MacBook Air 2014 Release Date, Features & Update: Cheaper Starting Price?
Touch Screen
Ultrabooks made by companies such as Dell and Asus already jumped on the touch screen bandwagon. Should Apple follow suit? The Cupertino, California-based company usually waits a few years to see how newer technologies pan out. For instance, all the premium Android-based smartphones have Near Field Communication, but the latest iPhone, the 5s still doesn't.
A touch screen would be great, as it would bring tablet like functionality to the smaller sized Air. Since Apple already makes the world's bestselling tablets and smartphones, all of which utilize touch panels, it would seem they would be perfectly able to include such a display inside the 2014 MacBook Air.
Apple Processors
Currently Apple has a strong partnership with Intel and uses their processors in all their desktop and notebook computers. However, Apple turns to chief rival Samsung to help produce their mobile chipsets. Could we see Apple say thanks, but no thanks, to Intel's latest and great Core i series? Apple and Samsung could conceivably team up to make a more powerful version of their mobile processors for the MacBook Air. This wouldn't be the first time that Apple bucked the industry trend of relying on Intel processors. Apple used to produce a chip in conjuction with Motorola called the PowerPC.
The A series mobile chips are known for their amazing battery life and a bigger, more powerful MacBook Air version could last practically all day with this type of chip. The MacBook Air has also never been a processing or graphics powerhouse, so leaving Intel at the altar would hardly impact the machines performance. After all people buy the Air because it's ultra light and immensely portable. Tasks like light photo editing, web browsing and document creation would definitely be possible on an A series chip.
3D Display
This probably won't happen, but how cool would it be to have Apple innovate the stagnating 3D market? 3D works great in theaters, but 3D devices for the home have never quite taken off (with the notable exception of the Nintendo 3DS of course). Just look at the failure the HTC Evo 3D was. Also, 3D TVs have been collecting dust at all the big box stores. Adding 3D technology would be great for medical professionals and for architects. Gaming in 3D would be super-immersive as well. The only downsides of 3D technology would be the adverse effect it would have on battery life and the extra heat the Air would likely throw off.
Cheaper Starting Price
The new 13" MacBook Pro with Retina Display recently came out with a price $200 less then its predecessor. Could we see a MacBook Air model land for $899? It's possible and it would be a bestseller. Technology is always getting cheaper and with Apple designing their computer hardware and software entirely in house it could happen.