Apple today updated the MacBook Air with next generation processors, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology, a backlit keyboard and Mac OS X Lion, the world’s most advanced operating system. With up to twice the performance of the previous generation, flash storage for instant-on responsiveness and a compact design so portable you can take it everywhere,the MacBook Air starts at $999 (US) and is available .
The processor included in your MacBook Air depends on the screen size you select. The 11-inch models with a 1.6GHz dual-core Core i5, where as the 13-inch models up that slightly to 1.7GHz. If you require something a little faster then it’s possible to select a 1.8GHz Core i7 chip in the 128GB 11-inch (+$150) and 256GB 13-inch (+$100) models.
As for the Thunderbolt port, it has been added to the right side of the laptop behind a USB 2.0 port. On the 13-inch model there’s also an SD card slot included.
One of the most desired features are: a backlit keyboard. Apple has included a sensor that adjusts the brightness of the light dependent on the lighting. This is combined with a glass multitouch trackpad. The other user-facing feature is of course the screen, which is a super thin LED backlit panel. You get a resolution of 1366 x 768 on the 11-inch and 1440 x 900 with the 13-inch.
Battery life is very good considering the hardware contained within each laptop. The 11-inch manages 5 hours, where as the larger battery the 13-inch takes that time up to 7 hours. Apple claims all MacBook Airs can survive 30 days in standby mode.
As you would expect with any new Apple product, these laptops aren’t cheap. The base 11-inch model is $999 with 64GB on-board storage and 2GB RAM. The 128GB and 4GB 11-inch model takes that price up to $1,199. Moving to the 13-inch model and the price starts at $1,299 for 128GB of storage and 4GB RAM. Increase that storage to 256GB and you pay an eye-watering $1,599.
