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Apple will host a product launch event in Brooklyn on October 30th. If the new iPad Pro models are almost certain (thanks to numerous leaks and reports), we know less about replacing the MacBook Air, which is the subject of long rumors, which could also be announced.
The much-loved 13-inch MacBook Air is way behind the newer notebook models. The aluminum case is larger, heavier than other high-end 13-inch laptops, the screen is marred by low resolution and thick frames, and the processor is at least 3 generations behind current models.
If there is actually a new reasonably priced consumer-grade Apple laptop available this week, almost everyone is surprised. On the occasion of the October 30th event, here are some of the key issues that concern me.
Sarah Tew / CNET
Will he keep the name of the air?
The name MacBook Air has been around since 2008 and still describes pretty much the same laptop. The new model can retain this name, which has a historic cachet, or follow the 12-inch MacBook model with a simpler name, or be completely different (MacBook XR? MacBook SE?).
Will there be a touch bar or fingerprint reader?
Until now, Apple is sticking to the Touch Bar in its high-end MacBook Pro. It is unlikely that the ultra-thin OLED secondary screen filters into a less expensive laptop, but the most useful part, the fingerprint reader, could be it. However, this probably involves the addition of the T2 chip, which controls disk encryption and other system-level functions, which could drive up the starting price beyond that ideal threshold of $ 999.
What will be the size and resolution of the screen?
The MacBook Air's screen is its weakest link compared to other 2018 laptops. The 13-inch screen has a derisory resolution of 1,440 x 900, far inferior to that of other notebooks of the order of $ 999. It is also surrounded by a thick silver bezel that looks particularly dated compared to newer models without bezel like the Dell XPS 13.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro has a full Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. That would be ideal, but maybe Apple will pull a page from the iPhone XR book and give us a resolution "pretty good" instead – maybe in full 1080p resolution ( 1,920×1,080).
Sarah Tew / CNET
Will there be only USB-C ports?
It's a MacBook since any time in the last two years, it's all-in-one on USB-C ports. Current and professional 12-inch MacBooks use USB-C for everything from power to data to networking, usually using a dongle or docking station. One of the great advantages of an older design, such as Air, is that it has Thurderbolt ports (2 and 1, respectively), in addition to a separate power input ( the last big MagSafe 2). Recent history suggests that a new Air would pass to the USB-C, but this is not an armored enclosure. And even if that's the case, I would not expect a full support for Thunderbolt 3. This is the type of enhanced feature you pay in the more expensive Pro models.
How much will it cost?
For many years, we have been willing to overlook the lack of new features and updated design of the MacBook Air, as it costs $ 999 (sometimes even $ 100 or less from retailers). This puts it within the reach of students, semi-hungry artists and almost everyone else. And while a big one is definitely a big investment, the very hard aluminum MacBook Air can withstand years of abuse while doing its job. This new system could stick to $ 999, drop a little or even add a little, but it will probably stay away from the $ 1,299 MacBook and the entry-level MacBook Pro. (It will be interesting to see which of these models exists once again the Apple Store brought back online after the event.)
Follow our liveblog of the Apple event on October 30th and we will discover all these answers together.
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