M1 Macbook Air (2020) Worth Buying In 2024? YES Here's Why!

Summary

The M1 MacBook Air remains an excellent choice in 2024 due to its impressive portability, power, and battery efficiency. Despite being over three years old, it still delivers a sharp Retina display, efficient performance for tasks like photo and video editing, and outstanding battery life. While it only offers two Thunderbolt ports and supports just one external display, these limitations are manageable for most users. With its lightweight design and great value, the M1 MacBook Air is a top pick for everyday users, offering a blend of performance and convenience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The M1 MacBook Air is an incredibly portable and lightweight laptop, making it easy to carry around for work or leisure.
• 😀 The 13.3-inch Retina Display on the M1 MacBook Air is sharp, crisp, and offers great visuals for streaming, editing, and general use.
• 😀 Even though it's a lightweight laptop, the M1 MacBook Air is powerful enough for tasks like photo and video editing, including handling ProRes files with ease.
• 😀 The M1 chip offers amazing battery life, with some users being able to go a week without charging while still using the laptop for hours daily.
• 😀 Unlike previous MacBooks, the M1 MacBook Air doesn't get overly hot during use, even without a fan, thanks to the efficiency of the M1 chip.
• 😀 The M1 MacBook Air has only two Thunderbolt ports, which may not be enough for users who need more connectivity options, like USB-A or an SD card slot.
• 😀 The M1 MacBook Air supports only one external display, which may limit users who prefer a multi-monitor setup for tasks like coding, photo/video editing, or general productivity.
• 😀 Despite being three years old (as of 2024), the M1 MacBook Air remains a great value and a high-performance laptop for daily tasks and light creative work.
• 😀 The M1 MacBook Air is an excellent option for those looking for an affordable, powerful, and portable laptop without the extra cost of the MacBook Pro.
• 😀 The M1 MacBook Air is still a solid choice even in 2024, with performance and portability that make it a worthwhile investment, despite being a few years old.

Q & A

Why is the M1 MacBook Air considered highly portable?

The M1 MacBook Air is extremely lightweight and compact, weighing only 1.29 kg. Despite its small size, it retains a 13.3-inch screen, making it easy to carry around without sacrificing functionality.

How does the display quality of the M1 MacBook Air compare to previous MacBook Air models?

The M1 MacBook Air features a sharp Retina Display, a significant upgrade from previous MacBook Air models, which had lower resolution screens. This makes the M1 MacBook Air's display far superior in quality.

Is the M1 MacBook Air capable of photo and video editing?

Yes, the M1 MacBook Air is capable of photo and video editing. In fact, the reviewer edited a 5-minute short film with ProRes files on the M1 MacBook Air without any issues, although rendering times are slower compared to high-performance PCs.

How does the battery life of the M1 MacBook Air perform in real-world use?

The M1 MacBook Air offers exceptional battery life. The reviewer mentioned that they sometimes don’t need to charge the laptop for up to a week, still getting multiple hours of use each day.

Does the M1 MacBook Air suffer from performance throttling when the battery is low?

No, unlike many older laptops that reduce performance when the battery is low, the M1 MacBook Air maintains consistent performance even with a low battery.

How does the M1 MacBook Air handle heat generation without a fan?

The M1 MacBook Air is designed to be highly efficient, and despite having no fan, it doesn't overheat. The reviewer mentions that the laptop does get warm but never to the point of being uncomfortable.

What are the limitations of the M1 MacBook Air in terms of connectivity?

The M1 MacBook Air has only two Thunderbolt ports, which can be limiting for users who need more connectivity options. The reviewer also mentions the lack of USB-A ports and an SD card slot, which are available in newer MacBook Pro models.

How many external displays can the M1 MacBook Air support?

The M1 MacBook Air can only support one external display. This may be a significant drawback for users who require a dual-screen setup for tasks like photo and video editing or coding.

Why did the reviewer choose the M1 MacBook Air over the MacBook Pro?

The reviewer chose the M1 MacBook Air because of the blur between the two models in terms of performance. The M1 MacBook Air offered great reviews and solid performance, making it a more affordable option compared to the MacBook Pro.

Why is the M1 MacBook Air still a viable option in 2024?

Even in 2024, the M1 MacBook Air remains a fantastic choice due to its portability, performance, and efficiency. Despite being over three years old, it still holds up well against newer models, making it a great value for most everyday tasks.