Review: New and faster 13-inch Apple MacBook Air

Apple MacBook Air that started its journey in 2008 as the World’s Thinnest Notebook still stands out in the global technology market. Apple unveiled the revamped version of its 13-inch MacBook Air on July 20, 2011 along with its 11-inch model. The 13-inch MacBook gained large reputation as it came to be identified as one of top-notch laptops. Apple slotted in Intel’s Sandy Bridge dual core processor (Core i5 and Core i7 options available), Thunderbolt ports and backlit keyboard on the new 13-inch MacBook. Beyond these features, Apple kept up the same form factor of the device’s 2010 October upgrade.

Apple 13 inch MacBook-Air

What is it?

There may be no technology buffs on the planet without having some knowledge about Apple’s MacBook Air laptops. The Cupertino-based technology firm has a tradition of adding some genuine innovation on any products that roll out of its furnace. We have simply witnessed the successes of iMac computers, iPods, iPhones, and iPads this way. Of course, MacBook Airs are also among them. Apple launched the first model of its much-acclaimed MacBook Air in 2008. Later, the upgrades happened in mid 2009, October 2010, and finally in July 2011.

Key features:

The new MacBook Air is running on the high performing CPU available in the market at this point of time. It is Intel’s Sandy Bridge processor. In addition, the 13-inch device sports some other peculiar features such as Intel Thunderbolt ports, a lighter and thinner aluminum body, and a backlit keyboard. The system plays on Apple’s most recent Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, touted as one of best Mac OS upgrades ever.

What’s innovative

In fact, Apple introduced no more changes to the form factor of the previous MacBook Air. However, the company reinstated a backlit keyboard on the first-rate laptop. The feature was there on the original version of the gadget. However, Apple later took it away, but the persuasive demands from customers have forced Apple to return the frenzied feature.

Price and availability

Thanks to the incredible features and capabilities, the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air does not come cheap. You need to spend at least $1,299 to get a low-end version of the system. On spending $1,599, you will get the premium model. You can get the computer from Apple Stores and other leading online vendor portals.

Accessories:

Thanks to the Intel Thunderbolt ports, Apple’s Thunderbolt-enabled display is a featured accessory with the MacBook Air. You can stream the video and picture contents from MacBook Air into the display and watch in excellent quality.

The upside:

Intel Sandy Bride processor: MacBook Air 13-inch comes with the most sophisticated chip technology from Intel. The laptop features both Intel dual-core Core i5 and Core i7 processors. You can choose between them based on your system performance requirements.

Intel Thunderbolt ports: It is the most advanced port technology in the market. Thunderbolt ports provide 20 times better transfer speed than USB 2.0. With the Thunderbolt ports, you can hook up the laptop with Apple’s Thunderbolt-enabled display for viewing contents on a large platform.

Mac OS X 10.7 Lion: MacBook Air comes preinstalled with the latest Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, which is showed off as having more than 250 fresh features including Apple iCloud supportability.

Backlit keyboard: After the 2008 version of MacBook Airs, Apple reintroduced backlit keyboards on MacBook Airs in 2010.

Battery life: Thanks to the largely energy efficient components inside, MacBook Air’s 50Wh battery offers six hours of life.

The downside:

Along with the cutting-edge features, analysts have pointed out a few shortfalls of the Apple laptop. Keys of MacBook Air are little bit shallow, complain some analysts. Besides, Webcam of MacBook Air could have the High Definition capability. One another downsize of the laptop is that it does not have high resolution or matte screen option.

The bottom-line

Apple shows off the new MacBook Air 13-inch as the Ultimate Everyday Notebook in the world. Of course, in some sense, the claim is exactly true. We have no more rival products to defy Apple MacBook Air in all aspects. Sony VAIO Z, Samsung Series 9, and Dell XPS 15z are the laptops that have lifted challenge to MacBook Airs in some aspects of tech specs and features. Apple MacBook Air gains momentum in the market, because it enjoys a brand name than others. Apart from all its competitors, MacBook Air benefits from the position that it is a product from Apple the company that has been producing only high-quality gadgets since its existence.