The new MacBook Air’s display hinge

I’ve been reading several comments on the New MacBook Air’s display hinge. Some people are saying that it should be tighter, that it tends to move on its own. And they fear that the hinge might loosen even more over time.

I agree that the hinge indeed does seem quite loose-fitting. But I think it’s meant to be that way. The relatively low amount of friction allows you to open the MacBook Air’s display with a single finger, just like in the TV ad. I can’t speak for the 13-inch model, but with the 11-inch model this actually works.

Where the low friction becomes most apparent is when you open the display to a vertical position. That last part between vertical and maximum opening angle offers even less friction than the 90 degrees from closed to vertical. While this may be due to some kind of manufacturing limitations, it could also be intended behaviour. Were the friction to be higher the machine would quite possibly tilt when you move the display beyond the vertical point, because of the leverage. You’d need to hold down the machine with your other hand. The way things are you can open the display all the way with just one finger. Video proof below.