The 2014 MacBook Air is available for sale at $100 discount, while rumors persist about the presence of a MacBook Air version that includes Apple's much-touted Retina Display hardware.
Apple announced recently that an updated MacBook Air with faster processors is available in select Apple stores at an unprecedented discount. The same laptop can be ordered from Apple's online store, with possible shipment being within 24 hours of ordering. A quick search of the online store revealed the 11-inch MacBook Air being sold at $899, while the 13-inch version is available for $999.
"Macs have never been more popular," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "And, today we've boosted the performance and lowered the price of MacBook Air so even more people can experience the perfect everyday notebook."
Users have the option of choosing between the Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors, which Apple claims to offer improved power-efficiency. The MacBook Air 13-inch version is rated to have a battery life of up to 12 hours, while the smaller 11-inch version is rated at just 9 hours.
Regarding performance, both the 11-inch and 13-inch version comes with a 1.4 GHx processor with Turbo Boost speeds of 2.7 GHz. Both MacBook Air versions have 4GB of memory, and is available with 128GB of flash storage. But, those wanting to upgrade to 256GB of flash storage will need to pay more - with 11-inch increasing to $1099, and the 13-inch to $1199.
Users may want to hold off on purchasing the 2014 MacBook Air now because there have been persistent rumors that Apple is going to release a 12-inch MacBook Air with the high-definition Retina display. These rumors go as far back as February 2013, but are starting to gather steam since the 2014 MacBook Air release.
There is no word exactly confirming when consumers will start seeing the MacBook Air with Retina display, but the general consensus is that it may be available later this year. This belief is based on Apple's prior practice of launching MacBook Air updates in June - first at the WWDC in June 2012, and the second in June 2013. But others have called this argument into question, arguing that Apple has already released the MacBook Air update and that it may simply hold off on releasing the Retina Display-version until next year.
It is believed, or rather hoped, that the new display will have improve power efficiency. And, it is possible that Apple will incorporate IGZO display technology as well. Because Apple may be releasing a 12-inch MacBook Air with Retina Display, it may be possible that consumers will not be seeing an 11-inch and 13-inch version with Retina Display any time.
For the budget conscious though, this should not be problem due to the basic MacBook Air's excellent performance track record. But for those wishing for higher performance, settling with the smaller 12-inch version may be the only option. Here is some information that may help you decide whether the Retina Display is right for you.
