Congratulations, you and your MacBook Air were made for each other.
Say hello to 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 Leopard www.apple.com/macosx Time Machine Automatically back up and restore your files. Quick Look Instantly preview your files. Spotlight Find anything on your Mac instantly. Mac Help quick look Mac Help spotlight iPhoto Share photos on the web or create books, cards, and calendars. iMovie Make a movie and share it on the web with ease. GarageBand Create your own song with musicians on a virtual stage. iWeb Build websites with photos, movies, blogs, and podcasts.
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 35 36 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
44 49 50 50 52 52 55 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 61 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 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.
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. 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 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. When you turn on the computer, you’ll hear a tone and see the sleep indicator light turn on. ® Power button ® Trackpad Sleep indicator light 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.
If the other computer is a Windows computer or a Mac with a Mac OS X version earlier than 10.5.5, insert the Mac OS X Install DVD 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 Windows computer, choose “DVD or CD Sharing” from the Install Assistant that starts automatically.
2 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. 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.
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. You can choose the items (user accounts, documents, movies, music, photos, and so on) that you want to migrate to 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 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: Â 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). 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 and the display brightness according to the available light in your operating environment. Built-in iSight camera and camera indicator light Videoconference with others using iChat, 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 esc F1 Brightness keys 28 F2 F3 F4 F5 keys F6 F7 Keyboard illumination keys Chapter 2 Life with Your MacBook Air C Media ’ Media Dashboard key Exposé key 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 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 Mini DisplayPort. 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. The speed of the pointer varies based on how quickly you move your finger across the trackpad. To fine-tune the tracking speed and set other trackpad options, choose Apple () > System Preferences and then click Trackpad. Here are some useful keyboard and trackpad tips and shortcuts: Â Forward deleting deletes characters to the right of the insertion point.
 Secondary clicking or “right-clicking” lets you access shortcut menu commands. To secondary click, place two fingers on the trackpad while clicking the trackpad button. If Tap to Click is enabled, just tap two fingers on the trackpad. 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.
 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.
 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. Running Your MacBook Air on Battery Power When the 45W MagSafe Power Adapter isn’t connected, your MacBook Air draws power from its built-in rechargeable battery.
You can determine whether the battery needs charging by looking at the indicator light on the MagSafe connector. If the light is glowing amber, the battery needs to be charged. If the light is glowing green, the battery is fully charged. You can also check the amount of battery charge left by viewing the Battery ( ) status icon in the menu bar.
a Type a question or term in the Search field, and select a topic from the returned list or select Show All Results to see all topics. b Choose Mac Help to open the Mac Help window, where you can click links or type a search question. More Information For more information about using your MacBook Air, see the following: To learn about See Troubleshooting your MacBook Air if you have a problem Chapter 3, “Problem, Meet Solution,” on page 39.
To learn about See Using AirPort Extreme wireless technology The AirPort Support page at www.apple.com/support/airport. Or open Mac Help and search for “AirPort.” Using Bluetooth wireless technology 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 Mac Help and search for “printing.
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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.
If you need to, you can also relaunch 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 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 the computer freezes or doesn’t respond.
 If that doesn’t work, try using Disk Utility to repair the disk. For more information, see “Using Disk Utility” on page 48. If your MacBook Air doesn’t turn on or start up Try the following suggestions in order until your computer turns on:  Make sure the power adapter is plugged into the computer and into a functioning power outlet. Be sure to use the 45W MagSafe Power Adapter that came with your MacBook Air.
If the screen 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. To see how much the battery has charged, look at the Battery ( menu bar.
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. 3 When the Apple Hardware Test chooser screen appears, select the language you want to use. 4 Press the Return key or click the right arrow button. 5 When the Apple Hardware Test main screen appears (after about 45 seconds), follow the onscreen instructions.
 Use Disk Utility to repair the MacBook Air hard disk Note: You can also do these tasks using a MacBook Air SuperDrive (available separately at www.apple.com/store). See page 49. To use Remote Install Mac OS X: 1 Insert the Mac OS X Install DVD 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. (Unless the other Mac already has Mac OS X v10.5.5, you might need to install this application.
6 Restart your MacBook Air and hold down the Option key as it starts up, until you see a list of available startup disks. 7 Click Continue in Remote Install Mac OS X. 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.
Before you install Mac OS X: 1 Back up your essential files. Apple recommends that you back up the information on your hard disk before restoring software. You can do this by connecting the MacBook Air SuperDrive and burning important information to DVDs or CDs, or by attaching an external hard drive to the USB port on your MacBook Air. Apple is not responsible for any lost data. 2 Make sure your power adapter is connected and plugged in.
Resetting Your Password You can reset your administrator password and passwords for all other accounts. To reset your password, using a partner computer and Remote Install Mac OS X: 1 Follow the procedure for using Remote Install Mac OS X beginning on page 45. 2 Click Continue in Remote Install Mac OS X. 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.
Reinstalling Software Using the MacBook Air SuperDrive To install Mac OS X and the applications that came with your MacBook Air, using a MacBook Air SuperDrive: 1 Connect the MacBook Air SuperDrive to your MacBook Air and insert the Mac OS X Install DVD to install Mac OS X or the Applications Install DVD to install the bundled applications. 2 To install Mac OS X, double-click Install Mac OS X. To install applications, double-click Install Bundled Software.
3 Choose Installer > Open Disk Utility. When Disk Utility opens, follow the instructions in the First Aid pane. 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.
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) 1-300-321-456 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” to cycle through 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. Proper handling Set up your MacBook Air on a stable work surface that allows for adequate air circulation under and around the computer.
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.
Battery Discontinue use of your battery if your MacBook Air is dropped or if your battery appears crushed, bent, deformed, or damaged. 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. Hearing damage Permanent hearing loss may occur if earbuds or headphones are used at high volume.
Important Handling Information NOTICE: Failure to follow these handling instructions could result in damage to your MacBook Air or other property. 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.
Cleaning your MacBook Air screen To clean your MacBook Air screen, first shut down your MacBook Air and unplug the power adapter. Then use the cleaning cloth that came with your MacBook Air to wipe the screen. Dampen the cloth with water if necessary. Do not spray liquid directly on the screen. 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.
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 Warning Statements Wireless Radio Use This device is restricted to indoor use when operating in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency band. 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 50 ambient light sensor 27 AppleCare 53 Apple Hardware Test, using 43 Apple Remote 27, 38 application freeze 40 applications Front Row 27, 38 iChat 27 iLife 37 Keynote 27 B battery charging 35 location 27 performance 35 storing 61 blinking question mark 41 brightness keys 29 70 Looking for Something? built-in speaker 27 button, power 12, 27 C camera.
Fast-forward key 29 flashing question mark 41 Force Quit 40 forward delete 32 four-finger swiping 35 Front Row application 27, 38 frozen application 40 Function (fn) key 29 H hand positions 62 headphone jack 31 Help, finding answers 36 I iChat application 27 iLife applications 37 illuminated keyboard 27 infrared receiver (IR) 27 installation discs 9 installing DVD or CD Sharing Setup 16 iSight video camera 27 K keyboard ALS sensor 27 ergonomics 62 features 28 shortcuts 33 See also keys keyboard illuminat
USB 2.
service and support 52 using Mac Help 53 See also problems turning on your computer 12 two-finger pinching 33 two-finger rotating 34 typing position 62 U updating software 52 USB connections 38 ports 31 V verifying a disk 48 video camera indicator light 27 Mini DisplayPort 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.
