When it comes to MacBooks, it's the MacBook Air that's long been the favourite for most people thanks to its balance of power and portability. Since Apple ditched Intel inside for its own silicon, the first of those pillars has only increased (as has battery life). And now with the 2024 MacBook Air, we get the latest M3 processor in a fanless and therefore silent design.
While the 2024 MacBook Air with M3 is the same design as the previous Air from 2022 - that model being the first to bring significant design changes to the series - it's the internal boost to SSD speed and computing power that really appeals here.
Predictably the M3 crushes older M1 & M2 Airs, and while you won't get MacBook Pro levels of performance, that's perfectly fitting for this laptop's target market. So is the MacBook Air still the best laptop on the planet for most people?
Bucking the trend of annual price increases, the MacBook Air M3 starts at £1,099 which is less than the previous M2 Air demanded upon its release (then at £1,249).
However, both models are still available for purchase (in the 13-inch size only): the M2's price is now reduced, at £999, giving you a choice. That's a fair price for one of the best lightweight laptops on the market. Design-wise there's no difference, though, it's solely down to whether you want the SSD speed and compute bump from the newer M3 option.
When the previous MacBook Air launched it was a major step change for the series, with a new 13.6-inch display (complete with notch), smaller size and weight, upgraded webcam, improved features and new colour options. All of which was most welcome.
The M3 MacBook Air maintains all of the above, just said features obviously aren't new this time.
この記事は T3 UK の May 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は T3 UK の May 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Stylish backpacks
Enhance your gadget carry: we present the best backpacks to keep your laptop, tablet and other tech secure, without sacrificing your style
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
A nip-and-tuck approach to redesign, but it's still a foldable winner
Dyson OnTrac
Dyson's first-ever dedicated headphones are customisable and long-lasting
Samsung Galaxy Smart Ring
Samsung’s dip into a fresh new format is seriously good, albeit a tad overpriced
THE BEST PHONES YOU CAN BUY UNDER £500
You don't have to spend big to get a great new mobile device
Beer machines
We'll drink to three prime pint producers that are bringing the pub home
101 GADGETS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT
Top tech that'll make you glad to get up every morning
What does tech hold for the future of haircare?
Beth Girdler-Maslen looks at recent haircare advancements and wonders whether we’ve gone too far... or not far enough
THE MOST STYLISH AIR PURIFIER YOU'VE EVER SEEN
The Molekule Air Pro arrives in the UK to be met with applause
BEST OF BRITISH
Swap long haul flights for a swanky staycation this autumn