iFixit

Flipping the logic board to side B we find:

• SMSC USB25138 USB controller
• Hynix H5TC2GB3CFR DDR3L SDRAM
• MAXIM 15120G
• Texas Instruments Stellaris LM4FS1AH microcontroller
• Macronics MXIC MX25L6406E serial flash
• Texas Instruments TPS51980 synchronous buck controller
• Texas Instruments CD3210

Good news everyone! If you're ever faced with a nonfunctional trackpad, It seems replacing the trackpad remains as easy as ever.

A few notable chips we found on the trackpad:

• Silicon Storage Technology 25VF020
• Cypress Semiconductor CY8C24794 Microcontroller
• Broadcom BCM5976A0KU826

The display assembly is screwed to the upper case with six T9 torx screws.

• Because the display assembly is one of the few moving parts in the MacBook Air, these screws have to be pretty staunch.

In order to save weight in the MacBook Air, there is no protective front glass covering the LCD like there is on the MacBook Pro. This is also the reason for the aluminum bezel.

MacBook Air 13" Mid 2012 Repairability Score: 4 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair).

• Once you manage to take off the bottom cover, all the parts are pretty easily replaceable.
• Proprietary screws on the case require the right screwdriver.
• All the components—including RAM and SSD—are proprietary.

This is a difficult machine for us to recommend because of the lack of upgradeability. The RAM and SSD are not currently upgradeable, although SSD options may become available in time. While Apple's continued use of proprietary screws is helping our booming tool sales, it's a bad thing for consumers.