If you are in the market for a new laptop that is lightweight, portable and powerful, then you may be considering the MacBook Air M1. But is this laptop really worth the price tag? With prices starting at around £880, the MacBook Air M1 is actually one of Apple’s most affordable options when it comes to laptops. But if you are used to more budget-friendly options it can still feel like a hefty price tag. In this blog post we will discuss the pros and cons of the MacBook Air M1, and whether it is really worth your money.

The Pros

The Processor

This MacBook features Apple’s own M1 chip, instead of the usual Intel chip. This has given it a significant power upgrade and longer battery life compared to is predecessor, all packed into the same compact design. In fact, the M1 has a huge 350% increase in speed in comparison to the previous model. Plus the 8GB of unified memory makes the entire system fast and responsive. This means it can handle tasks like multi-tab browsing and downloading huge graphics files with ease and speed. Of course, there is a limit to its capabilities. If you need a laptop for intensive tasks like coding, then you may find the MacBook Pro more suitable. But for daily tasks, this laptop is more than capable.

Retina Display

The 13.3” Retina display is impressive, with the right level of brightness and clarity. Image and video look beautiful and vibrant, and text looks sharp and clear. This makes it a pleasure to work on, whether you are streaming videos, browsing social media, surfing the web or typing up documents.

Battery Life

The battery life is also very impressive, ideal if you’re on the go and don’t always have access to a power outlet. You can get 12-15 hours of battery life out of a single charge, depending on what you’re using the laptop for. This is superior to most laptops on the market.

Compatibility

If you are an iPhone or iPad user, you will be able to get all of your existing apps on your MacBook thanks to the M1 being close cousins to the iPhone and iPad chips. And you don’t need to be concerned about your Intel apps no longer working, as Apple has developed a tool called Rosetta 2. This converts Intel apps into M1 compatible versions the first time that you run them.

Factors to consider

Storage

One important consideration when purchasing the MacBook Air M1 is the storage. One downside is that the storage can’t be upgraded, so you should purchase the laptop with as much storage as you think you will need. The M1 comes in 256GB storage, 512GB, 1TB and 2B versions. The models with more storage are more expensive, but they may be worth it if you expect to be storing a lot of files.

Ports

Another factor to consider is the number of ports. The M1 features two USB-C ports and one headphone jack, and considering that the charger uses USB-C, you’ll only have one port available when its plugged in. This is worth considering especially if you use multiple displays, unless you have a dongle or a docking station.

Camera

Another drawback is the low-resolution 720p camera, which may bother you if you spend a lot of time in virtual meetings. In low light it can be quite grainy, and in decent lighting the camera quality is still relatively poor.

Verdict

Overall, the MacBook Air M1 is a powerful laptop which offers impressive battery life, a speedy processor and beautiful display. And this is all packed into a lightweight, portable laptop which is ideal if you are always on the go. This is arguably one of the best laptops for the price. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before you purchase. Consider how much storage you will need, since this can’t be changed later. And think about how many ports you require, since the M1 only has two. Lastly, if you are looking for a laptop with a high-resolution camera, this is probably not the one for you.

We hope that you have enjoyed this blog and that you have a better idea if the MacBook Air M1 is right for you and your needs. You can browse our wide range of laptops and accessories on our website here. And make sure you are following us over on our social medias to keep up with the latest news and product updates. Find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Tags: apple, laptop, mac, macbook, macbookair, tech, technology