Apple releases updated MacBook Air with faster CPUs and lower prices

Apple has updated the MacBook Air lineup with updated faster Intel Haswell processors while slashing the price by $100. This means the MacBook Air is now the best value laptop on Apple's device lineup. The new MacBook Air models are available from Apple's U.S., U.K. and Canadian stores.

The base 11 inch and 13 inch MacBook Air models now feature 1.4GHz Intel Core i5 processors, up from 1.3GHz on the previous model. The 11 inch model starts at $899, while the 13 inch model costs $999. The new price drop also affects the 256GB models, which now sell for $1,099 and $1,199.

Overall graphics performance remains the same - the Intel i5 processor that Apple uses in the refreshed MacBook Air has the same graphics operating at the same speed as before. Other specs like Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0, are unchanged. The MacBook Air keeps 4GB RAM and 128GB flash storage in its base configuration, so memory and storage remain unchanged as well.

Battery life remains at an estimated 9 hours between charges for the 11-inch model, 12 hours for the 13-inch model. Apple says that power efficiency for iTunes movie playback has improved with this new CPU bump, however, if that's important to you.

If you're looking for Apple's lightest, most portable laptop, the MacBook Air is a better value than ever before. The refreshed processor isn't that much of a draw - it's the new lower price that's key.

Obviously if you have a 2013-era MacBook Air, this mild update isn't really worth jumping ship for - the performance update is negligible, and I doubt many Mac users will want to upgrade last year's model just to get improved battery playback while watching iTunes movies. Having said that, if you have an older MacBook Air and you're thinking about a replacement, now may be the right time.

The 11-inch MacBook Air may be a bit too small for some users; but it does have a full-sized keyboard and trackpad, which make working on it just like any other MacBook, except for the smaller screen.

The 13-inch MacBook Air, is a great choice for anyone who values light weight and easy portability over performance. This laptop can easily take you through a full day without needing a charge.

Keep in mind that the MacBook Air is meant for those looking for portability, while those who want a powerful performer should consider the MacBook Pro lineup instead.

With the newly reduced price, we cant help but wonder if Apple is getting ready to introduce a new Retina Display variant into its lineup later this year at the WWDC. While it may not happen this year, we recommend that those who have been waiting for it, may want to wait awhile longer to find out.

source - Apple ( US | Canada | UK)