Source: Leaked MacBook Air photo is of new 11.6-inch model
An image that leaked late last week showing an unreleased base component of an Apple notebook design is believed to be of the company's forthcoming 11.6-inch MacBook Air, rather than the larger model, AppleInsider has been told.
The image that appeared on Engadget was said to be of a new 13-inch MacBook Air by the source that submitted. However, a person familiar with both new MacBook Air models -- Apple is said to be keeping the 13-inch in its portfolio -- tells AppleInsider that the unit in the photo more closely resembles the 11.6 model, which is code-named K18.
According to this person, the unit in the photo is indeed an earlier prototype, as the model Apple plans to release includes changes to the componentry, such as the internal batteries. However, the 13.3-inch model's internals are somewhat more distinguishable due to the added real-estate in its chassis, which don't match up with the photo, this person suggested.
A recent analysis of the photo conducted over the weekend also appears to corroborate this claim. While the analysis doesn't provide conclusive evidence that the model in the photo is of an enclosure suited for an 11.6-inch screen, it does show device to resemble a notebook closer to 10 inches than 13 inches.
Apple will introduce the new MacBook Airs on Wednesday at its Back to the Mac event, which is also expected to include some news on the next-generation Mac OS X operating system: 10.7 Lion.
The software has been making the rounds inside Apple under the internal code-name "Barolo" -- coined after the prestigious Italian wines from the Piedmont region -- since early 2010. It's expected to include at least one revolutionary new feature, in addition iOS device tie-ins such as a FaceTime framework.
For more on AppleInsider's breaking reports on the new MacBook Airs, please see:
Sources: Apple to unveil revamped 11.6-inch MacBook Air next week
More details surface on Apple's next-generation MacBook Airs
Apple's MacBook Air supply dries up as rumors of new 11.6-inch model persist
The image that appeared on Engadget was said to be of a new 13-inch MacBook Air by the source that submitted. However, a person familiar with both new MacBook Air models -- Apple is said to be keeping the 13-inch in its portfolio -- tells AppleInsider that the unit in the photo more closely resembles the 11.6 model, which is code-named K18.
According to this person, the unit in the photo is indeed an earlier prototype, as the model Apple plans to release includes changes to the componentry, such as the internal batteries. However, the 13.3-inch model's internals are somewhat more distinguishable due to the added real-estate in its chassis, which don't match up with the photo, this person suggested.
A recent analysis of the photo conducted over the weekend also appears to corroborate this claim. While the analysis doesn't provide conclusive evidence that the model in the photo is of an enclosure suited for an 11.6-inch screen, it does show device to resemble a notebook closer to 10 inches than 13 inches.
Apple will introduce the new MacBook Airs on Wednesday at its Back to the Mac event, which is also expected to include some news on the next-generation Mac OS X operating system: 10.7 Lion.
The software has been making the rounds inside Apple under the internal code-name "Barolo" -- coined after the prestigious Italian wines from the Piedmont region -- since early 2010. It's expected to include at least one revolutionary new feature, in addition iOS device tie-ins such as a FaceTime framework.
For more on AppleInsider's breaking reports on the new MacBook Airs, please see:
Sources: Apple to unveil revamped 11.6-inch MacBook Air next week
More details surface on Apple's next-generation MacBook Airs
Apple's MacBook Air supply dries up as rumors of new 11.6-inch model persist
Comments
Sorry, sorry, I shouldn't mention the "N" word here
So, we will get a Apple Netbook?
Sorry, sorry, I shouldn't mention the "N" word here
It’ll be the first netbook that doesn’t suck.
Apple has a habit of making things great. Look at the MP3 player, smartphone, and tablet computer, and you’ll understand what I mean.
It will be interesting to hear Jobs explain the lack of a full size keyboard on the 11".
Apple is introducing a new feature... as you get closer to this MBA your hands begin to shrink. Magic!
Apple is not making a phone.
Apple is not making a tablet.
Apple is not entering the ad market.
...
Apple is not making a netbook.
It will be interesting to hear Jobs explain the lack of a full size keyboard on the 11".
A keyboard with the dimensions of the Apple Wireless keyboard would fit on a 11.6" notebook so he won't have to.
It will be interesting to hear Jobs explain the lack of a full size keyboard on the 11".
He won't necessarily have to. If they screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio and not the current 16:10, the new MBA would not be much less wide than the current one. If Apple then went ahead a cut some off some of the unused margin on both sides of the keyboard and let the bottom part essentially look like the wireless keyboard, there would be enough space for a full-sized keyboard.
It will blend?
So, we will get a Apple Netbook?
Sorry, sorry, I shouldn't mention the "N" word here
Steve Jobs provided several reasons why he felt netbooks sucked:
1) They are underpowered (i.e. use Atom processors)
2) The screens are of terrible quality
3) They use cramped/undersized keyboards
An 11.6" Air would be none of those things:
1) It won't use an Atom processor (it will likely be Core2 duo or an AMD equivalent to an i3/i5 to get around the integrated graphics issue)
2) Apple generally uses some pretty good displays
3) A full size keyboard fits in a 16:9 11.6" laptop (easily once you add space for the bezel)
In short an 11.6" MBA would not be a netbook. It would be an ultraportable, which is what the current Air is as well.
Apple is not switching to Intel.
Apple is not making a phone.
Apple is not making a tablet.
Apple is not entering the ad market.
...
Apple is not making a netbook.
Um, your point (other than snarkieness)?
A keyboard with the dimensions of the Apple Wireless keyboard would fit on a 11.6" notebook so he won't have to.
This is not true. The 11.5" is diagonal, meaning the width would be more like 9" or 9.5". The current Wireless keyboard is about 11" wide.
I would bet Steve will reference how it isn't any smaller than using the iPad as his excuse.
It will be interesting to hear Jobs explain the lack of a full size keyboard on the 11".
My 13.3" MacBook Pro (at work, hurrah!) has an inch on either side of the keyboard. The 11.6" version will have a full size keyboard, no problem, there just won't be the same gap at the sides.
11.6" - Core 2 Duo, 320M, 2GB, 64GB
13.3" - Core i3, Intel I/O, discrete AMD graphics, 4GB, 128GB
This is not true. The 11.5" is diagonal, the width would be more like 9" or 9.5". The current Wireless keyboard is about 11" wide.
Correct.
It will be interesting to hear Jobs explain the lack of a full size keyboard on the 11".
The MacBook I have here contains a 10.75" wide keyboard (approximately).
The new enclosure will either fit snugly or the keyboard will be ever so slightly smaller (which I doubt).
My main concern is the screen...will it be glossy and therefore unusable outdoors? This is one area that I am not optimistic about.
This is not true. The 11.5" is diagonal, meaning the width would be more like 9" or 9.5". The current Wireless keyboard is about 11" wide.
I would bet Steve will reference how it isn't any smaller than using the iPad as his excuse.
Have a look the width of most notebooks with a 16:9 11,6" screen.... 11"!
Apple has made a full size keyboard in a laptop with a smaller footprint before, the Powerbook G4 12 inch. Odds are, the new rumored 11.6 inch Air will look similar around the keyboard, with the newer chicklet design of course.