The M3 MacBook Air "Problems"

Summary

The video reviews Apple's newly launched M3 MacBook Air models, focusing on key features, user concerns, and comparisons to previous models. Notable upgrades include the ability to connect two external displays, but only when the laptop screen is off. Some complaints revolve around the base configuration of 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, as well as the minimal performance gains from the M1 to M3 chips. The reviewer suggests that for budget-conscious buyers, opting for the M2 or M1 models may offer better value, especially since the improvements are relatively minor.

Takeaways

• 💻 Apple has launched new M3 MacBook Air models, available in 13-inch and 15-inch versions, but there are concerns from the community regarding these new releases.
• 🖤 The darker-colored M3 MacBook Air models, like the Midnight and Space Black, feature a coating intended to reduce fingerprints, but the improvement over the M2 models is minimal.
• 🔌 A key update in the M3 MacBook Air is its ability to connect to two external displays, provided the laptop's lid is closed; otherwise, it still supports only one external display.
• 🖥️ There are criticisms that the M3 MacBook Air supports fewer displays compared to Windows laptops or older Intel-based MacBooks, highlighting limitations in Apple's display controller.
• 💼 It seems that Apple made changes to support multiple external displays to cater to enterprise clients who were reluctant to switch from Intel-based MacBooks due to this feature.
• 💸 The starting configuration of 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage in the M3 MacBook Air has received criticism, especially due to the high cost of RAM upgrades.
• 💰 Upgrading from 8 GB to 16 GB RAM costs $200, which is significantly higher than industry-standard prices, making it a costly decision for users.
• 🏷️ For those on a budget, the previous generation M2 and M1 MacBook Air models are recommended as they offer similar performance to the M3 models at lower prices, especially when purchased refurbished.
• 🎮 The M3 MacBook Air shows noticeable gains in graphics performance compared to its predecessors, although its overall CPU gains are minimal, and it's better suited for lighter gaming tasks.
• 🤖 Apple's marketing highlights the M3 MacBook Air's capability to handle AI-related workloads, like running large language models and diffusion models, even without using NVIDIA's CUDA technology.

Q & A

What are the key differences between the M2 and M3 MacBook Air in terms of external display support?

The M3 MacBook Air supports two external displays when the laptop's lid is closed, whereas the M2 could only support one external display. However, if you use the built-in screen on the M3, you're limited to one external display, similar to the M1 and M2 models.

How does the M3 MacBook Air perform in terms of smudge resistance with the new 'sealed' surface?

While the M3 MacBook Air, especially in the midnight and space black colors, has a supposed sealed surface to reduce fingerprints, the reviewer found that smudges are still quite noticeable and not significantly reduced compared to the M2 model.

Why do some users feel disappointed with the external display limitations on the M3 MacBook Air?

Some users were disappointed because many Windows laptops can support three or more external screens, and even older Intel-based MacBook Airs could support two external displays with the built-in screen. The limitation is due to the M-series chips having only one display controller for external displays.

What is the significance of the 8 GB RAM starting configuration on the M3 MacBook Air?

The 8 GB RAM starting configuration is seen as sufficient for most users, as the majority wouldn't notice a difference in their workflow with 16 GB of RAM. However, there are complaints about the high cost of upgrading to 16 GB, which is priced at $200, a markup well above typical industry rates.

Why does the reviewer suggest not buying the M3 MacBook Air if you're on a tight budget?

The reviewer suggests buying the M2 or even the M1 MacBook Air, which are significantly cheaper and offer similar performance to the M3. The performance gains between M1, M2, and M3 are incremental, especially for CPU tasks, making the older models a better value for budget-conscious buyers.

What are the performance gains from M1 to M3 MacBook Air, and how significant are they?

The CPU performance gains from M1 to M3 are limited, but there is more noticeable improvement in graphics performance. However, these improvements are application-dependent, so the overall performance difference is not massive unless you need specific graphical enhancements.

What changes have been made to the keyboard, screen, and speakers of the M3 MacBook Air compared to previous models?

There have been no changes to the keyboard, screen, or speakers in the M3 MacBook Air. It retains a 500-nit display, class-leading keyboard, and excellent speakers, especially for a thin device.

How does the M3 MacBook Air perform in terms of battery life compared to the M2 model?

The battery life of the M3 MacBook Air is similar to the M2 model. However, the M3 seems to drain slightly faster under heavier workloads.

What is Apple's approach to AI-related tasks on the M3 MacBook Air?

Apple has mentioned that the M3 MacBook Air can handle tasks like running large language models (LLMs) and diffusion models effectively. Despite not using Nvidia's CUDA technology, Apple Silicon performs well in AI workflows.

Why is the screen of the M3 MacBook Air capped at 60 Hz, and what does this signify?

The screen refresh rate of the M3 MacBook Air is capped at 60 Hz, which Apple likely uses to differentiate between its consumer-level products and its pro-level offerings, which come with higher refresh rates.