Is the M1 MacBook Air Still a Smart Choice in 2024?
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Chapter 1: Introduction
I never expected to discuss the MacBook Air this extensively during the summer. Yet, it’s a hot topic as many individuals will be considering a purchase in the coming months.
However, there’s a complication this time: two distinctly different models are available, making the purchasing decision somewhat challenging.
For some, the choice is straightforward. Long-time fans of the classic wedge-shaped MacBook Air, uninterested in the latest offerings, will likely go for the M1 model. Meanwhile, those eager for the newest technology will gravitate toward the M2 version.
Who Should Consider the M2 MacBook Air?
And do you fit into that category?
Chapter 2: Weighing the Options
But what about those who are uncertain? Consumers and businesses contemplating whether to invest in the 'older' MacBook Air may find themselves in a dilemma. If you belong to this group and have reservations about purchasing the M1 MacBook Air, this guide is tailored for you! Let’s begin with pricing.
The entry-level M1 MacBook Air is the most affordable MacBook option available before venturing into refurbished or second-hand markets. It features an 8-core CPU, a 7-core GPU, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB of storage.
This configuration is priced at £999/$999, representing a £250/$200 savings compared to the M2 model. If you decide to upgrade the unified memory to 16GB, expect to pay an additional £200/$200.
The maximum you can spend on an M1 MacBook Air currently is £1,999/$1,999, which includes the memory upgrade and 2TB of storage. Although that’s quite a hefty price for a laptop, the performance is remarkable.
In this video, we analyze whether the M1 MacBook Air is still worth buying in 2024, considering its performance and value for money.
By comparison, if you fully configure the M2 MacBook Air, it will cost a staggering £2,549/$2,499. While you gain additional GPU cores, 8GB more unified memory, and the new M2 chip, the price tag may seem excessive.
If your goal is to minimize expenses while still maintaining performance, I suggest you stop reading now and simply buy the M1 MacBook Air. Trust me; your time is better spent making that decision rather than overthinking it.
Still uncertain? Let’s dive deeper into the type of user you are.
Section 2.1: Understanding Your Needs
Apple’s current lineup complicates the MacBook purchasing process, with numerous models and configurations available.
However, beyond your budget, the most crucial aspect to consider is your user profile. User categories range from casual users performing basic tasks like browsing and emailing to professionals who utilize their MacBook Air for work or creative projects.
As I’ve mentioned since the M2 MacBook Air launch, most users, whether casual or professional, will find the M1 model more than sufficient. My base model is one of the fastest Macs I own, and I use it daily for my business. If you’ve hesitated to buy an M1 MacBook Air due to concerns about its capabilities, know that the M2 is available, and it might be time to join the preorder queue!
Let’s dispel some myths and address any lingering doubts you might have.
Subsection 2.1.1: Myths and Facts
Many misconceptions surround the M1 MacBook Air, especially regarding the base model.
Let’s clarify a few points, as these misunderstandings could deter you from making a fantastic purchase.
Starting with the 7-core GPU, the M1 MacBook Air no longer offers an upgrade option (the 8-core was removed with the M2 launch). However, this limitation is insignificant; I’ve successfully edited high-quality 4K videos on my 7-core MacBook Air with minimal slowdown.
If you require more GPU power, numerous options are now available.
Section 2.2: Memory Considerations
You might also be worried about the 8GB version. You’ve likely heard about potential out-of-memory errors and issues with “excessive swap file usage.” While these concerns have some validity, I haven’t encountered an ‘out-of-memory’ error on my M1 MacBook Air, nor do I know what that message looks like.
As for the swap file, I’ll keep you updated on my SSD's health in the coming years!
Subsection 2.2.1: Design Concerns
You may also be uneasy about the wedge design. With the sleek new M2 MacBook Air now available, it may seem the M1 version is outdated.
However, many people still appreciate the classic wedge design, which has gained iconic status.
Some may assume the M2 is significantly faster than the M1. Benchmarks indicate an approximate 11.6% improvement in single-core performance and nearly 20% in multi-core tasks.
Yet, benchmarks don’t tell the full story. In practical terms, most non-power users will find the M1 MacBook Air performs similarly to the M2 model.
While it’s true that the M1 will eventually become outdated, Apple will continue supporting it for several years, ensuring its relevance.
Chapter 3: The Ideal M1 MacBook Air Buyer
If you’re still uncertain about the M1 MacBook Air, let’s identify the ideal buyer.
This individual has a specific budget and prefers not to exceed £1,000/$1,000 unless there’s a compelling reason. They aren’t concerned with the latest technology and prefer not to be among the first to buy untested products.
Furthermore, they aren’t a professional video editor or a programmer but value speed and efficiency in their devices.
Despite primarily engaging in regular computing tasks, they might be interested in exploring other activities, such as starting a YouTube channel or delving into programming with a book they received as a gift.
This is why they choose to invest in an M1 MacBook Air, and once it arrives, they never look back.
Final Thoughts
Apple maintains the M1 MacBook Air in its lineup for a reason: it’s not going anywhere soon. This means it will remain supported and relevant for a considerable time.
What are your thoughts? Is the M1 MacBook Air the right choice for you?
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