Apple updated their very popular MacBook Air laptop with next generation core i5 and i7 processor, high-speed Thunderbolt port and backlit keyboard. According to Apple the new Air offers twice the performance of the previous generation while maintaining the same compact design. The 13-inch MacBook Air with 1.7GHz Core i5 processor comes in two configurations, one with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage priced $1,299, and one with 4GB RAM and 256GB storage priced $1,599. Configure-to-order option offers 1.8GHz Core i7 processor upgrade for top-of-the-line model.

Reviews of the new MacBook Air have been very positive with many reviewers calling it the first ultraportable that can replace a mainstream laptop. Joanna Stern wrote on This is my next “And that’s where the Air finally breaks through — for under $1,300 it’s cheaper than most high-end Windows 7 ultraportables while beating them on the two things that matter the most: battery life and ergonomics. One thing is clear: you can no longer write off the Air as merely a status symbol or secondary system. This is a grown-up laptop with the kind of horsepower and battery life that will make a lot of users very happy. And yes, it still fits in a manila envelope.”

Below we have added links to 12 best 13-inch MacBook Air reviews posted online:

• This is my next – Review By: Joanna Stern
• Laptop Mag – Review By: Mark Spoonauer
• Macworld – Review By: Jason Snell
• CNET – Review By: Dan Ackerman
• Computer Shopper – Review By: Jonathan Rougeot
• Electronista – Review By: Jon Fingas
• PC Mag – Review By: Cisco Cheng
• Pocket-lint – Review By: Stuart Miles
• Slashgear – Review By: Vincent Nguyen
• Engadget – Review By: Tim Stevens
• The Loop – Review By: Jim Dalrymple
• Ars Technica – Review By: IIjitsch van Beijnum