The backlit keyboard is nice, and the addition of Thunderbolt could be a boon in 12 months or so, but its the new selection of processors that really turn the Air into a serious machine, as you'll see when we talk benchmarks in a bit. Step inside the case and you'll find the most important changes here: new Intel Core i5 and i7 ULV processors. Like before, the omission of these ports leaves the Air free to pinch down to a delicious taper beneath the keyboard, thin enough to make for a decent cleaver when no proper blade can be found - or when you just can't be bothered to find one. All other ports have been deemed unnecessary by Apple's designers and therefore relegated to myriad USB adapters for things like Ethernet - though if you start relying on those you'll likely need to start packing a USB hub as well. On the left you'll find a 3.5mm headphone jack, the MagSafe power connector and. The 11-inch model is likewise emblazoned, but sadly has still not been granted an SD reader, something restricted to the bigger 13. This 10Gb/sec interconnect has become standard fare on all new machines coming out of Cupertino, a fact that should help to accelerate the so-far tardy uptake in support from accessory manufacturers.

On the 13-inch model you'll still have to make do with but one USB port on the left and one on the right, but now that latter one is flanked by a Thunderbolt connector, Apple's implementation of Intel's Light Peak standard. The outside of this 2011 refresh of the MacBook Air is virtually indistinguishable from that which came before it.

Macbook air mid 2011 windows 10