MacBook Air Retina: New 12-inch notebook to be slipped into the market quietly?

Macbook AirApple

Ever since the first rumor about a MacBook Air with a Retina display came out, waiting fans have been holding their breath for the release of this incredible device, especially when teasers added that it will be faster and quieter. 

Some are speculating that Apple will silently slip the new laptop in the market just like what it did last year. In April 2014, Apple released a MacBook Air with an upgraded processor without an exuberant press event. The company may follow the pattern. But this might also depend on the upgrades and new features that will be included in the laptop. 

Conversely, a new report from Taiwanese media source TechNews said that the Cupertino-based tech giant will hold an unlikely press event on Feb. 24. An elaborate press event is reportedly needed since other devices are rumored to be coming out with the MacBook Air with Retina display, presumably including the much-hyped Apple Watch. 

Apple introduced its first wearable device four months ago, which means that it will not be long before tech aficionados see the device. However, consumers have not heard a word from Apple since it announced its smartwatch in September. Apple simply said that the device will be released "early next year." 

Another report from another Taiwanese news website DigiTimes also claimed that Apple is ramping up the production of the 12-inch laptop for its launch in the first quarter. The 12-inch laptop is reportedly being manufactured by Taiwan-based manufacturer Quanta Computer who recently held a mass hiring to keep up with the demands and orders by Apple. 

Apple has yet to give light on when the rumored laptop will make an appearance, and if speculations about its specs are accurate.  These include: a 12-inch screen display, which is between the 11-inch and 13-inch variants of the current MacBook Air; an Intel Broadwell chip; and USB 3.0 Type-C yielding to a fanless design and thinner profile.