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Apple set for MacBook Air relaunch and new OS
Media event could reveal new notebooks and a new OS called Lion
Apple is expected to announce the relaunch of its super-thin MacBook Air this week and speculation is rife on the internet that a smaller version of the notebook will be made available to tap into the growing popularity of tablet computers.
The unveiling is expected to take place at a media event on Wednesday where it is also thought Steve Jobs will unleash the latest in Apple's big cat-themed operating systems.
As ever, news of an Apple media call has sparked all sorts of online debate about what the company has planned - but the invitation to the 'Back to the Mac' event may contain a fairly big hint.
It features the Apple logo incorporating an obscured image of a lion lurking in the background. Given that the last three operating systems used by Apple were nicknamed Tiger, Leopard and Snow Leopard, it doesn't take a lot of imagination to guess what's coming – a new OS, possibly called Lion.
Elsewhere the website Engadget has obtained a photograph of what it claims is the inside of the new MacBook Air, which it says will be unveiled on Wednesday.
The image on Engadget shows a 13.3in machine, the same size as the current model, but there is speculation that a smaller version will also make its debut this week. It is being suggested that the MacBook Air revamp could mark the beginning of an overhaul of the entire MacBook range - prompted, in part, by the success of the iPad.
The argument goes that Apple is starting with the MacBook Air as it is the closest thing it produces to a netbook - a low spec but portable laptop - which are the computers most affected by the popularity of tablets like the iPad and the Samsung Galaxy. The aim is to prevent the MacBook Air being cannibalised by its sister product.
Another school of thought says that the company is anxious to remind people that it makes personal computers as well as gadgets like iPods and iPads.
Aside from product launches Steve Jobs will also unveil his company's latest financial results which are expected to show yet further growth in profits. ·
