Macbook Air update on Tuesday?

[cyberwolf777]

Everybody's talking about the new MB and MBP, but in fact the MBA is overdue for an update as well.

Myself, I predict a minor update and a price cut:

model 1 ($1599)

1.6GHZ penryn LV (17W)
120GB HDD

model 2 ($2199)

1.83GHZ penryn LV (17W)
128GB SSD

CPU: at the time of the MBA release, intel did not have suitable processors for apple's plans, hence the custom made C2D solution for the MBA. the LV-penryn would be a definite improvement - practically the same speed but heat issues would be eliminated and battery life improved.

SSD: the cheaper model will have the 120GB drive used in the ipod classic and the SSD drive will be upgraded to a 128 GB version.

display: although it is unlikely, the MBA could see a high-res display, at least as an option - e.g. a backlit-LED WXGA+ display as seen in the lenovo X300!!!

chipset: it remains to be seen if the MBA will keep its intel chipset or also switch to NVIDIA. i personally don't think apple will make that change now since it would involve a major architectural redesign

What do you think, will there be an update announced on Tuesday and what do you expect?!

 

[jstanier]

I'm fairly sure that they will update it -- it makes sense to upgrade the whole notebook line while they are at it. I'm not really up on the latest mobile hardware, but what you're saying sounds sensible.

I can't see them doing adding any major new features though, as it's a fairly new laptop and concept as it is!

 

[Roller]

A larger HDD or SSD, an updated processor, maybe more RAM and improved graphics seem reasonable to expect. I don't think we'll see anything more, since none of the recent case leaks seem to be related to the Air.

 

[TJunkers]

I like your idea. It's not a massive upgrade but it's sufficient enough. I am getting a macbook air this tuesday and hope to see an upgrade like you mentioned. more space and better battery life alone is what i want. if they change the processor in anyway to make it more powerful, oh ill be in heaven! haha

 

[alexlovesmacs]

I think they will update them or drop the prices the invitation says "the spotlight turns to notebooks" so it's likely

 

[SirJ]

Remember the 3 or 4 price points the MB/MBP didn't cover?
MBA anyone?

 

[zer0tails]

well, i really hope they update the air! And not just price cuts but better storage that is not pata, 4,200 rpm.

 

[SFStateStudent]

I'm not holding my breath on the MBA update (since I purchased my 2nd MBA in August), I'm still leaning towards MWSF '09...

 

[BWhaler]

I don't think the Air is going to get an update. As an owner, I really hope they do, but I don't think it's going to happen.

I think the big announcement is going to be the redesign of the MB and MBP line. And perhaps the rumored $800 MB.

Air spec bumps would get lost in the news, and 128gb SSD are still super expensive. I think we will see the Air get updated in January.

I really hope I am wrong. I'd love to buy the next generation Air which fixes the heat/core issues, updates the GPU to something modern, and raises the 2gig to 4 gigs. (With quality.)

 

[ironman4life]

It would be nice to see it upgraded. I'm looking to buy one for the start of uni next year and would really like to see a larger hard drive and slightly cheaper. It doesn't really matter if they upgrade it now though, uni doesn't start until march next year.

 

[angemon89]

They updated the entire iPod line a couple weeks ago, I would think they'd do the same for the notebooks.

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

The invitation for the event next tuesday, said the spotlight turns to notebooks. the MBA however light and thin is still a notebook.

 

[CoolMacDude]

I'm going to stick my neck out and say that I would bet a good chunk of change that the MBA will definitely get at least a new hard drive option. The new 120gb hard drive that they used in the ipod classic is the same size as the current MBA drive. I would bet that if nothing else they would integrate that hard drive in to replace the smaller driver currently available.

 

[AppliedMicro]

I'm not holding my breath on the MBA update (since I purchased my 2nd MBA in August), I'm still leaning towards MWSF '09..

No need to wait for MWSF. I can't see the next revision MBA to come with anything "big" in it. Just a minor upgrade / speed bump, that could come at any given tuesday, really.

MacBook and MacBook Pro will be todays (already tuesday here in Europe ) big star's on stage. I do believe that the MacBook Air could be updated along these two as well. Here's hoping at least. I have been waiting for 8 months now.

But I'd guess it will be either just a press release from Apple, or not more than a short mention by Steve. If, if they really announce a a more affordable sub-900$ notebook, the Air's current price and configuration would seem somewhat ridiculous. The same is true if the MacBook gets an aluminum case.

