The Ultimate Review of the M1 MacBook Air: Four Months Later
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the M1 MacBook Air
The M1 MacBook Air has captivated my YouTube audience, sparking intense discussions. When compared to the M1 MacBook Pro, many struggle to spot the differences aside from the Touch Bar and a few extra hours of battery life. The recurring question in my comment sections often revolves around choosing between the 16GB M1 MacBook Air and the 8GB M1 MacBook Pro. This inspired me to create a series of buying guides for M1 devices, although their effectiveness may vary among my viewers.
M1 MacBook Air Selection Guide
This is a straightforward, benchmark-free guide to help you choose the right M1 MacBook Air tailored to your needs.
Which model will endure longer? Which one minimizes SSD wear? Which performs better in 4K video editing? I empathize with these concerns. Today, however, I want to celebrate the base model of the M1 MacBook Air, the one you simply add to your cart and check out without any upgrades. It's an outstanding machine.
Section 1.1: The 7-Core GPU Dilemma
Let's address the 7-core GPU right off the bat: it’s inconsequential. I also own an M1 Mac mini with the 8-core GPU version and 16GB RAM, and both devices handle 4K video editing seamlessly. Apple's pricing strategy may have influenced this, but in everyday use, the difference is negligible. So if you're worried about having one less graphics core than someone else, don't be.
Section 1.2: The Base Specs Are Sufficient
Many people hesitate to buy base-spec Apple devices. I was once one of them until I experienced the M1 MacBook Air. For example, I had maximized my 16" MacBook Pro in 2019, only to find myself replacing it with two devices that cost about £1,000 less combined. While I did upgrade the Mac mini slightly, I’m pleased I didn’t enhance the MacBook Air. I find 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage to be perfectly adequate.
Subsection 1.2.1: 8GB vs 16GB - Is It Necessary?
My two weeks with the base model M1 MacBook Air led me to a revelation: spending more on this laptop would have been unnecessary. There’s something liberating about owning the base model, especially for someone like me, who previously overspent on upgrades.
Chapter 2: The Shift from iPad to MacBook Air
The M1 MacBook Air has entirely replaced my 12.9" iPad Pro as my primary writing tool. Every blog post since December has been crafted using the Air, including edits for feature images in Lightroom, which runs flawlessly. My iPad Pro has now been downgraded to an iPad Air, primarily used for consumption and occasional note-taking.
Section 2.1: The Touch Bar Is Not a Selling Point
If you’re torn between the M1 MacBook Pro and the Air, do not let the Touch Bar sway your decision. Apple may phase it out soon, and frankly, it’s largely irrelevant. My use of the Touch Bar on the Pro was limited to adjusting volume and brightness, along with a few Markdown shortcuts. It’s often more of a nuisance than a help.
Section 2.2: Understanding Battery Life
While the M1 MacBook Air’s battery life is often lauded, it may not be as extraordinary as initially thought. Many reviews emphasize its longevity due to the M1 chip's efficiency, but heavy usage can drain the battery faster than expected, particularly with third-party apps. If you're primarily using Apple’s applications, you’ll enjoy the best battery performance.
Chapter 3: Timeless Design and Dependability
A note on the design of the M1 MacBook Air: it remains unchanged from the Intel version, but that's not a drawback. Over four months, it has never felt outdated. Its sleek, tapered design and simple construction make it a classic.
Section 3.1: A Reliable Companion
The M1 MacBook Air has become a constant companion in my life. While the Mac mini handles the heavy lifting, I’d quickly turn to the Air if needed. Despite travel restrictions, I’m confident this lightweight and dependable device will accompany me wherever I go, proving itself as the best Mac I’ve ever purchased.
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