A year after its initial release, Apple is upgrading its MacBook computer with faster processor options, longer battery life, and a new rose gold color option to go along with the silver, grey, and gold options previously available. The new processors are Intel's sixth-generation Core M and range from 1.1GHz to 1.3GHz depending on configuration. Apple says that it also upgraded the MacBook's memory to a faster 1866MHz modules from the 1600MHz version in last year's computer and the integrated graphics have been bumped to Intel's more powerful 515 module that promises 25 percent better performance.

In addition to the performance upgrades, Apple says the MacBook's battery will now last up to 10 hours while browsing the web and 11 hours of continuous movie playback, an increase of an hour each over the older model. In our review of the MacBook last year, we found that battery life was closely in line with Apple's estimates, but the laptop could be easily overwhelmed with performance-intensive tasks. Hopefully the new processors and faster memory will make a noticeable difference in the new model.

The updated MacBook is available from Apple's online store starting today and in retail stores starting tomorrow, April, 20th. Prices range from $1,299 for a 1.1GHz model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage to $1,599 for a 1.2GHz processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. The fastest processor, a 1.3GHz Core m7, is only available in build-to-order machines.