Apple reveal 2011's Thunderbolt-packing MacBook Airs

Apple’s MacBook Air line gets a 2011 refresh today, with both the 11-inch and 13.3-inch models getting a significant spec jump from their 2010 counterparts.

Size-wise, both the 11-inch and 13.3-inch models remain more or less unchanged from last year’s editions (0.3 cm-1.7 cm at their thinnest and thickest points respectively). But it’s under the hood where the real magic is.

Underneath that aluminium unibody enclosure, customers can now opt for Sandy Bridge i5 or i7 CPUs, with Thunderbolt connectivity now coming as standard across the range too.

Looking first at the 11-inch model, you can grab a base model with a 1.6GHz processor, 2GB of RAM and 64GB of Flash storage for £849.

While that may not sound all that different from the 2010 version (excepting the miniscule processing upgrade), splash the cash and the new 11-inch model starts looking quite a bit more impressive. Apple offer configurations for 4GB of RAM and 256GB of Flash storage too for those with the extra wonga to spare. A build like that would set you back £999.

Heading on over to the 13.3 inch model, and the base processor is clocked at 1.7GHz, with 4GB or RAM and 128GB of Flash storage. Again, the processor can jump up to a 1.8GHz i7, along with double the storage for those with money. Prices for the 13.3-inch model start at £1,099 and go up to £1,349.