MacBook Air M2: The Perfect Balance of Power and Portability - A Detailed Review
Upgraded with a larger, lighter screen and a powerful M2 chip, it boasts remarkable battery life.
Apple's popular MacBook Air undergoes its most substantial redesign since its debut in 2008. It emerges thinner, with a larger screen, delivering an enhanced user experience for 2022.
The revamped laptop builds upon the internal advancements introduced with the groundbreaking M1 model in 2020. It now showcases Apple's cutting-edge M2 chip, housed in a sleek and flat aluminum body, taking innovation to new heights.
However, along with these enhancements, the starting price of the MacBook Air sees a significant £250 increase, making the base model now priced at £1,249 ($1,199).
The external design of the MacBook Air has embraced the minimalist and nostalgic aesthetic seen in the 14-inch MacBook Pro released last year. It features a flat top and bottom with sleek sides, deviating from the tapered design of its predecessor. Notably, the M2 Air is 4.8mm thinner, 50g lighter, and 20% smaller in volume compared to the previous model, resulting in a significantly slimmer appearance when compared to the relatively bulkier-looking Pro.
Despite its slender profile, the laptop exudes exceptional solidity, exhibiting no flex in its deck and boasting a sturdy lid. Upon opening, users are greeted with a larger 13.6-inch screen, which is not only 25% brighter but also delivers the same level of sharpness and visual allure. This expanded display offers a touch more workspace compared to the previous 13.3-inch size it replaces.
One notable addition is the presence of a notch at the top of the screen, reminiscent of the MacBook Pro, which accommodates an upgraded 1080p webcam. This long-overdue enhancement proves particularly valuable for individuals who rely heavily on virtual meetings. Furthermore, the MacBook Air conceals four speakers within its deck, which, for a laptop, deliver impressive audio quality, producing a reasonably broad and immersive sound experience.
Specifications:
- Screen: 13.6-inch LCD (2560x1600; 224 ppi) with True Tone technology
- Processor: Apple M2 with eight or 10-core GPU
- RAM: 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD
- Operating system: macOS 12 Monterey
- Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, 2x USB-C/Thunderbolt 3, headphone jack
- Dimensions: 215mm x 304.1mm x 11.3mm
- Weight: 1.24kg
M2 chip: Speed and extensive battery life
Apple's latest MacBook Air features an advanced M2 chip, representing a significant upgrade from the groundbreaking M1 chip introduced in 2020. With a performance boost of 18% and 35% more powerful graphics, the M2 chip increases the speed and capabilities of MacBook Air.
The MacBook Air's fanless design ensures silent operation while maintaining optimal temperatures even during demanding tasks such as photo manipulation with large files. Even when connected to a 4K display, the laptop stayed impressively cool during three hours of intensive photo editing work. For most general computing needs, the MacBook Air proves more than capable, thanks to its efficient performance.
MacBook Air battery life continues to lead the industry, surpassing 16 hours of use on a single charge. This exceptional endurance includes tasks such as photo editing, multiple open browser tabs, email use, and various productivity applications. Extended battery life eliminates the need to carry a charger for an entire work day or lecture session.
Using the included 35W charger and MagSafe cable, the MacBook Air takes about two hours and 15 minutes to fully charge, reaching a 50% charge in about an hour. However, 50% faster charging is possible with a 67W or higher power adapter if available.
Sustainability
MacBook Air uses recycled materials such as aluminum, steel, tin, rare earth elements, and plastic, demonstrating Apple's dedication to sustainability. It is designed with maintainability in mind, allowing the battery to be replaced at an Apple service center for £129. In addition, Apple offers trade-in and free recycling programs with non-Apple products to support environmentally responsible practices.
MacOS 12.5 Monterey: Upgraded for Mac
The MacBook Air runs on macOS Monterey, offering a reliable and low-maintenance platform. It includes the Universal Control feature for controlling other Apple devices, although its performance in weak Wi-Fi conditions can be inconsistent.
Price
The base model of the Apple MacBook Air, featuring an 8-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, comes at a price of £1,249 ($1,199/A$1,899). Doubling the storage or RAM incurs an additional cost of £200 ($200/A$300) each.
The upgraded configuration, equipped with a 10-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, is priced at £1,549 ($1,499/A$2,349). This option includes a two-port 35W USB-C charger or the choice for a 67W power adaptor.For comparison, the previous M1 MacBook Air is available at a price of £999.
The M2 MacBook Pro starts at £1,349, the 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at £1,899, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 starts at £999, and the Dell XPS starts at £949.
Verdict
The MacBook Air has undergone a modern and impressive makeover, showcasing a sophisticated exterior design that surpasses its previous iteration. As a pioneer in the thin and light laptop category since 2008, the MacBook Air continues to set the standard for portability. The introduction of a large 13.6-inch screen enhances productivity, while a slim and light body facilitates easy portability. The reintroduction of the MagSafe charging cable adds convenience by freeing up the USB-C port for additional peripherals.
With an excellent battery life of around 16 hours, the MacBook Air excels in longevity. The M2 chip provides fast performance, complemented by a high-quality trackpad and keyboard. As a result, the MacBook Air stands as a leading choice for premium consumer laptops.
However, the only downside is the price hike, starting at £1,249 and up. This price point makes the M1 MacBook Air, which is still available at £999, a more attractive option in terms of value for money.
Pros:
- Super-fast M2 chip
- Silent and cool running
- Exceptionally long battery life
- Great 13.6in screen
- Excellent keyboard and trackpad
- MagSafe charging
- Good speakers, microphones, and webcam
- Incorporates recycled materials
- Includes Touch ID for secure login
Cons:
- Expensive price point
- Limited to two USB-C ports without USB-A or SD card slot
- Supports only one external display
- Does not feature Centre Stage camera or Face ID capabilities.
