Apple’s flagship products consist of their Macs and MacBooks, but nobody really thinks of the MacBook Air as a machine that would showcase new concepts which in turn could be later introduced into the rest of Apple’s product-line. Though I have my own thoughts about why a MacBook Air totally shouldn’t be replaced by an iPad (it’s an amazing machine), Cupertino might be prepping to blow our minds with its next vital update. It’ll no longer be a product that says, “Look what we can do!” Rather, it’ll be a product that implements new technologies and reveals where Apple is planning to take their entire MacBook line.
Patently Apple has published a thoughtful article this morning on what Apple could be planning to do with the MacBook Air. It’ll certainly be skinnier. Most likely more powerful. PA selects an interesting quote from a recent DigiTimes article.
“…the 11.6 inch MacBook Air will feature an even slimmer and lighter design than the previous-generation models and the technologies used for the design and concept are expected to be broadly used in the company’s other product lines to boost their competiveness [sic].”
The point is made that we’re not talking about something like a big RAM update, faster processor, or even things like USB 3.0 or Light Peak. We’re talking about something completely different on a whole different scale in design.
Patently Apple runs through some of the possibilities. These aren’t written as suggested ideas, but rather they reveal what Apple as a company has been explored; a pico-projector, presence detection, and perhaps a tablet hybrid could be in store based on the patents issued by Cupertino. It is noted that DigiTimes could have completely written a planted statement, but I tend to agree that the MacBook Air, already being an immense success in its own class, would be the computer Apple where Apple will provide customers with something that “reinvigorates” interest in both the MacBook Air and the rest of Apple’s product line.
Apple’s MacBook Air is a premium priced notebook that really doesn’t serve a need any longer. It’s nothing more than a novelty “Wow-factor” device but little else. Apple could very well be rethinking the MacBook Air’s position in the marketplace and deciding to repurpose the MacBook Air as Apple’s flagship notebook. New and successful technologies brought to the MacBook Air could eventually filter down to others in the MacBook family.
You can see how Apple is really looking to push the boundaries of thin, portable, and powerful. For those thinking the MacBook Air has been a failure: think again. Apple isn’t leaving their youngest child in the dust, and the best features have yet to come.
Be sure to check out Patently Apple’s full analysis at the source link below.
[via Patently Apple]
