Regular Fairer Platform readers know we are big fans of Apple Certified Factory Refurbished Macs. However, from time to time, especially during and just after a product transition, third-party resellers have even better deals on previous-generation yet new-in-box Macs. That said, MacConnection is blowing out the previous generation entry-level 2011 11-inch MacBook Air for just $749.

How good is this deal? For your reference, check out the 2011 refurbished 11-inch MBA with 1.6GHz i5 for the very same price and the perhaps more tempting 2012 11-inch MBA with 1.7GHz for $100 more. And, if you really must have the latest version new and untouched, Amazon has the 2012 entry-level 11-inch MacBook Air with two Thunderbolt ports and USB 3 for $949.

• [n] 11-inch MacBook Air 1.6GHz i5, $749 (999)
— 2GB, 64GB SSD, Thunderbolt
— Eligible for OS X Mountain Lion Up-to-Date Program
— MacConnection

• [r] 11-inch MacBook Air 1.6GHz i5, $749 (999)
— 2GB, 64GB SSD, Thunderbolt
— Eligible for OS X Mountain Lion Up-to-Date Program
— Apple Store

• 11-inch MacBook Air 1.7GHz i5 (MD223LL/A), $949 (999)
— 4GB, 64GB SSD, Thunderbolt, HD Graphics 4000
— Ships with Mountain Lion installed
— Amazon

• [r] 11-inch MacBook Air 1.7GHz Core i5, $749 (899)
— 4GB, 64GB SSD, Thunderbolt, HD Graphics 4000
— Eligible for OS X Mountain Lion Up-to-Date Program
— 2011 model, Apple Store

[n] new in-box, [r] refurbished

As always, Apple Certified Factory Refurbished Mac portables come with a new battery, new bottom shell and free shipping. Both MacConnection and Amazon offer free shipping, as well.

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— Refurbished 2012 MacBook Air from $849
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