With the launch of its OS X Lion operating system, Apple also updated their Macbook Air line of notebook computers. The thinnest and super powerful notebooks are now even faster. Here is a quick run down on the updated specs which matter most:
Intel core i5 & i7 processors:
The new airs come with Intel’s Sandy bridge based core i5 processors and also offer configuration options to upgrade to the more powerful core i7 processor. These processors are about 2 times more faster than their predecessors thus taking Macbook air’s performance to the next level.
Thunderbolt I/O port:
The new airs have the mini display port replaced with the super fast Thunderbolt port which supports data transfer up to 10 Gbps on each of its two channels. It supports high resolution displays and data devices over one small port.
Backlit keyboard:
Do not know why apple removed this from the 2010 edition of its Macbook air, but the most loved hardware feature is back in the 2011 edition! The in built ambient light sensor adjusts the keyboard’s backlit and display brightness according to the light in the room.
OS X Lion pre loaded:
Needless to say, the new Macbook Airs come pre loaded with Apple’s latest OS X, the Lion.
The rest of the specs are pretty much same:
- All flash storage options up to 256 GB
- Memory (RAM) upgradable to 4GB
- Up to 7 hours of battery
- SD card slot on 13.3” models
- Multi touch trackpad
- FaceTime camera
The price ranges from $999 to $1599 (depending on which model you choose and what customizations you do). These are now available on the online Apple store.
UPDATE: The price ranges from INR 56,900 to INR 89,900 in India.