Apple MacBook Air: Coming to an Envelope Near You

We’ve heard the rumors and have waited patiently. Apple finally announced a new line of notebook computers during Steve Jobs’ keynote speech at MacWorld 2008 today. The ultra-compact MacBook Air line is the new sibling to the existing MacBook and MacBook Pro lines.

Features include bragging rights for being “the world’s thinnest notebook,” at 0.16″ to 0.76″ - still thinner than the thinnest part of a Sony TZ series laptop. The screen is a 13.3″ widescreen backlit LCD with a magnetic latch.

The MacBook Air keyboard is familiar but now has an ambient light sensor. The new notebooks feature a multi-touch trackpad, allowing the user to double-tap and move, to rotate photos by pivoting your index finger and thumb, as well as the pinch & zoom goodness we all love from the iPhone and iPod Touch interface.
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Apple Patents Laptop Docking Station

A 2006 patent application has been published detailing Apple’s idea for an iMac-like laptop docking station. The vertical docking station looks to be similar in appearance to the popular iMac, with a slot in the side to house a laptop. A form factor such as this would utilize less desk space and streamline a users docking setup. The downside would be a display that is presumably only meant to be used with compatible laptops. No word on when and if Apple plans on pushing this idea to production. View the patent application

Axiotron ModBook Now Shipping

Ever wish you could buy a tablet PC that ran OS X? Now you can. Axiotron’s ModBook is now shipping. The ModBook is a tablet PC created using Apple’s MacBook and pressure sensitive display technology from Wacom. Prices start at $2,279.00 for the base model, including built-in GPS capabilities. While I am not interested in a table PC, I applaud Axiotron’s initial stab at filling a void in the marketplace. Click here for more on the Axiotron ModBook.

Apple Ultraportable To Retail for $1,500?

CNBC is reporting that the Apple’s ultraportable, which is rumored to be launching this January at Macworld, will retail for approximately $1,500. The device is said to be 50% thinner than the Macbook Pro and will utilize NAND flash memory instead of a traditional hard drive. The new laptop is rumored to include a 13.3″ display, although Apple could surprise us and go with an even smaller display when it launches in January. Take all of this with a grain of salt as the Macbook Pro ultraportable has been written and talked about ever since Apple made the switch to Intel and discontinued the 12″ Powerbook.

Apple Preparing For Ultraportable

DigiTimes is reporting that both Kenmos Technology and Taiwan Nano Eletro-Optical Technology have become suppliers of notebook LED backlight units for Apple and Dell. Apple is expected to begin receiving shipments of 13.3-inch LED notebook displays this month.
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Designer Skins for iPhone, iPod Touch, Nano and MacBooks

GelaSkins for the iPhone, iPod Touch and aren’t the same old tired bulky acrylic or rubber protectant covers you’re used to seeing. GelaSkins cover the back of the device with a thin protective layer and are availiable in several trendy design choices. They even come with matching dowloadable wallpapers for the screen. At $14.95, they’re a reasonable alternative to all the blah on the market. If want a matching skin for your MacBook or MacBook Pro, they’ve got those too. Check out the site, you’re sure to find something you’ve got to have.

Gelaskins website