A new MacBook Air may arrive in July, bringing with it Apple's latest Lion-sized software. The updated range of super-slim laptops is expected to include powerful new Intel Sandy Bridge chips, a speedy Thunderbolt connection and Mac OS X Lion software.
9to5Mac reckons the new Air will offer a choice of 1.8GHz Intel Core i7, 1.7GHz Core i7 and 1.7GHz Core i5 dual-core processors. The word on the street is that the design won't change from that of the current 13-inch and 11-inch Air, which is fair enough -- if the Air were to get any thinner than today's models, it'd disappear into the space between molecules.
Sadly, that means there probably won't be a black version, which was another recent rumour. MacBook Noir, anyone?
As for the release date, Apple's tradition of launching products on a Tuesday points to 12 or 19 July.
The new Air models will add Thunderbolt, Apple's new port for transferring data at head-spinningly high speeds. Thunderbolt combines a PCI Express port and DisplayPort to chuck data at other devices at up to 10Gbps, and it could replace the Mini DisplayPort connection on the existing Air -- the Air's slimline design means space is at a premium, and there's barely room for the two USB sockets on the latest model as it is.
The new Air will run the upcoming Mac OS X Lion operating system, which adds 250 new features. The new Air will probably be the first to show off Lion, with its iPhone- and iPad-inspired Mission Control for apps, full-screen apps and various auto-saving options.
Apple laptops, desktops and mobile devices will also be able to access the new online syncing and storage service iCloud sometime in the autumn.
Which features would you like to see coming to the Air? What Apple goodness would tempt you to part with your hard-earned moolah for a new slimline MacBook? Air your views in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.
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spudayto 30 June, 2011 14:35
I would take a punt on this. Wonder what the graphics card would be like though. Could it handle a little photoshop work?
Anonymous 30 June, 2011 14:40
I have recently decided to abandon windows -possibly- forever because for two years now I have prefered using my iPhone instead of my awful pc running vista.
So for a couple of weeks now I have been torn between MacBook pro and air. I couldn't decide if I wanted performance or sleek sexy portability.
Now it looks like I get both if I wait a couple of weeks :-)
What's the deal with apple never setting a specific release date for anything though? Will the new MBAs just suddenly appear in their stores one morning without warning?
Anonymous 30 June, 2011 19:23
Hoping for a backlit keyboard on the new MacBook Air. This seems to be one of THE most longed for features!
anonymous 30 June, 2011 23:18
Try running either XP or Win 7, you won't hate Windows as much.... you will still hate it... just not as much lol
Anonymous 1 July, 2011 12:23
YES! BACKLIT KEYBOARD!
Anonymous 6 July, 2011 22:24
sandy bridge on Macs.... hmm there goes linux on mac for a while until Intel fixes the sandybride probs on linux. Hopefully DarwinPorts may help fix the issues that linux users have been experiencing, but it may take some time. Perhaps MacOs will help push Intel on this with their need of BSD-related drivers
Anonymous 11 July, 2011 08:26
I own a latest MBA 13.3", and I would say that the ultimate feature for me would be a TOUCH SCREEN.
What would you think of an iOS like interface, a bigger-than-iPad screen, and a real physical keybord, all of these rolled-up in the ultra lightweight but still powerful MacBook Air.
Of course, I'd enjoy a backlit keyboard too.
Anonymous 14 July, 2011 16:19
I wish the new macbook air will have the same black bazel as its bigger Pro sibling, it will look much nicer. Someone suggested touchscreen but it won't be possible, at least not when Job is still around. Since both keyboard and touchscreen have the similar function, it makes no sense to have both on the same device, do remember one thing "simplicity is beauty", that is the reason why we are all fond of Apple, because it is sleek, clean and simple.
Last but not least, I sallute Job because Apple products don't have the ugly "Intel inside", "Windows 7", "Graphics by Nvidia" kind of stickers at all. These stickers are a complete put off.
Anonymous 13 August, 2011 02:04
I love the mac air - if it was black I would have already bought one,Im keeping my old old uprated mac book black until then-like thousands of other potensial buyers