Apple updated its line of MacBook Air laptops, both with a faster processor and lower price. The new models, priced $100 lower than their predecessors, now feature a Core i5 dual-core CPU running at 1.4GHz (up from 1.3GHz). Apple's estimated battery life has also jumped from 8 to 9 hours on the 11" model and from 10 to 12 hours on the 12" model. Each still includes 4GB RAM and Intel HD Graphics 5000 video. (Available upgrades include a Core i7 1.7GHz CPU for $150 and 8GB RAM for $100, among others.) The systems, all available for shipping today:

• Apple MacBook Air Core i5 1.4GHz 11" 128GB for $899
• Apple MacBook Air Core i5 1.4GHz 11" 256GB for $1,099
• Apple MacBook Air Core i5 1.4GHz 13" 128GB for $999
• Apple MacBook Air Core i5 1.4GHz 13" 256GB for $1,199