Tuesday, January 15,2008 @ 3:20pm
MacBook Air: live photos, new details
Apple today released its hotly anticipated MacBook Air ultraportable notebook at Macworld San Francisco. MacNN is on the scene at the expo's show floor and has taken photos of the new computer and has additional details about its more intricate features. Notably, Apple explains that the notebook's battery is non-removable; the size of the system and the placement of the MagSafe connector makes it impractical, according to the company. However, buyers disappointed in the lack of built-in Ethernet can buy a USB-to-Ethernet adapter ($29) that restores the functionality at the expense of the lone USB port.
Other details (more may appear with subsequent updates):
- RAM is not upgradable; users must use the 2GB supplied with the system.
- Users can custom-order the solid-state drive ($999) and faster 1.8GHz processor ($300) independently of each other.
- There is no audio input.
- It uses Bluetooth 2.1, which adds secure simple pairing and improves power use when idle.
- The MagSafe connector is proprietary, again due to the nature of the device. Apple has not said how well existing MacBook or MacBook Pro connectors will function.
- Micro-DVI supports up to 1920x1200, which lets it connect up to a 23-inch Apple Cinema Display or many 23-, 24-, and 27-inch LCDs.
- The folding door with side ports likely relies on an Apple collapsible port patent that partially folds the connectors when not in use.
