireless network, and then click Continue. 4 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.
6 When you are prompted for a migration method, select “To another Mac”, and then click Continue. 7 On the other Mac, quit any other open applications and then click Continue. 8 On the other Mac, enter the six-digit passcode displayed in Setup Assistant on your new MacBook Air. You can choose the items (user accounts, documents, movies, music, photos, and so on) that you want to migrate to your MacBook Air. 9 Click Continue to start the migration.
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 Internet. If you want to install third-party applications from a DVD or CD, you can: ÂÂ Install applications onto your MacBook Air or share information using the optical disc drive on another Mac or Windows computer (if DVD or CD Sharing is set up and enabled). For more information, see the next section.
2 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 Remote DVD or CD.
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 it’s in sleep, you can quickly wake it and bypass the startup process. To put your MacBook Air to sleep, do one of the following: ÂÂ Close the display. ÂÂ Choose Apple () > Sleep from the menu bar.
Shutting Down Your MacBook Air If you aren’t going to use your MacBook Air for several days, it’s best to shut it down. To shut down your MacBook Air, do one of the following: ÂÂ Choose Apple () > Shut Down from the menu bar. ÂÂ Press the power (®) button and click Shut Down in the dialog that appears. If you plan to store your MacBook Air for an extended period of time, see “Important Handling Information” on page 57 for information about how to prevent your battery from draining completely.
2 Life with Your MacBook Air www.apple.
Basic Features of Your MacBook Air iSight camera Camera indicator light Stereo speakers (under keyboard) Battery (built-in) 24 Trackpad Chapter 2 Life with Your MacBook Air
Built-in iSight camera and camera indicator light Videoconference with others using iChat, take pictures with Photo Booth, or capture video with iMovie. The indicator light glows when the iSight 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. Trackpad Click or double-click anywhere on the trackpad.
Keyboard Features of Your MacBook Air Function (fn) key esc F1 Brightness keys 26 F2 C Media ’ Media Exposé key keys F3 F4 F5 Dashboard key Chapter 2 Life with Your MacBook Air F6 Eject key F7 — Mute key F8 F9 F10 - Volume keys F11 F12 ® 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, choose Help > Mac Help from the menu bar and search for “function keys.” ¤ Brightness keys (F1, F2) Increase ( ) or decrease ( ) the brightness of the screen. Exposé 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 d USB 2.0 port ¯ MagSafe power port Microphone f Audio out 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 Audio out 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 a one-finger secondary-click zone in the bottom left or right corner of the trackpad, select Secondary Click under the One Finger option in Trackpad preferences. Secondary-click zone • To set up two-finger secondary-clicking anywhere on the trackpad, select Secondary Click under the Two Fingers option in Trackpad preferences. Note: You can also secondary-click by holding down the Control key while you click.
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 > Mac Help 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 lets you rapidly page through documents, move to the previous or next photo, and more. ÂÂ Four-finger swiping works in the Finder and all applications. Swiping four fingers to the left or right activates Application Switcher so you can cycle through open applications. Swiping four fingers up or down causes Exposé to show the desktop or display all open windows. To enable or disable any of the gestures, choose Apple () > System Preferences, and then click Trackpad.
Running Your MacBook Air on Battery Power When the MagSafe Power Adapter isn’t 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. Turning off features such as AirPort Extreme 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 Mac Help, and on the Internet at www.apple.com/support/macbookair. To get Mac Help: 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: 36 To learn about See Troubleshooting your MacBook Air if you have a problem Chapter 3, “Problem, Meet Solution” on page 39. 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 The Mac OS X website at www.apple.com/macosx. Or search for “Mac OS X” in Mac Help.
To learn about See Caring for the battery Mac Help and search for “battery.” Connecting a printer Mac Help and search for “printing.” USB connections Mac Help and search for “USB”. Connecting to the Internet Mac Help and search for “Internet.” Connecting an external display Mac Help and search for “display port.” Specifications The Specifications page at support.apple.com/specs. Or open System Profiler by choosing Apple (K) > About This Mac from the menu bar, and then click More Info.
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 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.
If you need to, you can also relaunch the Finder from the Force Quit Applications dialog. Next, save your work in any open applications and restart your MacBook Air to make sure the problem is entirely cleared up. If the problem occurs frequently, choose Help > Mac Help from the menu bar at the top of the screen. Search for the word “freeze” to get help for instances when your MacBook Air freezes or doesn’t respond.
If your MacBook Air doesn’t turn on or start up Try the following suggestions in order until your MacBook Air turns on: ÂÂ Make sure the power adapter is plugged into your MacBook Air and into a functioning power outlet. Be sure to use the 45W MagSafe Power Adapter that came with your MacBook Air. If the power adapter stops charging and you don’t see the indicator light on the power adapter turn on when you plug in the power cord, try unplugging and replugging the power cord to reseat it.
To see how much the battery has charged, look at the Battery ( menu bar. ) status icon in the The screen might also darken if you have energy saver features set for the battery. If your MacBook Air can’t connect to another computer’s optical disc drive To use services such as Migration Assistant, DVD or CD Sharing, and iTunes music sharing, both your MacBook Air and the other computer must be connected to the same network.
