As Black Friday approaches, Walmart is promoting the M1 MacBook Air at a price of $599. This deal may attract laptop buyers, particularly those unfamiliar with past offers on this model.
However, for potential buyers, especially those prioritizing performance, the M1 MacBook Air may not provide the best value. In comparison, the upcoming 2025 MacBook Air M4 is available for approximately $749.99. This newer model offers enhanced specifications, design improvements, and better processing speed, making it a more appealing choice for many consumers.
Apple’s M-series processors have consistently improved, with the M4 representing the fourth generation of this technology. Although the M1 MacBook Air has positive performance and battery life relative to some of Apple’s older Intel-based models, its limitations have become more noticeable over time. Furthermore, choosing a newer laptop ensures access to more frequent software updates.
The M1 MacBook Air comes with 8GB of RAM, which is less than that of many current flagship smartphones. While it performs adequately with light workloads, users may experience sluggishness when managing numerous browser tabs. The M4 model, on the other hand, offers 16GB of RAM by default and boasts faster task processing. Both models have similar ports, although the M4 features faster USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support and a dedicated MagSafe charging port.
In terms of design, the newer MacBook Air has replaced the wedge shape of the M1 with a more refined appearance similar to the MacBook Pro. It also includes a larger screen due to thinner bezels and a new 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam.
In conclusion, while the M1 MacBook Air presents an accessible option for those on a budget, the additional investment in the M4 MacBook Air may yield better overall performance and longevity.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/824237/m4-macbook-air-apple-m1-laptop-black-friday-deal-sale