Cracking Open the Apple MacBook Air (2011 13-inch): Removing the Broadcom mini-PCIe wireless card

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Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Head Technology Editor for TechRepublic. Previously he worked as a Technical Support Associate and Information Technology Manager in the social research and energy industries. Bill is a Microsoft Certified Professional with experience in Windows administration, data management, desktop support, and system security.

Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler has nothing to disclose. He doesn't hold investments in the technology companies he covers.

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2 Votes

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Editor

Yes and yes

Bill Detwiler - TechRepublic 26th Jul 2011

Reassembling the Air took about 10 minutes, and it work perfectly afterwards.

Many internal components, including the battery, can be easily replaced. The most difficult part of the process is removing the bottom cover's pentalobe screws. I was able to remove the screws with a small flat-head screwdriver, but I recommend getting a special pentalobe screw driver from an online reseller.

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Higher resolution image of back of the board?

fbg002 18th Sep

Thanks for this disassembly. Very cool. I am trying to assess damage to a macbook air motherboard (2011 13" model) after a spill. I need a closer view of the back of the board (especially towards the top, to the right of center, below the notch-like space along the top edge). None of your closeups seem to show exactly that area. Would you be able to provide a more detailed view? Thanks.

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2 Votes

+ -

Editor

Yes and yes

Bill Detwiler - TechRepublic 26th Jul 2011

Reassembling the Air took about 10 minutes, and it work perfectly afterwards.

Many internal components, including the battery, can be easily replaced. The most difficult part of the process is removing the bottom cover's pentalobe screws. I was able to remove the screws with a small flat-head screwdriver, but I recommend getting a special pentalobe screw driver from an online reseller.

View in thread

1 Vote

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Reassembly? Battery easy to replace?

sirhandel 22nd Jul 2011

Hi Bill
Nice disassembly. Did you reassemble and did it work OK? Looks like the battery is relatively easy to replace.
sirhandel

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