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This article was published on July 20, 2011

Apple’s new MacBook Air and Mac Mini models get detailed


Apple’s new MacBook Air and Mac Mini models get detailed

Details of Apple’s new MacBook Air models, upgraded Mac Mini computers and new Mac Mini Server products have been given an early preview, detailing faster processors, increased storage capacity and more memory across devices, according to 9to5mac.

Apple is set to release two new MacBook Air models, increasing processing power with new i5 and i7 processors, allowing customers to upgrade available RAM to 4GB, and to utilise more flash storage with a new 256GB option for the 11.6-inch MacBook Air.

11.6 inch:

  • The base model will include a 1.6 GHz processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 64GB of flash storage.
  • The more expensive standard configuration also includes 1.6 GHz processor but upgrades the RAM to 4GB and the storage space to 128 GB.
  • A built to order model will also be available from the online store, this option includes a 1.8 GHz processor (first for an 11.6 inch MacBook Air), 4GB of RAM, and for the first time in an 11.6 inch MacBook Air, 256 GB of flash storage.

13.3 inch:

  • The base standard configuration includes a 1.7 GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128 GB of flash storage
  • The more expensive standard configuration also includes a 1.7 GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, but upgrades the storage to 256 GB.

Both the 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch MacBook Air models are not thought to sport a significantly upgraded design.

Apple has also just released its new Mac Mini update, maintaining the sleek alumninium unibody design but adding faster processors and more hard drive storage:

  • The base model will include a 2.3 GHz processor with 2GB of RAM, and 500 GB of hard drive storage space
  • The more expensive model will include a 2.5 GHz processor with 4GB of RAM, and 500 GB of hard drive space.
  • Finally, the new Mac mini line will also include a new server model with a 2.0 GHz processor, 4 GB of RAM, and two 500GB hard drives of storage. This new server model should include OS X Lion server, but that’s just a reasonable assumption.

The new Mac Minis are expected to be powered by Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors and will ship with Thunderbolt capabilities. Apple has decided to finally kill off the optical drive in the Mini, and there’s now an easily accessible port in the bottom for adding more RAM to the machine:

Apple is set to launch Mac OS X Lion via the Mac App Store on Wednesday and could possibly couple the launch of its new operating system with the unveiling of an upgraded line of MacBook Air and Mac Mini devices.

We will be monitoring Apple’s plans and will update you the minute the new operating system or new devices launch.

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