Rumor: MacBook Air refresh including Thunderbolt, Core i5/i7 coming soon

If the rumor is true, Apple is again going to be facing more demand than supply for several months. Sure you can ask for a couple of things like a wireless modem and back lit keyboard, but those are easily ignored. Other than that, this spec gets awfully close to the "perfect computer" in the here-and-now. I may have to do what I've never done before and stay up late to get in the mail-order que in the first couple of minutes.

Hi, Kevin: I know the technology doesn't change all that fast, but we've gone from 2.5G to 3G to 3.5G to 4G since I've been using laptops - what's the issue around using a data stick instead of a built-in so one can upgrade when needed and not get stuck with older technology? And if I'm not mistaken, not all data sticks work with all carriers (as with cell phones), so it'd be an administrative nightmare as well, no?

Personally, I'd not want to be forced to pay for that (though it could be optional). I usually avoid cellular data plans and stick to WiFi access for data, though I know my needs are atypical to some degree - and I'm cheap ;-).

I would buy one if it had a built-in cellular modem. That would make them perfect, but likely kill the iPad.

And how about narrowing the bezel... Same sized machine with a bigger screen?

With the added flexibility of Thunderbolt and more powerful/efficient CPU+GPU combinations (not to mention roomier SSDs), the Air could easily become the new MacBook Pro. I wouldn't be surprised in the least if it happened within the next couple MacBook generations.

Seeing folks with Airs sitting next to others with MBPs, the added bulk and weight of the Pros just doesn't make sense for most people who value mobility. It used to be that Apple's advertising of their notebooks as "only 1 inch thin!" was enough to persuade people that powerful, sleek portability was possible. But by today's terms, that same "1 inch thin" notebook makes for a monstrous computer.

I'm sure whatever new thin notebooks Apple comes out with will continue to be insanely popular, because they are well built, work efficiently, and are a pleasure to use.

I'd like to see a 15" MBAir. Similar specs as to what's rumored here..just a larger screen size. Backlit keyboard would be nice, but not necessary.

Really, I just want a MBPro without the archaic optical drive that I never use. But the Air would be preferable. :D

Apple please just give us that KEYBOARD BACKLIGHT & I'll be buying one pronto! though of course the faster cpu & Thunderbolt port would sure be nice as well (-;

Bring 'em on!

It'd be nice if they scaled the price back a bit too. But I doubt that will happen any time soon.

Expect the Goldengate bridge processors to be available soon. It will look amazing. Allow you to cross a river, sit in traffic, and usually have lots of fog around you. Oh and it will be super fast. Haha we are all suckers for new new new! I can feel the fish hook dealing me in everytime there is new.