M4 MacBook Air For Programming & Productivity - 3 Months Later Review

Summary

In this video, the creator reviews their 15-inch M4 MacBook Air after three months of use, comparing it with higher-end Apple silicon models like the M1 Pro and M4 Max. They discuss key features like the laptop's sleek design, lightweight build, and impressive performance, especially for video editing and programming. Despite throttling under extended heavy loads due to its fanless design, the M4 Air still delivers strong performance. The video also addresses concerns about its 60Hz display, port selection, and battery life, ultimately recommending the Air for most users but suggesting the Pro models for creative professionals.

Takeaways

• 😀 The M4 MacBook Air is a great all-around machine for daily use, especially for tasks like programming, editing, and general work in coffee shops or co-working spaces.
• 😀 Despite lacking fans, the M4 MacBook Air handles heavy workloads well but may throttle performance during extended use due to heat buildup.
• 😀 The 15-inch M4 MacBook Air offers sufficient screen space for multitasking without feeling cramped, though the 60Hz display might feel limiting for those used to higher refresh rates.
• 😀 The M4 MacBook Air has excellent color accuracy for video and photo work, with exports appearing consistent across devices like the iPhone.
• 😀 With a maximum brightness of 500 nits, the MacBook Air performs well in most environments, though the Pro model offers brighter displays for those working near windows or in bright settings.
• 😀 The M4 MacBook Air is ultra-light, weighing only 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg), making it far more portable than the 16-inch Pro models, which can feel heavy after extended use.
• 😀 Port selection on the MacBook Air is limited, with only two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack, making it less ideal for those needing multiple peripherals or external displays.
• 😀 The MacBook Air's 256GB storage is sufficient for most users, but power users who need more space might want to invest in external storage options instead of upgrading internal storage.
• 😀 While the M4 Air excels in single-core performance, its multi-core performance is held back by thermals, resulting in slower performance compared to Pro models with cooling fans.
• 😀 For video editing, the M4 MacBook Air can handle 4K footage quite efficiently, but those editing larger, more complex projects should consider the Pro model for better sustained performance.
• 😀 The MacBook Air offers incredible value for money, especially in the 13-inch version, but users opting for the 15-inch model may want to consider the 14-inch Pro for better overall performance and additional features.

Q & A

How does the M4 MacBook Air handle heavy workloads like video rendering?

The M4 MacBook Air can handle heavy workloads, like video rendering, but it does experience throttling after a few minutes of intense GPU usage. For example, during a 40-minute video export, the GPU usage starts at 100% but drops to around 50% as the device heats up. Despite throttling, it still completed the task in 17 minutes, showcasing its strong performance.

Does the M4 MacBook Air overheat during prolonged usage?

The M4 MacBook Air does tend to overheat during heavy, prolonged workloads due to its fanless design. While it can run intensive tasks initially, the device throttles its performance to cool down. However, for most users, this throttling won’t be noticeable in daily tasks.

How does the M4 MacBook Air's display compare to the MacBook Pro models?

The M4 MacBook Air has a 60Hz display, which can feel like a downgrade for those used to 120Hz displays on the Pro models. However, for users who don’t mind the 60Hz refresh rate, the Air’s display quality is good, with accurate color reproduction and 500 nits of brightness. The Pro models, on the other hand, have higher peak brightness and better overall display quality.

What is the performance like for the M4 MacBook Air in tasks like coding or editing?

The M4 MacBook Air performs admirably in tasks like coding and video editing. It can handle coding tasks and video editing without lag, thanks to the high performance of its M4 chip and 24GB of RAM. For video editing, even 4K footage can be worked on smoothly with a timeline resolution set to 4K, though users with less RAM might need to downgrade the resolution to 1080p for smoother performance.

How does the M4 MacBook Air handle multi-core tasks compared to other MacBook models?

The M4 MacBook Air struggles with multi-core tasks under heavy load, as it throttles due to its fanless design. In contrast, the MacBook Pro models, which have fans, are able to maintain higher performance without throttling. For users working on large repositories or doing intensive tasks that require multi-core performance, the Pro models may be a better option.

How does the M4 MacBook Air perform in quicksort benchmarks against the M1 Pro and M4 Max?

In quicksort benchmarks, the M4 MacBook Air showed strong performance, completing the task in 25 seconds, which is a 4x improvement over its single-core performance. The M1 Pro and M4 Max also performed well, but the M4 Max was much faster, completing the task in just 14 seconds. This highlights the M4 MacBook Air’s performance limitations in multi-core tasks due to its lack of a cooling system.

What is the storage capacity of the M4 MacBook Air, and is it sufficient for most users?

The M4 MacBook Air comes with 256GB of base storage, which is sufficient for most users who don’t store large media files or games. However, for those who need more storage, using external storage options like a 2TB drive is recommended. This provides greater value for money compared to upgrading the internal storage.

How is the battery life on the M4 MacBook Air?

The battery life on the M4 MacBook Air is impressive, especially for tasks like programming or browsing. The battery lasts longer when the brightness is reduced. For intensive tasks like video editing with full brightness, users can expect around 4-5 hours of usage, but at lower brightness, this can be extended.

What are the limitations of the M4 MacBook Air's ports and connectivity?

The M4 MacBook Air has a limited port selection with only two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a headphone jack, and a charging port. This can be restrictive for users who need to connect multiple devices or external storage. Additionally, the Air lacks an HDMI port and SD card slot, which are present on Pro models and are useful for photographers and videographers.

Who is the M4 MacBook Air ideal for?

The M4 MacBook Air is ideal for users who prioritize portability, long battery life, and good performance for everyday tasks like coding, browsing, and light video editing. It’s also a great option for those who don’t mind the 60Hz display and can manage with limited ports. However, professionals in creative fields or those requiring higher multi-core performance might prefer the MacBook Pro models.