Apple launches new MacBook Air
CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple, basking in the success of the iPhone and iPad, is bringing the look of those mobile devices to its computers as well.
"What would happen if an iPad hooked up with a MacBook?" asked Apple CEO Steve Jobs during a launch event at the company's headquarters. With that, he introduced a new version of the MacBook Air laptop.
Like the iPad, the new Air has no hard drive. It relies instead on flash memory, which is pricey but more durable if dropped or bumped. The Air also has longer battery life than earlier models.
The computers start at $999 and go all the way up to $1,599, depending upon the size of the screen and the amount of storage. The first MacBook Air sold for over $2000.
The new Air laptops are available today.
Additionally, Apple said it will add the popular App Store, now available on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, to Macintosh computers.
"We've been inspired by the work we've done on the iPad, and we want to bring it back to the Mac," Jobs said.
As with the iPad and iPhone, Jobs says he will split revenues with outside software developers, keeping 30% of the fees. Apple will begin accepting submissions from developers in November.
The App Store will be added to Macs, as a download, within 90 days. It will also be featured as part of Apple's upcoming operating system update, Lion, which is expected in summer 2011.
Apple also added its "FaceTime" video chat service, available now for the iPhone and iPod Touch, to Macs. It's out today as a beta download at apple.com.
Additionally, it introduced a new version of its iLife software suite, with new versions of its iPhoto, iMovie and Garage Band programs. The new iPhoto has added templates for slideshows, while iMovie has 15 different ways to turn your video clips into movie trailers accompanied by music from the London Symphony Orchestra.
Apple said it sold 13.7 million Macintosh computers, worth $22 billion, last year, and that nearly 50 million Macs are in use worldwide. | |
