APP1: Apple Premonition Part 1

The Macbook Air revision


It's long overdue with a revision of the Macbook Air, and with Intel's upcoming Sandy Bridge, Apficionados may soon get more than they hoped for. But rather than just update the internal components of the current revision edition, Apple could and should seize the opportunity to jump ahead of the competition once more.

Given the expected thinness of the new revision, Intel's integrated graphics will be used instead of a dedicated/discrete graphics card, saving both internal space, heat and power. I cannot see any alternative to this, if the external profile is to be kept roughly similar to now. Still, Sandy Bridge seems to shoulder sufficient strength to satisfy most usage scenarios. And with the feather plummet of SSD prices, a default of 128 or even 160 GB is to be expected as well. RAM should be in the 4 GB range, but I'm very doubtful as to the possibility to fit two ram slots into the cramped interior, so expect 4 GB to be both the minimum and maximum for the time being. Glass multitouch touchpad should also be standard, along with an updated screen. I expect the entire Macbook range to switch to a new screen tech from Apple, now that they've hit a new PR fasttrack with the iPhone retina display.

But, all of the above is pretty straightforward guesswork. What I think Apple will surprise the market with, is to offer not one but three sizes of the Macbook Air. An 11.5", a 13.3", and a full 15", thus defining a completely new market for worksize ultrathins. The expected specs should provide enough grunt to give many if not most users sufficient power to perform most tasks, while simultaneously offering the sleek, low-weight and sharp profile of the Air. Instant new market killer.
The 11.5" will be entry level, and might even replace the current Macbook if Apple can keep production cost low enough on the smallest Air. However, with the current market trends, I don't think Apple will discontinue the Macbook straight away, as having a clear entry level machine is good common sense until the new Air has carved a significant enough chunk out of the market.
Expect the 13.3" to take over the ultraportable business/premium segment which the current Air occupies at the moment, but with the potential to conquer a larger stake with less compromise demanding components.
Depending on Apple's pricing strategy, the 15" Air will either be for the high premium/envy segment, or maybe a more approachable, wider slot if Apple decides to aim for volume. But unless they switch strategy altogether, this is doubtful.

Whatever the price level, I sure would love to get my hands on a 15" Macbook Air.