Is the MacBook Air M1 Still Worth It in 2024? Honest Review and Buying Guide

I remember when the Amazon delivery driver arrived with this laptop—no exaggeration, it felt like unwrapping a piece of the future. I’d ordered the Apple MacBook Air M1 in April 2021, a few months after its official 2020 launch, and since then, it’s become my go-to for everything, from blogging to video editing to kicking back with a good show. For anyone considering an Apple laptop but hesitant about the price tag on the latest models, the MacBook Air with the M1 chip is still a brilliant choice. It wows me every day, and I think it might do the same for you!

• The Design

Who could forget that unforgettable moment when Steve Jobs slid the first MacBook Air out of an envelope? That moment set a new standard for laptop design, and the M1 MacBook Air continues to honor that vision. Even in 2024, this sleek, lightweight design stands out. It’s classic Apple: clean, minimalistic, and just stunning. Sure, the bezels aren’t as slim as the ones on the latest models, but it’s a small compromise I’m more than willing to make. Why? Because you can pick up this beautiful piece of tech for far less than the newest Air models, and honestly, it still feels just as premium.

• The Display

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the display. Could it be brighter? Sure, especially if you’re planning to work outside a lot. But if you’re like me and typically work indoors, it’s plenty bright. The color accuracy is fantastic, making it a pleasure for everything from everyday tasks to watching Apple TV content in 4K HDR. And even though it’s not a 4K display, it holds its own incredibly well, delivering vibrant colors and crisp visuals that make editing videos and photos a breeze. Unless you’re a pro who needs top-of-the-line specs, this display is more than up to the task.

• Performance

Apple’s M1 chip was a revelation when it came out, and even now, it blows me away. Moving from Intel to M1 felt like jumping from night to day—it’s that much of a leap in performance. Four years on, this little powerhouse handles everything I throw at it, including 4K video editing, without breaking a sweat. The M1 is still, by today’s standards, an incredible processor, and I’d go as far as to say it even outshines newer devices, like my daughter’s more recent Microsoft Surface. This MacBook Air has some real staying power, and I don’t see it slowing down for years to come.

• Ports and Battery Life

For those who’ve been with Apple laptops over the years, you’ll know how satisfying it is to have two USB-C ports and an audio jack here on the M1 MacBook Air. The USB-C versatility is perfect for charging, data transfer, and hooking up to an external monitor with ease. Plus, the headphone jack is a nice addition, especially if you have a pair of wired headphones you love. Now, let’s talk about battery life. This laptop truly lasts! Sometimes, I use it for more than 9 hours straight, and I still don’t need to plug it in. For a laptop that’s been around a few years, this is seriously impressive. It just keeps going, making it ideal for long work sessions or trips where you can’t be tethered to an outlet. Apple got it so right with this model that even now, it stands out in terms of battery endurance.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about how happy I am with my MacBook Air M1. You can still find brand-new and renewed models for under $600, which is incredible for a laptop of this caliber. The keyboard feels great, the trackpad is responsive and smooth, and let’s not forget the speakers—they’re surprisingly good for a laptop of this size. If you’re an iPhone user without an Apple laptop, I can’t recommend this enough. It’s more than just a computer; it’s an experience.

• Buy MacBook Air M1 renewed on Amazon.com (click here)

• Buy the MacBook Air M1 renewed on Amazon UK (Click here)

Jerome

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