Apple rumored again to be making 11.6-in. MacBook Air

Back in July, rumors started spreading that Apple was prepping a smaller version of the MacBook Air. After we didn't hear anything about it at the big press event on September 1, those rumors faded away. Now they're back again. (That didn't take long, did it?)

According to Apple Insider via DigiTimes, Apple has ordered 400,000-500,000 11.6-inch "MacBooks" from notebook manufacturer Quanta. They're set to ship by the end of 2010.

The size of the computer is consistent with previous reports, placing it in line with the netbook category rather than competing with the regular MacBook or MacBook Pro. That would go against the idea of the iPad replacing the need for a netbook, but the MacBook Air is definitely a better option for businesspeople on-the-go thanks to its featherweight frame and actual physical keyboard.

The timing for an announcement would also fall in line with MacWorld 2011, and there are still hopes for and rumors about a new and improved iPad at that time as well.

It has certainly been awhile since the MacBook Air was first announced, and the computer is desperately in need of a refresh if Apple has any hopes of this model staying relevant. Hopefully Apple will consider lowering the price tag too.

Would you pick up a MacBook Air if it were smaller (and cheaper)?