This year's 13-inch MacBook Air features did not live up to the expectations of consumers as there was only a very slight update from the previous model.
Apple has given the new 13-inch MacBook Air a bump on its processor from 1.3GHz to 1.4GHz. Also, the company increased the battery capacity of the device given that the processor will require more power. The new battery boasted a capacity of up to 12 hours. However, the design and other features remained exactly the same.
Moreover, the rumored Retina screen display did not make the cut and left the device with an average screen panel. Some of the key features of the 13-inch lightweight laptop are: 13.3-inch monitor with 1,440 x 900 screen resolution; 1.35kg; 128GB or 256GB SSD; 1.4GHz Intel Core i5; 4GB RAM; 2x USB 3.0; Mini DisplayPort / Thunderbolt 2.0; Memory card reader; 720p FaceTime camera.
It was initially speculated that the new generation of MacBook Air will have upgraded specs and features while maintaining a low price point. Apple indeed slashed a $100 off the previous price tag of MacBook Airs. The 13-inch notebook now costs $999. However, not much updates were seen when it comes to the laptop's features.
A lot of fans expected the screen of the MacBook to receive a facelift and get a Retina treatment. Intel HD Graphics 500, 4 GB RAM and 128 GB solid state internal hard drive were some of the features expected to come in the new laptop.
KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo predicted that the new MacBook Air will be "lighter and slimmer" than the current model so that it will be more portable. He also said that the laptop will pack a modified trackpad.
It was previously reported that the MacBook Air will be announced at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers' Conference in June alongside the company's software, iOS 8 and OS X 10.10, and other devices such as the upgraded MacBook Pro and new iMac. But Apple silently slipped the laptop in the market as it lacks fireworks.
