New Mac Mini, MacBook Air and OS X Lion Now Available, But Do They Impress?

Were Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) long-awaited upgrades worth the wait?

If you've been thinking about getting a MacBook Air, today's reboot might have what it takes to push you over the edge. In essence, the new machine isn't all that different from the model that debuted last fall. But with Core i5 Processors (and an optional i7), Thunderbolt connectivity, improved graphics, and a backlit keyboard, Apple has made just about every refinement consumers asked for. Having four gigs of ram on all but the cheapest model does not hurt either.

In terms of construction, it does not appear that Apple has made any changes to this year's Air. Rather, this ultra-thin MacBook uses the same metallic case that protected last year's model.

Meanwhile, the Mac mini comes with a smattering of new features, such as i5 and i7 processors and AMD (NYSE: AMD) Radeon graphics that Apple promises are two times faster than the previous iteration. These aren't the most exciting developments, but the Mac mini seems to be a good buy at the starting price of $600, especially when Apple brags that you can use your own display, keyboard, mouse and HDTV with the new machine.

At just a hair under $30, OS X Lion isn't likely to usher in the same revolution that was brought on by Apple's last major operating system overhaul. But with more than 250 new features packed into the upgrade – including new multi-touch gestures, the ability to close apps and reopen them where you left off, and a feature that can auto-save all of your work – many Mac users are likely to be pleased.

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