After spending a couple of weeks with the new 2024 MacBook Air, equipped with the M3 processor, I have a lot to share about this sleek device. Right off the bat, it's clear that the MacBook Air remains a design icon, maintaining its familiar aesthetic with options in silver, space gray, midnight, and starlight. However, this year's midnight variant boasts an improved fingerprint-resistant coating, which is a nice touch, considering the smudge issues of previous versions.
Design & Build
The 15" MacBook Air sticks to Apple's modern design language with its flat surfaces and subtle curves. It feels impossibly light and thin, which is quite impressive for its size, closely matching the 14" MacBook Pro in dimensions but feeling significantly lighter and more portable. This design philosophy extends to its color options too, though I opted for the starlight version this time, which has a unique, albeit slightly lackluster, hue compared to the classic silver.
Performance Insights
Equipped with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, my MacBook Air feels nearly as capable as a more professional setup. The M3 chip offers noticeable improvements in handling multiple applications and tasks simultaneously. From browsing with multiple tabs open to managing work emails and even light video editing, the performance has been smooth and reliable.
The display, as always, is a standout feature. Whether you opt for the 13" or 15" model, the liquid retina display is stunning, offering incredible brightness and color accuracy. It’s perfect for everything from everyday tasks to more color-sensitive work, thanks to its wide color gamut and sharp resolution.
Connectivity and Expansion
While I appreciate the minimalist approach with only two Thunderbolt/USB4 ports, it can feel limiting without a dock, especially for those who need to connect multiple devices or external displays. Speaking of displays, the MacBook Air now supports dual external monitors, a much-requested feature, though it requires the built-in display to be closed.
Choosing the Right Model
Despite the positives, I advise against settling for the base model with 8GB of RAM. In 2024, opting for at least 16GB of RAM is crucial for future-proofing your investment. The price difference is marginal in the grand scheme, yet the performance boost is significant, especially for multitasking and resource-intensive tasks.
For those debating between sizes and specs, consider how you plan to use your MacBook. If portability is key, the 13" model is unmatched. If storage is a priority, upgrading to a model with more built-in storage or investing in external solutions might be wise.
If you prefer a larger laptop, the 15” Air with 16GB of memory at $1499 is a fantastic laptop; however, if you want to upgrade the storage at all, you are better off going for the 14”: MacBook Pro for only $100 more…..And no, I do not mean the base model 8GB regular M3 MacBook Pro, I mean the 18GB M3 Pro macbook pro model which you can get for $1799 using the links below because they keep going on sale.
For an extra $100 over the 15 air with 16gb ram and 512gb storage, you get a way faster processor with more CPU and GPU cores, and a processor that can run faster, longer with the active cooling… You get a slightly 1” smaller liquid retina XDR display that is 20% brighter and has HDR and a variable rate pro motion display that makes just about everything feel faster and smoother on the display. You get better speakers, more ports, the ability to run 2 external displays in addition to the built in display, and even better battery life.
Final Thoughts
The new 15" MacBook Air is a fantastic machine that's great for everyday use and capable of handling more than just basic tasks. It's a significant step up in terms of usability and performance from its predecessors. Just remember, opting for more RAM will make a considerable difference in your experience. This MacBook could very well be the perfect fit for most users, offering a blend of performance, portability, and style.
