Although we can’t say we’re too surprised, together with the release of Mac OS X Lion, Apple has released an updated line of MacBook Air ultraportable laptops.

Both the 11- and 13-inch models have been updated with latest generation 2011 Intel Core i5 and i7 Sandy Bridge processors, Thunderbolt ports, while the MacBook Airs will once again sport back-lit keyboards.

Apple has also officially axed the basic white MacBook, which, lets face it, would have now had limited appeal as both MacBook Airs will now be running on speedy processors.

The basic 11-inch model, selling for $999, now features a 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 2GB of RAM and a 64GB solid state drive (SSD). For an extra $200 you can double both the RAM and disk space to 4GB and 128GB respectively while there is also a $150 option to bump the processor to an 1.8GHz Core i7.

The $1,299 base 13-inch model runs a 1.7GHz dual-core i5 with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage. Doubling the SSD to 256GB will cost you $300 more, while the 1.8GHz Core i7 option adds $100.

The 11-inch model weighs 2.38 pounds with a disclosed 5 hours battery life, while the 13-inch weighs 2.96 pounds providing up to 7 hours of battery life.

All models come with OS X Lion, of course, and you can order them online immediately — at least for now shipping is within 24 hours, so hurry up! Pictures and press release after the break.
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