15-inch Apple MacBook Air tipped for late 2009

It's always good to start off the week with an Apple rumor, and today's should hit close to our own Vincent's heart.  According to Chinese-language blog Apple.pro, the company is working on a larger version of the MacBook Air, with a 15-inch display rather than the current model's 13.3-inches. 

"It is understood that Apple is producing more than the current MBA size MacBook Air (15-inch?).  Core architecture will use Intel processors, the latest...from the current ultra-low voltage processor 'Core 2'.  [This will] make a stunning ultra-portable suitable for the older poor eyesight" Apple.pro (translation by Google Translate)

According to the rumors, Intel's ULV Core 2 processor would be used in the new Air, which presumably would offer the same super-thin form-factor in return for minimal ports.  The site does not suggest the origins of its story, though it predicts that more information will follow in the second half of 2009.

It's tricky to imagine the pay-off for Apple in developing a second, larger Air.  Despite recent updates, the current model has already been compared to the company's own unibody MacBook, which offers significantly greater performance for less money and with only a slightly larger chassis. 

[via Apple Insider]