Apple MacBook Air Laptop

Apple makes robust and diversified Mac computers, but the MacBook Air line has been its star. The MacBook Air, introduced iconically when Steve Jobs pulled it out of a manila envelope in 2008, has become one of Apple’s most popular Mac products due to its size, slimness, and role as the brand’s entry-level laptop. It is also the ideal ‘ small laptop’ for most users who don’t need a powerful or expensive work machine. Apple released the first MacBook Air with the M1 SoC in 2020 and the updated version with the M2 in 2022. The MacBook Air stayed at 13 inches in both cases, but the 2022 model improved its look to mimic the more expensive MacBook Pro computers.

Apple MacBook Air Laptop Specifications

Thinner MacBook Than Thin Air

The first is the physical design, where Apple has made significant modifications. The MacBook Air is ultrathin and lightweight, unlike previous generations. A slimmer body with the same thickness front and back has replaced the wedge design. The Air is amazingly Airn at 0.44 inches, and its 2.7-pound weight makes many ultraportables feel bulky. The aluminium chassis still appears like an Apple product, but it also comes in Starlight (gold) and Midnight (a darker grey) in addition to Silver and Space Gray.

Each comes with coloured charging wires. Even if it’s less colourful than the Apple iMac, that’s more personalization than ever. The mirrored Apple logo and silky surface complement the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the latest iPad. The new logic board design allows for this smaller profile. After adding the Apple M2 chip, the logic board has all its components on one side. A dual-sided logic board has long been used to fit more components on a smaller board, but Apple’s latest System on a Chip (SoC) seems to make the board design compact. The air is thinner their ever, achieving the goal of thinness rather than size.

Indian pricing and options

India’s Apple MacBook Air 15 costs Rs. 1,34,900 with the M2 processor (8-core CPU and 10-core GPU), 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB of SSD storage. A 35W dual USB Type-C power converter or a 70W one with a single port is free. Colours include Midnight, Starlight, Space Grey, and Silver. Apple delivered the review device in Midnight with 16GB of unified memory, 512GB of SSD storage, and the 35W dual USB Type-C power adapter, priced at Rs. 1,74,900 in India. The top option has 24GB of unified memory and 2TB of SSD storage, costing Rs. 2,54,900.

Software

Apple’s M2 SoC debuted in 2022 is still relevant and competent, especially for its first-tier devices. Apple has often said its M2 SoC is a significant step ahead of its older Intel-based laptops. It is enough for most users’ daily needs, including process-heavy tasks like video editing. The 15-inch MacBook Air has the same Apple M2 and hardware and software support as the 2022 model. It supports up to 24GB of unified memory and 2TB of storage and has an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 100GB/s memory bandwidth. Other helpful specs are Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. The battery is somewhat more significant than the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air, yet it’s adequate to support the larger screen with equal battery life.

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Battery life and performance

A MacBook Air (2017) has been my everyday vehicle for years. It’s still usable but far less competent than when it was new, let alone current standards. For this review, I looked forward to using the MacBook Air 15 as my primary work laptop for a few weeks. My profession doesn’t require a powerful computer; I browse the Internet (with numerous browsers and tabs open), read and write thousands of words daily, and use Slack and Telegram as required. I occasionally edit photos, record voiceovers, or make VoIP calls on the MacBook Air 15, which is said to be powerful enough. Even if you sometimes edit videos or crunch data, the laptop should manage it. 8GB of unified memory may be plenty for most tasks, but 16GB or 24GB may be better for the future.

Conclusion

I was unsure where the MacBook Air 15 fit when I first tried it at WWDC 2023. The Air series has always been tiny, lightweight, and simple to take in a handbag or backpack, so a 15.3-inch screen doesn’t fit. The only affordable big-screen option in Apple’s MacBook lineup was the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which costs Rs. 2,49,900 and is too powerful for most use cases and processes. The MacBook Air 15 balances size, capability, and pricing effectively. Thinking of this laptop as the much-needed big-screen MacBook for the typical user makes more sense than an “Air.”

FAQs

What are the MacBook Air’s main specs?

For processor, RAM, storage, display, and other specs, see the Apple website or product documentation.

Can I update MacBook Air RAM and storage?

Most MacBook Air notebooks contain soldered or integrated parts, preventing upgrades. Check model specifics or contact Apple support for upgrade information.

What is MacBook Air battery life?

MacBook Airs have great battery life. Check product literature or user reviews for battery performance.

Does the MacBook Air have Retina?

Retina screens are common in new MacBook Air models. Verify model-specific display specs.