Apple launches faster (and affordable) new MacBook Air
What's the story
Apple has launched an upgraded new MacBook Air. The notebook looks similar to last year's model but packs improved internals and the reliable new scissor-switch style keyboard. Additionally, it has also become more affordable than the last time, making an ideal package for those who prefer to work and play on the go. Here's more about it.
Keyboard
Revamped MacBook Air with reliable keyboard experience
Ever since the 16-inch MacBook Pro debuted with the reliable scissor-switch or 'Magic keyboard', users had been wondering when it would trickle down to lower-end models. Now, that has happened and the annoying butterfly keyboard of MacBook Air has been ditched for scissor-switch. It brings 1mm of keyboard travel and inverted-T arrow keys to ensure the same glitch-free typing experience of the 16-inch model.
Performance
Performance has been doubled this time around
Along with the keyboard, Apple has also upgraded the internals on the MacBook Air, bringing in the newer 10th-generation Intel Ice Lake processors. The base model comes with a 1.1GHz dual-core i3 chip but paying a bit more would get you 1.2GHz quad-core i7, which can be clocked up to 3.8GHz. Apple says these chips promise up to two times faster performance.
Information
80% faster graphics performance
The new MacBook Air also packs Intel's new Iris Plus Graphics, which contributes up to 80% faster graphics performance in comparison to the previous Air model and allow for more seamless daily activities and gaming.
Storage
Storage has also been doubled
As for storage, Apple has doubled the offering on the base model of MacBook Air. Now, the notebook starts with 256GB of SSD instead of 128GB and can be configured all the way up to 2TB if needed. This comes as a major relief because a majority of MacBook Air users paying for the base model struggled with the storage on offer.
Pricing
Price now starts at $999
Apple has also added value to the visually similar but improved MacBook Air package by bringing its price down. Now, the base model of the notebook starts at $999, instead of $,1099, and if you choose to go for the i7 model, you'd have to pay $250 more. Going for the 2TB storage variant would add $800 on top of the original prices.
Information
Shipping to start sometime next week
The new MacBook Air 2020 is up for pre-orders and will start shipping sometime next week. However, due to the closure of Apple Stores around the world (except China), the only way to order one of these machines would be placing an online order.