TLDR: The M3 MacBook Air refresh brings minimal updates and the M3 chip, but high upgrade costs and better value in M2 and M1 models make it less recommended for regular users.
This article is a summary of a You Tube video “Here’s the Thing about the M3 Macbook Air..” by Marques Brownlee
Key Takeaways:
- Limited Updates: The MacBook Air refresh is minor, with just a new anodization for reduced fingerprint visibility and the introduction of the M3 chip.
- Anodization Impact Minimal: The new anodization barely affects fingerprint visibility, and alternatives like skins are suggested for better protection and aesthetics.
- M3 Chip Introduction: The M3 chip, previously seen in other Apple products, now powers the MacBook Air, promising improved performance, particularly in graphics.
- Delayed M3 Adoption: The MacBook Air’s update to the M3 chip came later than other Apple products, maintaining the M2 chip for the Mac Mini and the iPad Pro.
- Performance Expectations Met: The M3 chip meets performance expectations with a 10-20% improvement over the M2, featuring better graphics and ray tracing capabilities.
- Enhanced Features and Storage: Dual external display support and improved base storage speed are notable, addressing previous criticisms of the M2’s slower base storage module.
- Price Adjustments: With the introduction of the M3, Apple reduced the price of the M2 MacBook Air by $100 and phased out the M1 model.
- Base Model Pricing Strategy: The starting prices for Apple products often don’t reflect the actual cost after necessary upgrades, highlighting the high markup on Apple’s part for basic upgrades.
- Upgrading Costs: Upgrading the base model of the MacBook Air with additional RAM and storage is disproportionately expensive.
- Recommendation: For regular users with basic computing needs, the M2 or even the M1 MacBook Air models offer sufficient performance at a lower cost, making the M3 MacBook Air less recommended for this group.