You Should Buy the M1 MacBook Air in 2024, And Here’s Why!
In an era of rapidly evolving technology, finding a laptop that offers the perfect balance of performance, affordability, and longevity can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter the M1 MacBook Air — a device that, even four years after its release, continues to stand as one of Apple’s greatest achievements. Let me tell you why this “older” model might just be your best purchase in 2024.
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Unbeatable Value for Money
First, let’s talk about the elephant in the room — price. Thanks to Apple’s excellent refurbishment program, you can now snag an M1 MacBook Air for around $759 or even cheaper from Amazon renewd. These aren’t just any used laptops; they’re restored to like-new condition, complete with:
- A new battery
- A fresh outer shell
- A full warranty
- A 14-day return period
- Eligibility for student discounts (including AppleCare)
But What About the 8GB RAM?
I know what you’re thinking — “8GB of RAM in 2024? Are you kidding?” Here’s the thing: Apple silicon is different. The M1 chip uses unified memory architecture, meaning:
- Memory chips are physically closer to the CPU and GPU
- Data access is faster with reduced latency
- Overall performance is significantly better than traditional architectures
For context, 8GB on an M1 MacBook performs notably better than 8GB on a Windows machine or older Intel-based Macs.
Real-World Performance
So, what can you actually do with this machine? Quite a lot, actually:
- Run multiple Chrome tabs while watching YouTube tutorials
- Code using editors like Xcode with emulators running
- Handle photo editing in Lightroom and Photoshop (though maybe not simultaneously)
- Basic video editing (just avoid complex 4K timelines)
- Music production with 30+ audio tracks
- All Office 365 apps, email management, and general productivity tasks
Battery Life That Puts Others to Shame
One area where the M1 MacBook Air truly shines is battery life:
- 10–14 hours of real-world usage
- Up to a week of standby time
- Outperforms comparable Windows laptops by 2–3x
Build Quality and Design
The M1 MacBook Air features:
- A beloved wedge design
- A stunning 13.3" Retina display (400 nits brightness)
- Excellent keyboard and trackpad
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Touch ID for secure authentication
Future-Proofing and Resale Value
Apple products are known for their longevity, and the M1 MacBook Air is no exception:
- Expected to remain capable until 2027–2028
- Excellent resale value (currently selling used for $750–850)
- Regular software updates from Apple
Who Should Buy the M1 MacBook Air?
This laptop is perfect for:
- Students (especially with education pricing)
- Professionals doing everyday office work
- Content creators on a budget
- Anyone needing a reliable, portable machine
Limitations to Consider
To be fair, let’s address some limitations:
- Only supports one external display
- 720p webcam (versus 1080p on newer models)
- No MagSafe charging
- May struggle with extremely demanding workflows
The Verdict
The M1 MacBook Air remains an exceptional choice in 2024. It offers an unbeatable combination of performance, battery life, build quality, and value. While it may not be the latest and greatest, it’s more than capable of handling the needs of most users for years to come.
If you’re in the market for a new laptop, don’t let its age fool you — the M1 MacBook Air is still one of the best purchases you can make in 2024. It’s a testament to Apple’s engineering that a four-year-old laptop can not only remain relevant but continue to excel in today’s demanding digital landscape.
Remember, sometimes the best choice isn’t the newest — it’s the one that offers the best value for your needs. And in 2024, that choice might just be the M1 MacBook Air.
