Apple released its second generation MacBook Air with Apple Silicon with several changes. It’s worth it?
Buying a Macbook was entering a world of overheating computers with very prone to failure keyboards… until 2020 when Apple revamped its laptops by debuting its own Apple Silicon processors .
The 2020 MacBook Air with the M1 processor marked a new era for Apple , which recently brought out its successor, the MacBook Air M2 . It’s worth it?
MacBook Air M2: new design “more pro” than ever
Apple has brought the design of its latest MacBook Pro and iPhone to this laptop, opting for sharper edges in an even more compact device.
The screen grows to 13.6 inches and in Apple ‘s own move , it brings us a “notch” or notch for the webcam that is now Full HD with a greater ability to capture details than its predecessor. More than enough for video calls.
This renewed combo is accompanied by a very good screen for content playback.
As for the keyboard of the MacBook Air M2 , it is broader in its function keys and includes a giant and fast fingerprint reader on the power button.
The speakers are no longer on the sides, but are located in a grill below the screen. Same, with a very good sound quality.
MagSafe also makes a triumphant return to the MacBook Air , leaving two Thunderbolt ports at our disposal.
MacBook Air M2: plenty of power, but with some drawbacks
Obviously, we jump to the M2 chip which provides about a 20% jump in performance compared to the M1 of the last generation. This MacBook Air is faster… most of the time.
With Apple we forget about the possibility of upgrading RAM and storage (unless we want to increase 200 dollars for upgrading EACH of these elements when making the purchase) and this goes against the base model. 256 gigabytes for our files and 8 gigs of RAM are already small in 2022.
Additionally, the base model of the new Podcast MacBook Air uses a 256GB chip for storage, which provides lower bandwidth. This translates to slower file transfer speeds than the 2020 MacBook Air and possibly a shorter lifespan. Remember: the chip is soldered, so it won’t be as simple as changing an SSD.
This MacBook Air has a passive cooling system. This means that we will never be bothered by fan noise, but long intensive tasks do take a toll on it.
While the MacBook Air M1 went up to 80°C running Cinebench R23 , this MacBook Air M2 goes up to 107°C. Consider this if long renders are part of your work/study routine.
Is the MacBook Air M2 worth it?
Did we say that this computer is a successor? Not necessarily, at least when we talk about prices.
The MacBook Air M1 remains at $999, while the MacBook Air M2 starts at $1,199. Consider (again) that doubling the RAM or storage will cost you at least $200 more per item.
The MacBook Air M2 is a great laptop, especially if you’re coming from an Intel – powered MacBook . Still, the MacBook Air M1 is still a great device for much less, especially considering the $ 1,199 MacBook Air M2 isn’t its best version.
Maybe the MacBook Air M1 was very good? Apple made good changes in this new model, but I feel like it could have given us more. Of course the most valuable technology company in the world is capable.