Apple’s MacBook Air with the M3 chip has been making waves in the tech world, offering impressive performance upgrades that have caught the attention of users and reviewers alike. In this review, we will delve into the pros and cons of the M3 MacBook Air, exploring its design, features, and overall performance.
Performance Gains and Design
The M3 chip in the MacBook Air delivers sizable performance gains compared to previous models with M1 and Intel chips. The article highlights that Apple keeps comparing the M3’s performance to older MacBook Airs because those are the users who stand to benefit the most from upgrading. While the performance differences may be modest overall, the graphics performance receives a notable bump, making it a worthy upgrade for creators and those seeking a power boost.
The design of the M3 MacBook Air remains largely unchanged from previous models. It features a fanless body made from recycled aluminum, a beautiful Liquid Retina display, a 1080p FaceTime camera, and a great-sounding speaker system. The article also mentions the availability of MagSafe 3 charging and dual Thunderbolt-USB 4 ports. However, it notes some detracting factors, such as the camera notch at the top of the display and the absence of Face ID.
New Features and Display Support
The M3 chip update brings two notable additions to the MacBook Air. Firstly, it introduces Wi-Fi 6E, which offers faster wireless speeds for users with compatible routers. Secondly, it enhances display support by allowing users to connect two external displays directly to the Thunderbolt USB-C ports. However, using dual external displays requires closing the MacBook Air’s lid, which may be inconvenient for those who prefer working with both the laptop’s keyboard and trackpad.
Memory and Storage Considerations
While the base configuration of the M3 MacBook Air may be lacking in terms of memory and storage, it is important to note that users can upgrade these components. The article suggests opting for 16GB of memory, as it will enhance the laptop’s overall performance and longevity. Although storage can be expanded through external drives or cloud storage, memory cannot be easily upgraded.
Comparison to Other Models
The article compares the M3 MacBook Air to other laptops, such as the Lenovo Slim 7 with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor. While the Lenovo laptop performs similarly to the M3 MacBook Air in most aspects, it falls behind in graphics performance, highlighting Intel’s need to catch up in this area.
Battery Life and Final Recommendations
The article acknowledges that battery life testing was limited during the review period. However, it expects the M3 MacBook Air to come close to Apple’s claimed 18-hour battery life, based on the performance of the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro. Despite not providing a final rating, the article concludes that both the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Airs are easy recommendations for users looking to upgrade from older MacBook Air models. It suggests opting for the M3 model with at least 16GB of memory for users engaged in STEM work, design work, video rendering, or photo editing.
In conclusion, the M3 chip in Apple’s MacBook Air offers impressive performance upgrades, particularly in graphics performance. While the design remains largely unchanged, the addition of Wi-Fi 6E and dual display support enhances the user experience. Although the base configuration may be lacking in memory and storage, these components can be upgraded. Overall, the M3 MacBook Air is a compelling choice for users seeking a powerful and portable laptop.
