The Overlooked Star

With so many new products launched this year, it's easy to forget the M2 MacBook Air, which was a standout back in June but has since been overshadowed by newer devices.

Apple has had a prolific year, unveiling a plethora of exciting gadgets that can make it hard to keep track. Here’s a quick recap of what has been released:

• iPhone SE
• Mac Studio
• Studio Display
• iPad Air
• M2 13-inch MacBook Pro
• iPhone 14
• Apple Watch Ultra
• Apple Watch 8
• AirPods Pro 2

Given the rapid pace of these announcements, it's understandable that some products have slipped under the radar. Among them, the M2 MacBook Air stands out for its innovation, alongside the Mac Studio, Studio Display, and the Apple Watch Ultra.

A Change in Workflow

This year has seen a major shift in my workflow. For years, I relied on a 27-inch iMac desktop, but after much contemplation, I transitioned to a 16-inch MacBook Pro in the spring. This machine has exceeded my expectations, handling everything from audio production to Photoshop projects seamlessly.

Despite its impressive performance, I've found myself neglecting my M2 MacBook Air, which now primarily serves as a secondary monitor through Universal Control for checking emails and social media.

Reconnecting with the M2 MacBook Air

Last week was particularly hectic, filled with long hours at my desk. As the workweek spilled into the weekend, I craved a change of scenery. This prompted me to once again embrace my M2 MacBook Air, which proved to be a lifesaver, allowing me to work in various locations, from the dining table to a park.

Over the weekend, the MacBook Air demonstrated its capabilities, proving itself as a reliable workhorse. While it boasts a sleek design, it is equally effective for demanding tasks, such as editing large InDesign files, producing audio content, and managing video uploads.

Portability Redefined

I chose to take the MacBook Air over the MacBook Pro this weekend primarily due to its lightweight design. It fits easily into a backpack or can be carried under my arm without feeling cumbersome.

My model features 8GB of unified memory and 512GB of storage. I might have opted for more storage, but I wanted to have it on release day for review purposes. Thankfully, the storage has sufficed, thanks in part to Dropbox's SmartSync feature, which allows me to access files without using up local space.

Creativity Unleashed

Having the freedom to work outside my usual environment sparked my creativity. If I had stayed cooped up in my office, I likely would have felt uninspired. The M2 MacBook Air enabled me to gain a fresh perspective, enhancing my creative flow.

As an Adobe Creative Cloud user, I installed the CC app immediately upon acquiring the MacBook Air, and it runs beautifully.

Remarkable Battery Life

The battery performance is impressive; I haven't even unpacked the power brick yet. It has effortlessly powered through my work over the weekend without any charging anxiety. I was able to work for approximately six hours each day without needing to carry the charger.

A Comfortable Experience

Equipped with a Magic Keyboard, Touch ID, and full-height function keys, this MacBook Air provides a comfortable working experience. Although I typically use AirPods Pro, the built-in speakers are more than adequate for casual listening.

The 1080p webcam is a significant upgrade, matching the quality of the MacBook Pro. The 13.6-inch display, with its P3 wide color gamut and True Tone, is a delight to work on.

Color Choices and Maintenance

When the M2 MacBook Air was released, much was said about its tendency to attract fingerprints. I chose the midnight color, and despite being a bit of a neat-freak, I've found that the smudging isn't as problematic as some reviews suggested. Even after months of use, I still love the color, which seems to have aged beautifully.

Conclusion

I had forgotten just how impressive the M2 MacBook Air is. It took a particularly busy weekend for me to reconnect with it, which is unfortunate. However, having rediscovered its capabilities, I’m determined not to let it sit idle for so long again. The M2 MacBook Air is more than just a pretty device; it's a powerful tool that can handle a variety of tasks with ease.

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Originally published at https://talkingtechandaudio.com on September 26, 2022.