It’s been a few years since the M1 chip had its debut, and there have now been two generations of M-series chips succeeding it: so, a valid question those seeking a Mac laptop upgrade are asking is if the MacBook Air M1 is worth it in 2024. With the introduction of the Apple M1 chip in the MacBook Air in 2020, Apple promised even better performance, improved energy efficiency, and a seamless user experience. So should you still get one four years later?
In recent years, the MacBook Air has been a popular choice among students, professionals, and everyday users due to its sleek portable design, reliable performance, and user-friendly interface. With the M3 MacBook Air on the horizon, we’re doing a quick evaluation of whether the MacBook Air M1 is still worth buying over its younger siblings.
Is the MacBook Air M1 worth buying in 2024?
To be frank, the MacBook Air M1 still stands as a worthwhile purchase in 2024 despite the launch of the newer M2 MacBook Air and the MacBook Air M3 being on the cards for release soon. Here are the reasons why:
Enduring performance: The M1 chip continues to deliver impressive performance for everyday tasks, including web browsing, document editing, video conferencing, and content creation in light photo and video editing. Compared to Intel laptops of the same period, there’s definitely a significant difference in the M1’s performance that has so far stood the test of time.
Remarkable efficiency: Battery life is an undeniably standout feature of the M1 MacBook Air. The M1 chip’s energy efficiency ensures long battery life, providing up to 15-18 hours of usage on a single charge, making it ideal for on-the-go productivity.
Seamless macOS experience: The MacBook Air M1 runs macOS, Apple’s renowned operating system known for its user-friendliness, stability, and security. It seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices, including your iPhone and Apple Watch, creating a cohesive ecosystem that draws many users in favor of using Apple.
Lightweight and portable design: Weighing just 2.8 pounds and measuring 0.6 inches thin, the MacBook Air M1 is incredibly portable, making it easy to carry around for work, school, or travel.
Stunning retina display: The 13.3-inch Retina display delivers vibrant colors, sharp details, and wide viewing angles, enhancing your visual experience for work and entertainment.
Finally, price and value: As a last-gen Mac model, the M1 MacBook Air can now regularly be found priced below $1000, and it often gets a good discount when on a deal. Essentially, you can get a powerful machine for a really decent price. This makes it an attractive option for an upgrade, even over the M2 MacBook Air.
- MacBook Air 13.3″ Laptop – Apple M1 chip – 8GB Memory – 256GB SSD on Best Buy
- MacBook Air 13.6″ Laptop – Apple M2 chip – 8GB Memory – 256GB SSD on Best Buy
Who should consider the MacBook Air M1?
The MacBook Air M1 is an excellent choice for the following individuals:
Students: The MacBook Air M1 offers portability, long battery life, and seamless integration with Apple’s education apps, making it a great companion for students.
Professionals: Those in need of a reliable and efficient laptop for everyday tasks, including email, document editing, web browsing, and video conferencing, will find the MacBook Air M1 a suitable option.
Everyday Users: If you’re seeking a lightweight, portable, and user-friendly laptop for general use, the MacBook Air M1 is a great choice.
Is the MacBook Air M1 still relevant?
As mentioned above, the MacBook Air M1 is definitely still a relevant laptop that stands its ground when up against the next-gen MacBook Air series. What’s more, it’s regularly commented on that there’s no feelable performance difference between the M1 and M2 MacBook Airs unless it’s an extremely demanding task. So, for everyday usage and average workloads, there shouldn’t be notable disparities. This helps make the MacBook Air M1 potentially one of the best value Macs that you can currently get. However, it’s recommended to purchase a model with 16GB of RAM to make it worth your while.
Does the MacBook Air M1 support gaming?
While the MacBook Air M1 might support casual gaming and less demanding titles that have been optimized for MacOS, it’s not specifically a gaming laptop. It’s also got a fanless design, meaning it might struggle to keep cool under the demanding workloads that come with intensive gaming. For a more robust gaming experience, it’s recommended to consider the MacBook Pro models, or dedicated gaming laptops.
Conclusion
After a thorough review of the MacBook Air M1, it’s clear that it remains a top contender for those seeking a reliable, portable, and efficient laptop in 2024. With its powerful performance, sleek design, impressive battery life, and seamless integration with macOS, the MacBook Air M1 offers a compelling package; and a decent price point. While considering the limited number of ports and storage capacity, it still provides excellent value for your money.
However, the bottom line is that both the M1 and M2 MacBook Airs are equally capable, and it’s dependent on your individual needs. So, go with the one you like the look and feel of, and the one that you can afford!
