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The Apple Macbook Air with the M1 chip, released in November 2020, is one of the company's most affordable laptops, even though it starts at $1000. It is also Apple's thinnest and lightest laptop and has amazing performance with an equally beautiful display.
Although the new MacBook Air that features the latest M2 chip was released this year, it costs higher with a starting price that is $200 more than its predecessor.
While there are many differences between the two models, the older model is still a great pick that can easily handle heavy tasks, with only the latest features missing.
The M1 chip in the MacBook Air has enough power to last a few more years
In the wake of Apple's flashy announcement at June 2022's WWDC, presenting a revamped MacBook Air, owners of the prior model might be contemplating an upgrade. However, a closer look suggests no immediate need.
The previous MacBook Air, fortified with the powerful M1 chip, effortlessly navigates daily tasks. Its energy efficiency guarantees a battery life that can carry you throughout the day. Coupled with its modern aesthetics and a vivid Retina display, it remains a compelling choice in the market. Even in the face of shiny new technology, the M1 MacBook Air's value persists, demonstrating that innovation doesn't instantly outdate its predecessors.
The specifications of the two models are as follows:
Apple has the M1 model still listed on their website for the same price, which can be maxed out to have 16GB of RAM with 2TB of storage for $1,999.
A maxed-out M2 MacBook Air will cost you $2,499 with 24GB of RAM, 2TB SSD and a 10-core GPU.
In terms of design changes, Apple has revamped the newer model with thinner bezels, which makes the laptop look more professional. It also comes in two new color schemes, Midnight and Starlight.
However, the new model has a notch in the middle of the top bezel, which could be a dealbreaker for some. It also doesn't have any additional ports compared to the 2020 model.
The display has not been significantly upgraded either, with a slightly higher resolution that is bigger by 0.3-inches diagonally. This makes it a small upgrade over the M1 model.
Lastly, when the performance of the two models is compared, the newer M2 chip is unexpectedly more powerful and power-efficient than the M1 chip.
The M2 chip will give better performance in resource-intensive tasks such as video editing and animation, which will save users time in rendering and exporting. Meanwhile, in day-to-day tasks, the difference in performance will be negligible.
Verdict
If you are a die-hard fan of Apple products, there is no reason not to buy the new model. However, if you are looking to make a smart purchase, the M1 MacBook Air will do a great job and will last a few more years before becoming outdated. It will also save you a couple of hundred dollars.
If you own the old M1 model and are on the fence about whether the M2 model will be a huge upgrade, it's best to wait for an even newer model to be released.
Note: This article solely reflects the opinions of the writer
