While we don’t quite know what’s in Google’s new Chrome OS hybrid, the Pixel Slate, it’s certainly more expensive and less powerful than Microsoft’s own Surface Laptop – which is similar in size, specs and function. Other configurations are available, as always, but this is what Apple is slating as its entry-level MacBook Air.Ĭomparing this to other competitors on the market, it’s not looking too strong. In terms of specifications, the MacBook Air comes with an 8th-generation Intel dual-core i5, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. It’s likely the exact same Force Touch touchpad as found on all current-generation MacBooks and MacBook Pros. It basically means the pad doesn’t move, but you can also do “press and hold” clicks to open up new options. This doesn’t make you a Jedi, but uses haptic feedback to provide tactile interactions with what you’re clicking on. In addition, the trackpad has been upgraded to a Force Touch touchpad. READ NEXT: What is Face ID and why did it replace Touch ID? It’s also a laptop designed for those who are somewhat environmentally conscious (yet still want a brand-spanking new product), the tin used in the motherboard is completely recycled the aluminium alloy shell is made of 100% recycled aluminium, and the plastic body is comprised of 35% “post-consumer” plastics. In terms of size, the MacBook Air has 17% less volume, is 10% thinner, and weighs a twelfth less than previous MacBook Airs. Some of the geek sites are saying this is the new 10 nm Cannon Lake Y but I doubt it because the base clock is 2.2 GHz. The screen’s glass covering also stretches from edge-to-edge, meaning there’s no bezel to worry about either. BTW, as of January 2018, there are new Sandra entries for unreleased Intel CPUs in the wild, for dual-core, quad-thread chips with a turbo speed of 2.6 GHz. This provides 48% better colour coverage, which Apple believes makes it great for artistic projects. Look a little deeper, however, and you’ll spot that this time it comes with two Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C ports, a headphone jack and Apple’s signature Retina Display – something past MacBook Air’s were sorely missing.īy upgrading to a Retina Display, the MacBook Air’s 13.3” display is made up of 4 million pixels, instead of the 1 million found in previous MacBook Airs. At first glance, the new MacBook Air doesn’t look wholly different from its previous iteration.