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 components, such as the memory or processor. To use Apple Hardware Test on your MacBook Air: 1 Disconnect all external devices from your MacBook Air except the power adapter. 2 Restart your MacBook Air while holding down the D key. 3 When the Apple Hardware Test chooser screen appears, select the language you want to use.
Problems with Your Internet Connection Your MacBook Air has a Network Setup Assistant application to help you set up an Internet connection. Open System Preferences and click Network. Click the “Assist me” button to open Network Setup Assistant. If you have trouble with your Internet connection, try using Network Diagnostics. To use Network Diagnostics: 1 Choose Apple () > System Preferences. 2 Click Network and then click “Assist me.” 3 Click Diagnostics to open Network Diagnostics.
For setup information, check the documentation provided with your router or ask the person who set up your network. You can use an AirPort base station to share one IP address among multiple computers. For information about using an AirPort base station, check Mac Help or visit the Apple AirPort website at www.apple.com/support/airport. If you cannot resolve the issue using these steps, contact your ISP or network administrator.
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’re connected to the Internet, Software Update checks to see if any updates are available. You can set your MacBook Air to check for updates periodically, and download and install updated software. To check for updated software: 1 Choose Apple () > System Preferences.
To install Mac OS X: 1 Back up your essential files. 2 Make sure your power adapter is connected and plugged in. 3 Insert the Software Reinstall Drive into one of the USB ports, as shown in the following illustration. Important: Don’t disturb or remove the Software Reinstall Drive until the installation is done. 4 Double-click Install Mac OS X, and then click Restart. 5 After your MacBook Air restarts, choose your preferred language when prompted. 6 Follow the onscreen instructions.
7 To control which parts of Mac OS X are installed, click Customize, and then select the parts you want to install. Click the disclosure triangle next to Applications to select the checkboxes for any applications you want to install. 8 Click Install to start the installation. 9 When the installation is complete, click Restart to restart your MacBook Air. 10 Follow the prompts in Setup Assistant to set up your user account.
4 Follow the onscreen instructions. In the Installation Type pane, click Customize. 5 Click the disclosure triangle next to Bundled Applications, select the checkboxes next to the applications you want to install, and then click Install. 6 When the installation is complete, click Close. 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.
AppleCare Service and Support Your MacBook Air comes with 90 days of technical support and one year of hardware repair warranty coverage at an Apple Retail Store or an Apple-authorized repair center, such as an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can extend your coverage by purchasing the AppleCare Protection Plan. For information, visit www.apple.com/support/products or visit the website address for your country listed later in the section.
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 Click the Finder icon and open /Applications/Utilities/System Profiler. Click Hardware in the Contents pane.
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. WARNING: 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.
Water and wet locations Keep your MacBook Air away from sources of liquid, such as drinks, washbasins, bathtubs, shower stalls, and so on. Protect your MacBook Air from dampness or wet weather, such as rain, snow, and fog. 45W MagSafe Power Adapter Make sure the AC plug or AC power cord is fully inserted into the power adapter before plugging the adapter into a power outlet.
MagSafe power specifications: ÂÂ Frequency: 50 to 60 Hz, single phase ÂÂ Line Voltage: 100 to 240 V ÂÂ Output Voltage: 16.5 V DC, 3.65 A 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.
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.
Industry Canada Statement Russia 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. Europe—EU Declaration of Conformity See: www.apple.
Türkiye Disposal and Recycling 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. For information about Apple’s recycling program, go to: www.apple.com/recycling.
Battery Disposal Information Dispose of batteries according to your local environmental laws and guidelines. Deutschland: Dieses Gerät enthält Batterien. Bitte nicht in den Hausmüll werfen. Entsorgen Sie dieses Gerätes am Ende seines Lebenszyklus entsprechend der maßgeblichen gesetzlichen Regelungen. Nederlands: Gebruikte batterijen kunnen worden ingeleverd bij de chemokar of in een speciale batterijcontainer voor klein chemisch afval (kca) worden gedeponeerd.
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Index A AC plug 10, 11 AC power adapter.
erasing a disk or internal flash storage 49 ergonomics 59 Exposé key 27 external display port 29 F F1 to F12 function keys 27 Fast-forward key 27 flashing question mark 41 Force Quit 40 four-finger swiping 33 frozen application 40 Function (fn) key 27 H hand positions, recommended 59 headphone port 29 Help, finding answers 35 I iChat application 25 iLife applications 36 installing DVD or CD Sharing Setup 16 IP masquerading 45 iSight video camera 25 K keyboard ergonomics 59 features 26 shortcuts 31
Q question mark, flashing 41 quitting an application 40 R rechargeable battery 34 Remote Disc 19, 20 resetting your password 43 Rewind key 27 right-clicking 31 rotating objects using trackpad 32 S safety general instructions 54 handling information 57 important information 8 power adapter 55 screen.
W waking your computer 21 Z zooming using the trackpad 32 Looking for Something? 71
KKApple Inc. © 2010 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.
