New 15-inch MacBook Air in development?
updated 01:30 pm EST, Fri January 16, 2009
15-inch MacBook Air?
Apple is working on a larger version of the MacBook Air, a Taiwanese site claims. Though the current 13-inch Air is focused on being as thin and small as possible, Apple is said to be building a 15-inch model as a companion. The system would be based on Intel's "latest" ultra-low voltage Core 2 processors, but no other specifications have been proposed.
Aside from increasing screen space, a larger Air could offer advantages such as an optical drive, faster processors and/or more ports. The original Air was roundly criticized for omitting a FireWire connection, which is used on many peripherals and can also speed up Mac-to-Mac transfers.
Such a system would however be even more expensive than the base $1,799 Air, and the Taiwanese site in question -- Apple.pro -- has had only partial success at predicting Apple hardware. While photos from July accurately reflected the unibody MacBook Pro, only some October images of a basic aluminum MacBook turned out to be accurate.
How about the MINI, Apple
01/16, 02:31pm reply
MAYBE Apple should first focus on updating their core machines, like the MINI and iMacs, before coming up with something like this.
Besides, a 15 inch Air is a TERRIBLE idea.
Here's an idea, Apple: A 12" AIR with the same length and width as the Powerbook G4.
THERE's your ultra thin, ultra mobile show-stopper.
AND UPDATE THE MINI ALREADY!!! It's embarrassing. Who wants to pay 600 bucks for two year old tech?
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
Great idea!
01/16, 03:09pm reply
I would be on that in a minute. Although, if you put the optical drive back -- in what sense is it an Air? Where's the weight savings going to come from?
Even in the present form factor, it looks like there's room for a larger screen. 13" is just too small. Other than that it's the perfect travel machine.
Mini, iMac... yeah, whatever. Update the Air, and PLEASE get the new Mac Pros out already!
bob_hearn
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2001
Nope
01/16, 04:13pm reply
Won't happen, they'd never be able to get it into that envelope ;)
slider
Mac Elite
Joined: Oct 1999
hmmm doesn't seem likely
01/16, 05:21pm reply
Someday the Macbook and Pro models may do away with the drive as wireless become more and more the choice of file transfers but I doubt an even more expensive Air 15in would make sense even in the best times. This is either a replacement for the 13in or someone's fantasy.
kerryb
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
why?
01/16, 07:13pm reply
I agree with the first poster. I would rather see a 12 inch air. With the proliferation of netbooks, Apple needs a smaller notebook (even if it is more expensive).
The last thing they need is a big 15 inch Macbook air...
Also, where is the new mini???
lamewing
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2004
What??
01/19, 08:03am reply
Aside from increasing screen space, a larger Air could offer advantages such as an optical drive, faster processors and/or mor e ports.
Um, this product already exists. It's called the MacBook Pro. Why would apple offer another form factor of a machine that they already have? I vote this rumor as non-logial
bjojade
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007