Apple has some new computers coming. At its World Wide Developers Conference on Monday, Apple announced two updated MacBook Air laptops and previewed a brand new desktop PC, improving battery life and giving new features and capabilities to power users.
The New Mac Pro
Mac Pro is Apple’s completely redesigned desktop computer for power users such as designers, video producers and music makers. With a tubular design just an eighth the size of the previous model (9.9 inches tall, 6.6 inches in diameter), the new Mac Pro uses dual new-generation Xeon processors and PCI-Express storage memory.
The two AMD FirePro workstation-class GPUs with up to 6GB of dedicated VRAM are 2.5-times faster than the previous version. The Mac Pro also has faster Flash memory and Thunderbolt 2 connectivity. Put it all together and the new Mac Pro can drive up to three high-end 4K displays (also known as Ultra HD). Ports include Thunderbolt 2, USB 3, Gigabit Ethernet and HDMI 1.4.
Due later this year, pricing for the Mac Pro was not immediately available. And in a make-good on the company’s earlier promises, the Mac Pro will be assembled in the United States.
The New MacBook Airs
Apple also announced two new versions of its popular MacBook Air laptops. The improvements come mostly to battery life, as the company pushes towards a battery that will last the user all day. The 11-inch MacBook Air’s battery has improved from 5 hours to 9 hours of use. The 128GB version of the 11-inch MacBook Air sells for $999. The 13-inch MacBook Air’s battery improves from 7 hours to 12 hours and sells for $1099 for the 128GB version.
The new Airs get the latest 4th-generation Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors and Intel HD Graphics 5000 (the company claims 40% faster graphics performance). Even the Wi-Fi (now 802.11.ac) and flash storage are faster than they used to be. Both improved versions of the MacBook Air start shipping today.
