MacBook Air Updates May Be On The Way--But Does Anyone Still Care?

Apple's super-thin MacBook Air may be about to receive an update if a recent tip-off is accurate.

According to MacWorld Australia, an individual claming to have reliable Apple intel says that an update to the thinnest Apple portable could be on the way. The source says that a new product number recently surfaced in an internal Apple database, sparking an expected curiosity. However, although the listed product number (MC516LL/A K87 BETTER BTR-USA) does not explicitly outline that an updated Air is on the way, the source believes that low supply levels means that a refreshed MacBook Air is in the cards..

Apple first announced the MacBook Air at Macworld Expo in 2008. Since then the portable has seen a small number of revisions - The last of these was made available during the summer of 2009. So with an update long overdue, what would an updated MacBook Air offer? Electronista speculates that an updated MacBook Air could include RAM upgrades, new low-voltage Core i5 or i7 processors, new SSD options, and an upgraded graphics chipset.

MacBook Air's Future?

But if an update to the MacBook Air is on the way, a more pressing question needs to be asked: How many people still care about the Air? Back in 2008 a Apple's ultra-thin laptop,was something of a desirable product for those looking for a lightweight mobile companion. But now in a world where smartphones are commonplace, netbook growth appears to be cooling off, and the tablet is starting to catch on, does the MacBook Air still have a place in the market? I find it hard to see where the MacBook Air is going, and beyond a massive price cut, Apple can do very little to make the slimline laptop attractive to the masses.

Do you have a MacBook Air? Would you like to see an upgrade to the slim laptop? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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