Apple releases updated MacBooks – is the Mac line finally getting some love?

19 April 2016, 05:43

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Apple today quietly released updates to its MacBook range of notebook computers, featuring the latest Intel processors (codenamed Skylake), improved graphics performance, faster flash storage and an additional hour of battery life. There’s now also a rose gold model to accompany the existing gold, silver, and space gray models. The design has otherwise not changed.

The updated MacBook features sixth-generation dual-core Intel Core M processors up to 1.3 GHz, with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz, and faster 1866 MHz memory. Apple says new Intel HD Graphics 515 deliver up to 25 percent faster graphics performance, and faster PCIe-based flash storage makes everyday tasks feel snappier — from launching apps to opening files. The new model offers up to 10 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 11 hours of movie playback.

For a 1.1 GHz dual-core Intel Core m3 processor (Turbo Boost up to 2.2 GHz), 8GB of memory and 256GB of flash storage you’ll need to hand over $1,299. $1,599 gets you a 1.2 GHz dual-core Intel Core m5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.7 GHz, 8GB of memory and 512GB of flash storage.

Many have been critical of Apple’s tardy nature updating all of its Mac line, with the company choosing instead to focus on updates for the iPhone and iPad lines. This quiet launch of the new MacBook might precede updates to the rest of the Mac line or perhaps give some clues as to what we might expect come WWDC in June.

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