Enterprise Mobility: Apple's MacBook Air Packs a Punch

 
 
By P. J. Connolly  |  Posted 2011-07-26 Email Print this article Print
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Apple's MacBook Air has been refreshed with a Thunderbolt port and new processors; the 11-inch model is available in two base configurations, 2GB of RAM and 64GB of flash storage, or 4GB of RAM and 128GB of flash storage, while the 13-inch model offers two flash storage options—128GB and 256GB—and a stock configuration of 4GB of RAM. The 11-inch model's basic CPU is a 1.6GHz Core i5; the 13-inch model bumps that to 1.7GHz, and in either instance can be upgraded to a 1.8GHz Core i7 when purchased online. Online purchasers can also bump the flash storage of the MacBook Air to 256GB if needed. The 11-inch model starts at $999, and the 13-inch starts at $1,299; both use an Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor that shares 256MB or 384MB of main memory, depending on the configuration, and can drive an external video display at up to 2,560 by 1,600 pixels with millions of colors. All MacBook Air models include 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 4.0; other options include a USB to wired Ethernet adapter and DVI (Digital Video Interactive) and VGA video adapters.
 
 
 
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MacBook Air combines power and lightness

The new MacBook Air models became available in stores July 21; weighing less than 3 lbs., the 13-inch model shown here measures 12.8 inches across, and just under 9 inches from front to back.
MacBook Air combines power and lightness
 
 
 
 
 
P. J. Connolly began writing for IT publications in 1997 and has a lengthy track record in both news and reviews. Since then, he's built two test labs from scratch and earned a reputation as the nicest skeptic you'll ever meet. Before taking up journalism, P. J. was an IT manager and consultant in San Francisco with a knack for networking the Apple Macintosh, and his love for technology is exceeded only by his contempt for the flavor of the month. Speaking of which, you can follow P. J. on Twitter at pjc415, or drop him an email at pjc@eweek.com.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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