Over the past few weeks, rumors have been flying that Apple may be set to introduce a new model of MacBook Air. While we know that these models are likely to carry Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors and feature Thunderbolt I/O, up until now there has been no solid release timeframe stated.

However, 9to5Mac now claims to have been given a tip off that these models may actually be set to launch mid-July.

Now, we’ve been told that Apple is gearing up to launch their upgraded line of ultra thin notebooks in mid-July.

Alongside giving out a possible release timeframe for these new models, the site has also offered up the following MacBook Air configurations, with pricing:

Core i7-2677M: 2 cores, 1.8GHz (turbos to 2.9GHz), 4MB cache, 17 watts, $317

Core i7-2637M: 2 cores, 1.7GHz (turbos to 2.8GHz), 4MB cache, 17 watts, $289

Core i5-2557M: 2 cores, 1.7GHz (turbos to 2.7GHz), 3MB cache, 17 watts, $250

Specifically they note that this model probably won’t feature any drastic outer casing redesigns. In fact, if there are any changes to the body of the machine, they’re probably going to be minimal and likely unnoticeable.

The rumors regarding what the new laptops will feature have been conservative, and according to a person who has seen the new MacBook Air, exterior changes (if any) were so minute that they were not noticed. In other words, don’t expect to be able to tell this mid-2011 MacBook Air apart from the late-2010 model. That is, except for the Thunderbolt logo that sits in place of the Mini Display port logo.

With BestBuy no longer shipping Apple’s MacBook Air and the firm’s Q3, 2011 Conference Call set to take place on July 19, perhaps Apple is gearing up to launch new MacBook Airs just a few days before? – Say … July 15-18 …?