In any case, I can't imagine them keeping the MBA at its current price / configuration through the holiday buying season. Think about it... an aluminum MacBook maybe won't have LED backlight, backlit keyboard, SSD and might weigh 1kg more. But otherwise it would really beat the crap out of the MacBook Air. Especially, if the latter is almost twice as expensive. That'd be totally ridiculous. Yet Apple should really want (!) to sell some MBAs. The MBA should provide higher dollar/unit sales, should be more profitable and boost their bottom lines than a sub-1000$ and/or aluminum MacBook.

So yes, the MBA is going to be updated in the next few weeks.

 

[mrcharlie91]

MacBook Air Update Confirmed

You can expect it to be updated tommorow.

Current MacBook Air's SSD bumps up to 128SSD

HDD TO 340GB

Also, you get 2.4 ghz intel core 2 duo. Graphics Nvidia Cards.

 

[AppliedMicro]

Let's look at this in metaphorical way:
Tomorrow could be like a family reunion.

The MacBook (finally) adopts the same chiclet keyboard like every other member in the family.
The MacBook (finally) adopts the same aluminum case like every other member in the family.
Seems to be some unifying theme there, right?
And what do we do at family reunions?
Make a great family picture!
Pa (17" MBP), Ma (15" MBP), son (13" MB) and little daughter (13" MBA) all together - that would really make a great family picture, wouldn't it?
If everything else gets a makeover, poor MacBook Air would really stick out as the odd one out without one.

So please Steve... don't let this happen.
(Besides, wouldn't it make an impressive line, to have "our entire notebook line-up updated today"?)

 

[zap2]

Personal I'd love to see the Air drop down to a netbook.

It can be a high end one

 

[glitch44]

You can expect it to be updated tommorow.

Current MacBook Air's SSD bumps up to 128SSD

HDD TO 340GB

Also, you get 2.4 ghz intel core 2 duo. Graphics Nvidia Cards.

you're not worried that a 5mm 340 GB doesn't exist and there isn't a low voltage 2.4GHz chip that could go in the Air?

 

[bobbleheadbob]

If they either drop the price or increase the specs tomorrow, then I'm probably in for a MBA before the holidays.

 

[AppliedMicro]

you're not worried that a 5mm 340 GB doesn't exist and there isn't a low voltage 2.4GHz chip that could go in the Air?

Obviously he was just kidding.

I mean... NVIDIA graphics and 2.4 GHz... Really?!?

 

[FFTWarren]

latest news

I want to purchase an MBA tomorrow whether it be the original or prepay on a new upgraded one. where do I look to get the latest info on the upgrades so I dont sit around trying to find out if they upgraded it. any info on where to look that will show me what notebooks have changed as soon as they release it. Is it just on the apple site that they just roll over and change the store page or hows it work. I want to purchase asap so I dont wanna be 600 tomorrow night b4 I know what notebooks got revamped. thanks for any help

 

[glitch44]

Obviously he was just kidding.

I mean... NVIDIA graphics and 2.4 GHz... Really?!?

oh... sometimes it's not too obvious around here for people's wishlists. there's an entire thread poll where 25% voted for a chip that doesn't exist. i assumed he was talking about the Nvidia MCP7A-U integrated chipset which is supposed to replace the intel x3100 in the new macbooks (instead of the intel x4500 everyone assumed they were moving to).

 

[AppliedMicro]

I want to purchase an MBA tomorrow whether it be the original or prepay on a new upgraded one. where do I look to get the latest info on the upgrades so I dont sit around trying to find out if they upgraded it

Macrumors.com front page.
Or just look at http://www.apple.com/macbookair

Is it just on the apple site that they just roll over and change the store page or hows it work. I want to purchase asap

Well then... once the event starts (or some minutes earlier) Apple's online store will go down. They will just give you something like a "Closed. Come back later" sign. Most Apple events are like 60-80 minutes long. When the event is over or near its end, the store will go back online within minutes, carrying current and new products. Let me make this clear: The online store carries only the latest models at any time. (On its main page, that is. You might be able to get older revisions at the refurbished section or other special deals involving older product).

Basically... Look at what time the event will start in your time zone.
Add 60 minutes.
The store should still be offline - but go back online within minutes.
Most probably once Steve has finished his presentation.
You can get live coverage online at Macrumors.com or other sites.

That should be it... anyone please correct me if I'm wrong on something. You know, I usually only check out my localized Apple store here in Europe. But things should work the same worldwide. At least in major countries.

 

[glitch44]

well, if the story on the front page is correct:

- M96, MB543LL/A $1,799.00 - MacBook Air
- M96, MB940LL/A $2,499.00 - MacBook Air

 

[cyberwolf777]

rumors so far have only talked about a harddisk upgrade.

it would be very strange if there was no processor upgrade - why would apple keep the inferior, 65nm C2D that obviously has heat issues?!?!