Apple’s introduction of the M1 chip has caused quite a stir in the computer industry due to its remarkable performance and battery life gains. The latest Apple MacBook Air has further increased the likelihood of people transitioning to the M1 Macs. Nevertheless, the decision to switch to an M1-based Mac is not as straightforward as it appears. So, how good is the M1 chipset really? In what aspects does it excel, and in what areas does it lack?
We will detail the features and specs of an M1 Mac to help you decide if now is the right time to make the switch.
About Apple MacBook Air
The Macbook Air, manufactured and developed by Apple since 2008, is a line of laptops known for its ultra-thin, lightweight aluminum casing and 13-inch display. It has been Apple’s entry-level notebook since the original MacBook line was discontinued in 2011 due to its lower prices compared with the larger and more powerful MacBook Pro. It was popularized as one of the most slender notebooks in the world and was the first to open the ultrabook category, featuring fewer ports than was the norm at the time and no optical disc drive.
Apple launched the MacBook Air with an Apple-designed M1 processor on November 10, 2020, alongside the updated Mac Mini and 13-inch MacBook Pro. This model features a revolutionary fanless design, the first of its kind on any MacBook, and has been praised for its impressive speed and long battery life.
Build & Design
Gone are the days of the iconic wedge design on the MacBook Air. The new model has taken on the same boxy chassis as the latest high-end MacBook Pro models, giving it a more sophisticated look. Its dimensions of 0.16–0.63 x 11.97 x 8.36 inches and 2.8 pounds are on the lighter side
The MacBook Air is still sleek and stylish, in classic Space Grey, Gold, and Silver color options. Its all-metal design gives it a sturdy and high-quality feel, making it the envy of many. Although its unibody aluminum design is timeless, its lack of modern features may not be as impressive as other laptops on the market.
The MacBook Air M1 features a full-sized backlit Magic Keyboard enclosed by stereo speakers and a large trackpad. Above the keyboard is a 13-inch Retina display, surrounded by the same thick bezels as the previous model. The scissor-switch keys provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
The Apple MacBook Air M1 has a Touch ID sensor on the top right corner of the keyboard, giving you the option to power on the laptop and sign in using your fingerprint instead of needing a password. More importantly, the responsiveness of the touchpad is remarkable, due to the virtual. This makes it an ideal laptop for work, as the smooth and responsive panning and pressing is incredibly satisfying.
Display & Audio
The 13.3-inch screen features a 400-nit LED backlit display with Retina 2560 x 1600 resolution and is equipped with Apple’s True Tone technology, allowing the color temperature to be automatically adjusted on the screen depending on the lighting conditions.
The M1 MacBook Air’s display supports the same P3 wide color gamut as the MacBook Pro, making it an ideal choice for users who need precise color work such as photography and video editing. This means they no longer have to pay the higher price of the MacBook Pro line as they can now get the same quality with the more affordable MacBook Air.
The quad-speaker sound system and three-microphone array integrated between the keyboard and display offer a decent audio experience for a laptop, although it can sometimes sound muffled. However, it performed well when editing podcast recordings at a normal volume.The Laptop For The Podcast enthusiasts
Performance & Battery Life
Apple’s M1 chip boasts impressive specifications, and the company declared that the hardware would show marked improvement in performance before its launch. The inclusion of an ARM-based chip has equipped the Air with the capability to run complex apps required by professionals, such as podcasting.
The MacBook Air M1 also comes equipped with a 10th generation Core i5 processor and Intel Iris Graphics, making it suitable for podcast editing and offering a superior user experience at a reasonable price of around $1000.
The Control Center has been reworked based on the iOS version, and the layout is cleaner, making it easier to use. Unfortunately, the iMac webcam still has the same poor 720p resolution as before. This resolution needs to be updated compared to most competitors offering 1080p. And this makes it more painful when more people rely on video interviews while recording. We wish Apple had given the webcam an upgrade.
Regarding the battery, Apple boldly asserts that the new machine can provide 18 hours of video playback and 15 hours of wireless web usage. The battery life of the MacBook Air has always been good, but the M1 chip promises to make it even better. However, if the display is up to its highest settings, the battery life will be noticeably shorter, lasting up to 2-3 hours.
Specifications |
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Basic Info
Display
Network & Communication
Battery & Power
Interfaces/Ports
Extras
Final Verdict On Apple MacBook Air
 PROS |
 CONS |
| Rechargeable battery that lasts a good amount of time | Limited options for USB Type-C connections; |
| Eye-catching Retina Display | No touch-screen capabilities; |
| Comfortable keyboard and trackpad to use | Poor quality webcam; and |
| Compact size and lightweight | Lack of fan could lead to reduced performance. |
| Impressive speed | |
| Affordable price tag for a MacBook |
The Apple MacBook Air Pro is an exceptional laptop with powerful performance and portability. With its groundbreaking M1 chip, the MacBook Air Pro provides users with incredible speed, endurance, and battery life. It is an ideal choice for mac lovers, podcast hosts and anyone needing a reliable laptop for everyday tasks. Its elegant design and sleek bezels make it an aesthetically pleasing device, and its price point makes it an affordable option for most people. All in all, the Apple MacBook Air Pro is an excellent laptop that is well worth the investment.
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