Apple released its new OS X Lion and a new set of MacBook Airs as expected today, what wasn't so expected was the absence of the white MacBook in Apple's online store.

The release of the Lion OS has long been expected with specs for the new OS being leaked early on. Available for only a measly $29.99, the Lion OS packs a wallop with over 250 new features including new touchpad gestures, universal full-screen mode and an easier way of transferring files from one Mac to another. The Lion is also the first OS that is available mainly as a download. Users with slow internet speeds will have to be patient to get the 4Gb upgrade.

In addition to the new OS, Apple also revealed a pair of new MacBook Airs. The new Airs come in two screen sizes, an 11 inch screen and a 13-incher. Both of them ship with the new Intel i5 processors, Thunderbolt connectivity, the OS X Lion and the returning backlit keyboard feature. Both models are available for online orders in the Apple Store.

The 11-inch MacBook Air is priced at $999 (US price) and will have 2Gb RAM, 1.6Ghz processor, 64Gb storage and up to 5 hours of battery life. Users can upgrade the RAM, processors and storage for an additional $200. The 13-inch model starts at $1299 and upgrades will cost $400. It comes with 4Gb RAM, 1.7GHz processor, 128 Gb storage and 7 hours of battery life.

The upgrades on the MacBook Air are another nail in the coffin for the MacBook. Apple is clearly selling the Air as its entry level laptop, if not its headliner. The Apple website has dropped the MacBook from its catalog. There is only the Air and MacBook Pro there, clearly the white MacBook has been banished from Apple's store. Apple will still continue selling the MacBook but only to those in the education system. The MacBook Air is now Apple's standard.