Despite being launched just a few weeks back, Apple's new 13-inch MacBook Air has been noticed by tech experts and the device was named by Web site StatesChronicle.com as the Best Laptop Overall for 2013.

In choosing the 13-inch computer that features batteries that could last up to 12 hours, the Web site cited its being user friendly features that are easy to use. Among the features of the $1,099 laptop cited are its sharp screen, responsive keyboard, superior touchpad and iconic design as well as its OS X Mountain Lion,

A slightly smaller and cheaper version of the MacBook Air at 11 inches sells for $999 and its battery will last for about 9 hours.

The long battery life, in fact is the selling point of the Cupertino-based tech giant for this two laptop models with the teaser, "From your morning coffee till your evening commute, you can work unplugged."

For non-work related use, the MacBook Air promises 8 hours of iTunes movie playback for the 11-inch model and 10 hours for the 30-inch model.

Apple said the device uses fourth-generation Intel Core processors with Intel HD Graphics 5000 that provides the laptop power for tasks such as photo editing, presentations or web browsing.

With the 128GB flash storage, the laptop promises 45 per cent faster than older models, while for connectivity, the MacBook Air has the latest 802.1ac technology Wi-Fi support for thrice the speed of previous generation model.

StatesChronicle.com also recognised the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon as the Best Ultrabook and the Dell Latitude 3330 as the Best Budget Laptop.

Meanwhile, while the MacBook Air is getting raves, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook is being questioned by the company board over the apparent slow pace of innovation in Apple. The basis of the board is failure of Apple, under Mr Cook's stewardship, to introduce a game-changing device since the iPad in early 2010.

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