Apple's 12" MacBook Air will be smaller than the current 11" model

Apple's MacBook Air has become a reference since it first appeared, and following it second generation it became a huge hit among every laptop user, forcing other makers to evolve into the the "ultrabook" era. Its upcoming 12" MacBook Air might take things even further, shrinking down to an even smaller size than the smallest one currently available.

New MacBook Air have much slower SSD drives

The new MacBook Air line is cheaper and comes with the latest Intel CPUs, which is a great thing. However, there seems to be a slight - or not so slight - snag when it comes to SSD performance, with the new MacBooks performing a lot worse than previous year's models.

While it is expected for the 128 and 256GB SSD versions to have different performance (bigger drives allow for enhanced performance by performing read/write accesses in parallel), there's nothing that can explain why, for similarly sized drives, the new models to be up to three times slower.

For a simple unzipping test, the new MacBook Air took over 86s for something the previous model could do in roughly 43s (for the 256GB version); and over 127s for something previously done in 46.6s (in the 128GB model).

Until things get sorted out: to see if there's some firmware/driver glitch; or if there are different batches with different SSD suppliers than can explain such a big performance differente; it's probably best for you to delay your new MacBook Air acquisition. If this comes to be the norm, then you might be better off finding a used 2013 model as, for most common types of usage, it's better to have a slightly slower CPU but a faster SSD than the opposite.

Apple silently Acknowledges MacBook Air WiFi Problems

If you couldn't resist one of the new MacBook Air ultrabooks from Apple (and you wouldn't be alone, as it's one of the most desirable computers, offering enough computer power with an ultra long battery life), then you might find yourself in a awkward situation as there are an increasing number of reports of WiFi connection problems. While Apple still hasn't officially acknowledge it, it has instructed Apple Store staff to  "capture" problematic MacBook Air computers should they come across one of those units.

I find it funny for Apple to use the word "capture" instead of issuing a recall, because it makes me imagine MacBook Air computers evading capture at all costs, like if they were trying not to get fixed. But in any case, it's better for everyone that Apple is replacing those units instead of plainly denying there's anything wrong with it... like they did with the network / SIM card problem I (and lots others) had with the iPhone 4S, and that went un-acknowledged for month.

So, if you have one of the latest generation MB Air, be sure to thoroughly test your WiFi connection and contact Apple for a replacement if you find something wrong with it. Better be safe than sorry.

New MacBook Air, Mac Mini, OS X Lion and Thunderbolt Displays

Apple finally presented the new (and expected) MacBook Air, OS X Lion, Mac Mini, and... a Thunderbolt Display that replaces the precious Cinema Displays.


New MacBook Air

The new and improved MacBook Air starts at $999 and becomes the entry level Apple laptop (the white plastic MacBooks are now gone). But don't be fooled by its compact size, as the new Airs are more powerful than ever and now have Thunderbolt ports.

You now get Intel Core i5 CPUs as standard, and even the option to upgrade it to a Core i7. Also, you get OS X Lion, and... one of my favorites: backlit keyboards.

Models starts with a 1.6Ghz Core i5 with 2GB Ram and 64GB SSD, and 1366x768 screen (and 5h battery life); while 13" models get a 1.7Ghz i5, 4GB Ram and 128GB SSD, as well as a higher resolution 1440x900 display.


OS X Lion

With over 250 new features, changes and improvementes OS X Lion gets most of its inspiration from the mobile area (iOS) and will surely require an adjustment period for users and developers alike. It's available for download for $29.99 and will be available in a USB pen as well... for $69.99.

(There's also a new 64bits iTunes with fullscreen support.)


Mac Mini

Just like the new Airs, the new Mac Mini is now more powerful than ever, with Core i5 ou i7, Thunderbolt, AMD Radeon HD graphics, and Mac OS X Lion. Starting at $599 it comes with 2GB de RAM, 500GB harddrive, and a 2.3Ghz Core i5 - that can go up to 3,4Ghz thanks to Turbo Boost 2.0.

You also get Ethernet gigabit, FireWire 800, HDMI, SDXC, audio in/out, Thunderbolt (up to 6 devices), and four USB ports. You can get faster CPUs, 8GB RAM, and even - should you afford it - a 500GB SSD (2x 256GB).


Thunderbolt Displays

Last but not least, Apple pushes forward with the Thunderbolt revolution, and the once iconic Cinema Display now become the Thunderbolt Displays.

These 27" LED backlit LCDs (2560 x 1440) come with 2.1 speakers, MagSafe charger, 3 USB ports, 1 FireWire 800 port, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port and... a passthrough Thunderbolt port to connect up to 5 other Thunderbolt devices.

When you connect your Thunderbolt Mac to one of these displays, you're automatically connected to all these extra ports - making it the "perfect" docking station. And before you think of it... no, you cannot connect 6 such Displays in daisy chain mode - that would be awesome, I know - you're limited to connecting only two... at least for now.

Apple MacBook Air

And there it is, Apple's new toy. Get ready to see heads turn, endless staring sessions, and lot's of broken hearts: Apple's newest MacBook Air.

It's impossible not to look at it without wanting to forget - just for a moment - that our bank accounts don't hang in a delicate balance. This is the new "I want one of those!" flagship.

Technically, nothing truly revolutionary - just that it's the thinnest laptop ever and that it comes with a supersized multitouch capable trackpad.

If on the design department Apple continues to reign supreme, there are already a few issues that have raised some attentions: it has an internal battery that can't be replaced by end-users (unless you like modding and adventures.)
However, this is just like what happens with iPods and iPhones alike - assuming Apple is using high quality batteries (and there's no reason to assume they don't,) you shouldn't need to worry about it for many long years.

The other issue... well... have you seen the 64GB SSD option? It sounds really nice, doesn't it? Considering the extra performance, it would be a match made in heaven... until you learn of the price: an extra $1,300! Ouch!

Well, that's not enough to make me change my mind. I want one, please. And with all the extras! :)