Despite Apple’s claims that it would not be launching a netbook device, rumor has it that the company will be releasing a new MacBook Air – with a mere 11.6″ screen size.
Designed to replace the existing model, firm details of the up-coming ultra-portable notebook are thin on the ground – but if true, would mark one of the smallest notebooks Apple has ever made.
It’s true that it wouldn’t precisely class as a ‘netbook’ per se – the processor, memory, hard drive, and graphics capabilities of the MacBook Air far outclass anything that appears in that particular category, making the Air more of an ultra-portable – and an 11.6″ model an ultra-ultra-portable.
Due for release towards the end of this year, industry rumour mill DigiTimes suggests that the Cupertino-based company will be looking to ship around half a million units by the end of the year – although doesn’t indicate if that’s a world-wide figure or just for US markets.
The rumored device will have a processor upgrade to Intel’s latest 2010 editions of the Core range – most likely a Core i3 consumer ultra-low voltage processor – and an LED backlight display, both of which should contribute to a lengthened battery life compared to its chunkier predecessor – despite the boost in performance that the new processor will provide.
There’s no clue yet as to whether the hardware refresh – which is long overdue, with the MacBook Air’s specifications seeming a little long in the tooth for the high price premium you’ll pay – will address some of the major concerns of the original: it would be nice, though unlikely, to see a user-replaceable battery in the new, smaller model, and additional USB ports to replace the solitary port on the original would also be very welcome – especially given the device’s lack of internal optical drive.
Another feature which vexed buyers in its absence from the original MacBook Air was a wired Ethernet port: while wireless connectivity was integrated, many users who found themselves at a desk for any length of time preferred, for reasons of security and speed, to use a wired connection – which required an extra-cost dongle and the use of the sole USB port on the device.
Apple is, as usual, keeping tight-lipped about its plans – or lack thereof – but if it’s looking to get the new device out in time for the holiday season rush as DigiTimes suggests, it’s going to have to hurry up and launch.
Via : geekwithlaptop
Designed to replace the existing model, firm details of the up-coming ultra-portable notebook are thin on the ground – but if true, would mark one of the smallest notebooks Apple has ever made.
It’s true that it wouldn’t precisely class as a ‘netbook’ per se – the processor, memory, hard drive, and graphics capabilities of the MacBook Air far outclass anything that appears in that particular category, making the Air more of an ultra-portable – and an 11.6″ model an ultra-ultra-portable.
Due for release towards the end of this year, industry rumour mill DigiTimes suggests that the Cupertino-based company will be looking to ship around half a million units by the end of the year – although doesn’t indicate if that’s a world-wide figure or just for US markets.
The rumored device will have a processor upgrade to Intel’s latest 2010 editions of the Core range – most likely a Core i3 consumer ultra-low voltage processor – and an LED backlight display, both of which should contribute to a lengthened battery life compared to its chunkier predecessor – despite the boost in performance that the new processor will provide.
There’s no clue yet as to whether the hardware refresh – which is long overdue, with the MacBook Air’s specifications seeming a little long in the tooth for the high price premium you’ll pay – will address some of the major concerns of the original: it would be nice, though unlikely, to see a user-replaceable battery in the new, smaller model, and additional USB ports to replace the solitary port on the original would also be very welcome – especially given the device’s lack of internal optical drive.
Another feature which vexed buyers in its absence from the original MacBook Air was a wired Ethernet port: while wireless connectivity was integrated, many users who found themselves at a desk for any length of time preferred, for reasons of security and speed, to use a wired connection – which required an extra-cost dongle and the use of the sole USB port on the device.
Apple is, as usual, keeping tight-lipped about its plans – or lack thereof – but if it’s looking to get the new device out in time for the holiday season rush as DigiTimes suggests, it’s going to have to hurry up and launch.
Via : geekwithlaptop
