MacBook Air 11" notes
My favorite laptop is the adorable MacBook Air 11" 2015. I'll collect tips about them here; my board repairs page may also be helpful.
serials
Some websites are incorrect. I've personally checked these suffixes so far.
- 1.6 GHz, 4 GB:
GFWM,GFWN - 1.6 GHz, 8 GB:
GFWK,GFWL - 2.2 GHz, 8 GB:
GFWP
The i7 doesn't make a big difference, but the 8 GB RAM does. (The SSD is not soldered; I have a 1 TB Crucial P2 with the Sintech NVMe adapter.)
disassembly
Refer to iFixit.
Only lift the wifi cables by the metal part, or it will fall off, which is unfixable.
Adding two layers of cut sticky notes inside each screw hole seems to reduce creaking. Also, tighten the middle four bottom case screws (circled) first; this helps the laptop sit flat.
Logic boards will power on automatically with only the MagSafe board (both cables) and fan connected.
touchpad
Never clean the edges with isopropanol; it will seep in and cause discoloration. Scrape off any dirt with a plastic card instead.
Heating the board at 100 °C allows it to be peeled off.
Align the touchpad by inserting paper on all four sides before tightening the 12 philips screws at the top.
Adjust the calibration screw until it clicks uniformly and doesn't wobble with the keyboard upside down. If the bottom edge sits too high, replace the black foam (where the touchpad tabs go). Five layers of cut sticky notes worked for me.