Apple is coming up with something new - a 12-inch MacBook Air that will strengthen Apple's leadership in the small to medium-sized ultra-thin notebook market, reports DigiTimes. And just like the other Apple gadgets out there, there's a lot of hype with this one.
A source told DigiTimes that "Quanta Computer will be responsible for the assembly of the 12-inch device... so far, they have not heard any changes coming to the 11- and 13-inch MacBook Air products." But why a 12-inch notebook then?
The source says that this is because the 11-inch model is similar to the iPad products already. And since the sales of the iPad are affecting the demand for the MacBook, Apple deemed it would be best to "establish a clear boundary between the two product lines."
What will Apple do with the 11-inch MacBook Air then? The source says that there are no plans yet, but "phasing out the device is a logical plan for the long term."
What makes the new Macbook Air better? For one, its design for the internal layout and battery has changed. Next, a Retina display is expected of the new machine. However, its industrial design is similar to the usual unibody aluminum chassis.
The original plan to mass produce the Macbook Air Retina is supposed to be done on the second half of 2014, but the production has been delayed to the next quarter instead.
The Macbook Air Retina is believed to have a cheaper price tag, but with more energy-efficient processors, similar to the 2013 devices released by Apple. The unofficial name of this new power device is called iPad Pro, according to IBT.
Ming-Chi Kuo, trusted analyst, shared to IBT his thoughts about the new ultra-thin notebook. "With the 12.9" iPad, we think Apple will come up with a new user interface that's more innovative and intuitive, so that input will be as efficient as a device with keyboard." He also said that the iPad Pro is set for release next year.
