The world's thinnest notebook - Apple MacBook Air

The MacBook Air features a custom-made Core 2 Duo processor by Intel, which is 60% smaller than the standard CPU used in PCs. The base model runs at 1.6GHz with 4MB of L2 cache and an 800MHz front-side bus, with an option to upgrade to 1.8GHz. It comes with 2GB of onboard DDR2 667 MHz memory (non-upgradable), and integrates an X3100 graphics card within the chipset, sharing 144MB of video memory. The standard configuration includes an 80GB, 1.8-inch PATA hard drive spinning at 4200rpm, with an optional 64GB solid-state drive.

It features a 13.3-inch LED-backlit LCD screen with a resolution of 1280x800. The lid uses a magnetic latch design, and it has a built-in iSight camera and dual microphones on the screen. Its full-sized keyboard automatically illuminates backlighting when ambient light dims. The trackpad supports Multi-touch technology similar to the iPhone, allowing for convenient gesture operations using multiple fingers.

There is no built-in optical drive; an external USB DVD burner costs $99. However, Apple has specially designed wireless control software called Remote Disk (integrated into Leopard operating system) for it, enabling reading and writing from optical drives on other Macs or PCs via Wi-Fi networks, even supporting installation system execution operations.

Due to space constraints, the MacBook Air's ports are rather "parsimonious," featuring only one USB 2.0 port, Micro-DVI video output, and audio output located in the pop-out module on the right side of the body. A Micro-DVI to DVI and VGA adapter is included, and it can connect to composite or S-Video through a separately purchased adapter.

Without an Ethernet port (a USB network card is available for $29), all networking on the MacBook Air is wireless. This, along with its feather-light weight, is why it’s named "Air." The device is equipped with WiFi 802.11n networking and Bluetooth 2.1/EDR. Apple has tailored a complete set of wireless applications for it, including the simultaneously released iTunes movie rental service and Time Capsule wireless backup router.

The MacBook Air uses a 45W MagSafe magnetic power supply that automatically disconnects when pulled. The integrated 37Wh lithium-polymer battery provides up to five hours of standby time. The overall dimensions are 32.5x22.7cm, and despite being fully enclosed in an aluminum shell, it weighs only 1.36kg.

Pre-orders for the MacBook Air have already begun, with official shipments starting in two weeks. The base price is $1799, but upgrading to the 1.8GHz processor and 64GB solid-state drive will bring the cost up to $3098.