Apple has recently launched the new MacBook Air 13- and 15-inch models with the M2 chip, the successor to the M1 chip that powered the previous generation of MacBook Air. The M2 chip is claimed to deliver up to 1.4x faster performance than the M1, and up to 12x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. The new MacBook Air also features a Liquid Retina display, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a fanless design, and four stunning colors to choose from. In this article, we will review the pros and cons of the MacBook Air M2 and see if it is worth buying.
Pros
- M2 chip: The M2 chip is the highlight of the new MacBook Air. It is an integrated system on a chip (SoC) that combines the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, memory, and I/O controllers in one package. The M2 chip has an 8-core CPU and an 8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on the model. The CPU has four performance cores and four efficiency cores that can handle different tasks depending on the workload. The GPU has either eight or ten cores that can deliver up to 2x faster graphics performance than the M1. The Neural Engine has 16 cores that can perform up to 15.8 trillion operations per second for machine learning tasks. The M2 chip also supports up to 16GB of unified memory that can be shared by the CPU and GPU, and up to 2TB of SSD storage. The M2 chip enables the MacBook Air to run macOS and iOS apps natively, as well as Windows apps via Parallels Desktop or CrossOver.
- Battery life: The MacBook Air M2 has an impressive battery life that can last up to 18 hours of wireless web browsing, or up to 20 hours of video playback. This is thanks to the power efficiency of the M2 chip and the fanless design that reduces heat generation. The MacBook Air M2 comes with either a 30W or a 35W USB-C power adapter, depending on the model, and a USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable that can magnetically attach to the laptop for fast and safe charging.
- Display: The MacBook Air M2 has a Liquid Retina display that supports 1 billion colors and has a resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels for the 13-inch model, or 2880 by 1800 pixels for the 15-inch model. The display has True Tone technology that adjusts the color temperature according to the ambient light, and P3 wide color gamut that delivers vivid and accurate colors. The display also has an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare and improves readability.
- Camera and audio: The MacBook Air M2 has a 1080p FaceTime HD camera that can capture clear and detailed images and videos in low-light conditions. The camera also supports Center Stage, a feature that automatically pans and zooms to keep you in frame during video calls. The MacBook Air M2 has stereo speakers that support Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, creating a three-dimensional soundstage for music and movies. The speakers also have wide stereo sound that enhances the sound quality and clarity. The MacBook Air M2 has three microphones that can reduce background noise and enhance voice quality.
Cons
- Ports: The MacBook Air M2 has only two Thunderbolt 4 ports that support USB 4, DisplayPort, and Power Delivery. This means that you will need adapters or dongles to connect other devices or peripherals, such as external monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, etc. The MacBook Air M2 also lacks an SD card slot, which can be inconvenient for photographers or videographers who need to transfer files from their cameras.
- Upgradeability: The MacBook Air M2 is not user-upgradeable, meaning that you cannot change or replace any of its components, such as the memory, storage, battery, etc. This limits your options if you want to expand your storage capacity or extend your battery life in the future. You will have to choose your configuration carefully when you buy your MacBook Air M2, as you will be stuck with it for its lifespan.
- Compatibility: The MacBook Air M2 runs on macOS Monterey, which is optimized for the M2 chip and its features. However, some apps or software may not be compatible with macOS Monterey or the M2 chip yet, especially those that are designed for Intel-based Macs or Windows PCs. You may encounter some issues or bugs when running these apps or software on your MacBook Air M2, such as reduced performance, crashes, errors, etc. You will have to check if your favorite apps or software are updated or supported by macOS Monterey or the M2 chip before buying your MacBook Air M2.
Conclusion
The MacBook Air M2 is a powerful and versatile laptop that can handle various tasks and applications with ease. It has a stunning display, a long battery life, a high-quality camera and audio, and a sleek and colorful design. It is also lightweight and portable, making it ideal for students, professionals, or anyone who needs a reliable and efficient laptop. However, the MacBook Air M2 also has some drawbacks, such as the limited ports, the lack of upgradeability, and the potential compatibility issues. You will have to weigh the pros and cons of the MacBook Air M2 and decide if it meets your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a laptop that can deliver fast and smooth performance, excellent graphics, and great features, then the MacBook Air M2 may be the right choice for you.
