Apple Updates MacBook Air Line With Sandy Bridge, Thunderbolt and Backlit Keyboards

macbook air 2011
Alongside today's launch of OS X Lion, Apple has also released updated MacBook Air models covering both the 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch sizes. As had been previously rumored, the new models are based on Intel's Sandy Bridge platform, sport Thunderbolt connectivity for peripherals, and see the return of backlit keyboards. The new MacBook Airs are offered in the following configurations:

11.6-inch
- 1.6 GHz, 64 GB SSD, 2 GB RAM: $999
- 1.6 GHz, 128 GB SSD, 4 GB RAM: $1199

13.3-inch
- 1.7 GHz, 128 GB SSD, 4 GB RAM: $1299
- 1.7 GHz, 256 GB SSD, 4 GB RAM: $1599

Build-to-order customers can also choose to upgrade to a 1.8 GHz processor and additional solid-state storage.

With up to twice the performance of the previous generation, flash storage for instant-on responsiveness and a compact design so portable you can take it everywhere,* the MacBook Air starts at $999 (US) and is available for order today and in stores tomorrow.

“Portable, affordable and powerful, MacBook Air is the ultimate everyday notebook,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “MacBook Air features our most advanced technology and is an ideal match for Lion, especially with its new Multi-Touch gestures, full-screen apps, Mission Control and Mac App Store.”

The new MacBook Air models are available for order today and will be available in stores tomorrow. All models ship with OS X Lion preinstalled.

Related Roundup: MacBook Air
Related Forum: MacBook Air

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Top Rated Comments

GaresTaylan Avatar
175 months ago
1.7 Ghz? haha i remember buying a 2.4 white back in 2008 why would anyone subject themselves to such a slow processor

/facepalm
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KnightWRX Avatar
175 months ago
RAM was upgraded for 3 of the 4 configurations, storage is the same accross the line-up, battery life remains the same, and the backlit keyboard is back, hopefully killing all the threads about it in the process.

I think the best news today is the Mac Mini getting a dedicated GPU in one of its configurations.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
deadlystriker Avatar
175 months ago
it's finally out!! backlit keyboard yes!!!
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
knth Avatar
175 months ago
R.i.p

R.I.P White Macbook
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Starflyer Avatar
175 months ago
Goodbye white MacBook.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KnightWRX Avatar
175 months ago
Are you going to be whining on every single thread now?
Uh ? Where was I whining ? I was pointing out that the MBA's size and weight are both specs not to be ignored... :confused:

Geez, at least read my posts or put me on ignore if you don't like them.

I get called a whiner when I post negative Apple stuff, I get called a whiner when I post positive Apple stuff... There's just no pleasing any of you guys.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)