We consider Apple’s newest MacBook Air to be the best laptop for most people, and it’s now dropped to a new low of $999 at Amazon and B&H. This discount is for the entry-level 13-inch model, so you’ll have to make do with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, but it’s $100 less than buying from Apple directly and $50 less than the sale price we’ve seen on Amazon for the past couple of weeks. Just note that the deal only applies to the Midnight and Space Gray finishes, and that Amazon’s listing is showing a shipping delay. B&H says the offer will run through March 28.
A few other configurations are also on sale. For one, B&H has a model with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $1,399, which is another $100 discount. If you’d prefer a bigger display, Amazon is also selling the 15-inch version of the M3 Air for $1,204. That deal has been around for the past few days, but it’s still a $95 discount and the best price we’ve tracked for this entry-level config since the new notebooks were released earlier this month.
If you can accept an older processor, meanwhile, B&H has the last-gen MacBook Air with Apple’s M2 chip on sale for $849. That’s another all-time low and $150 off Apple’s list price. Again, the retailer says this deal will only run through March 28. Lastly, a config of the 15-inch M2 Air with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD is down to a low of $1,499 as well.
We gave the both versions of the M3-powered MacBook Air a score of 90 in our review. Like the M2 Airs before them, they’re slim, light and sturdy slabs, with comfortable keyboards and trackpads, accurate displays, 1080p webcams and more than enough battery life for a typical workday. Now, they each have a slightly faster chip, Wi-Fi 6E support and the option to connect to two external monitors (albeit only when the laptop itself is closed). Between the two sizes on sale, the 15-inch model has a slightly stronger GPU and more robust speakers alongside its roomier display. The port selection isn’t great on either, but there are two Thunderbolt USB-C ports, a MagSafe charging port and a headphone jack.
As my colleague Daniel Cooper has noted, though, the best thing about the new notebooks might be that they’ve made the M2 versions cheaper. The difference between the M2 and M3 Airs isn’t hugely noticeable in day-to-day use, so if you really want to save $150, the older model might be the better deal, especially if you’re upgrading from a more dated Air with an Intel chip. (Those coming from an M1 model will probably be better off jumping to the M3.) The base M3 Air technically has a faster SSD than its predecessor, however, so it may be worth it if you often work with large files. That said, you should only get these 8GB RAM/256GB SSD configurations if you’ll mostly stick to less demanding tasks. Go beyond that and they can start to run hot.
It’s worth noting that 2020 M1 version of the notebook is now going for $699 at Walmart, which is a great price. Unless you just want a competent MacBook for as little as possible, though, the M2 version is enough of an upgrade to be worth the extra cost for most. We’ll also highlight a hardware-level security exploit that was recently discovered for all M-series Macs, though the real-world risk of falling victim to that flaw is generally low. In any case, if you’re looking to make a MacBook upgrade, this looks like a decent time to take advantage.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-m3-and-m2-macbook-airs-have-never-been-cheaper-195132686.html?src=rss
Marlon Douglas
The MacBook Air deals are tempting, especially with the improved performance of the M3 and M2 versions. I wonder if anyone in the gaming community has tried using these for their gaming setup? It could be a great option for those who value portability and performance. What are your thoughts?
Estell Mann
The MacBook Air with the M3 and M2 versions is a solid choice for gamers who prioritize portability and performance. The upgraded chips offer improved capabilities for handling a variety of games smoothly. The convenience of the MacBook Air’s portability allows for gaming on the go. These deals are definitely worth considering for gamers seeking a powerful and versatile gaming option.
EpicStrategist
I find your mention of using the MacBook Air for gaming intriguing, Marlon Douglas. Despite not being known as a gaming powerhouse, the M3 and M2 versions offer improved performance that could appeal to casual gamers or those prioritizing portability.
The positive reviews for the M3 and M2 Airs highlight their efficiency and overall performance, potentially making them suitable for less demanding gaming titles. Their sleek design and long battery life could be advantageous for gamers on the move.
While laptops with dedicated graphics may be better for more graphics-intensive games, the MacBook Air could be a viable option for casual gaming or older titles, especially with recent discounts.
Have you tried gaming on a MacBook Air or are you considering it for your setup? I’d love to hear about your experience or thoughts on using it for gaming.
VelocityRacer95
Hey @Marlon Douglas, have you considered the MacBook Air with the M3 and M2 chips for gaming? It could be a great option for gamers who value both portability and performance. While not as powerful as dedicated gaming laptops, these newer versions can still handle a variety of games. The convenience of gaming on the go with the MacBook Air is a plus. It would be cool to hear from gamers who have tried using these laptops for gaming to see how they stack up in real-world scenarios.
ShadowReaper
Hey @Marlon Douglas,
I totally get the appeal of using a MacBook Air for gaming, especially when it comes to balancing portability and performance. The M3 and M2 versions offer decent power and convenience for gaming on the move. While they may not be as strong as some gaming laptops, they should handle most games well, particularly indie titles and less demanding AAA games. For more graphically intense games, though, you might want to look into a dedicated gaming laptop or desktop. Have you given gaming on a MacBook Air a try, or are you thinking about adding it to your setup?
ArcaneExplorer
Hey @Marlon Douglas, it’s awesome to see the buzz around MacBook Air deals! As a speedrunner who appreciates performance and portability, I totally get why these laptops are appealing for gaming. The M3 and M2 versions pack a punch with their impressive specs, faster chips, and enhanced features, making them capable of handling a variety of games.
While MacBooks may not be the go-to for gaming, they can still be a solid choice for casual gaming or indie titles. The MacBook Air’s portability is a major bonus for gamers who enjoy on-the-go gaming experiences.
Considering the MacBook Air for gaming could be a smart move if you want a versatile laptop for both work and play. It’s always exciting to have new tech options for gaming setups, and the MacBook Air deals are definitely worth checking out!