Buy MBA M1 now, or wait for MBA 2022?

[benjamintm]

I replaced my late-2013 15" MacBook Pro with a M1 MacBook Air three weeks ago, and it's been great. The battery life is phenomenal, the screen is amazing (my previous MBP had delamination issues). The keyboard is great, as is the trackpad. And it's fast... Like really, really fast. The only thing I dislike is the 720p camera, but only in poorly lit rooms.
There's no guarantee that the next MacBook Air will have any of the things you are worried about. It might be slightly bigger or heavier. It might be terrible . That said, if you need a laptop, buy one. If you don't, wait.

£850 is the price of a refurbished base unit on Apple.com.

 

[A18S37]

The M2 MBA might not be lighter. I know many articles say it will, but there are a few articles out recently that say the new M2 MBA will be 2.9 pounds.

The M1 MBA is 2.8 pounds.

The most recent article I read said the new M2 MBA would be lighter and then listed it as being 2.9 pounds. I don't know how a tech person could write that knowing the M1 MBA is 2.8 pounds.


In an article on techadvisor.com is the following:

The new MacBook Air for 2022 is here with M2, four colours and MagSafe

The latest MacBook Air for 2022 is official with a new design, four colours, M2 chip, larger screen and the return of MagSafe.

www.techadvisor.com

Thinner and lighter design
Bloomberg has reported that the new MacBook Air will be ‘thinner and lighter’ than the current models.

Other rumours get more specific, claiming that the new MacBook Air will weigh around 2.9 pounds (around 1.3kg) with a keyboard that closely mirrors that of the redesigned MacBook Pro range and a bevvy of USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ports. There's even a render giving us a good idea of what to expect design-wise.



Now, as we all know, 2.9 pounds and 2.8 pounds isn't really distinguishable in our hands.

I just wanted to point out that the new M2 MBA might NOT be lighter even though many articles say it will be.

Now, it could be, we will all see.

I think it will be basically the same weight so don't let the fact that it's supposed to be lighter factor into your buying decision because it might not be and if it is lighter, it will only be a tad lighter.

 

[Bazza1]

If you can, wait. Whether or not you need more horsepower, the rumour mill suggests that the next Air might see the return of some legacy ports - and as a user who bought a 2017 a couple of months before the next model (which lost them all, plus added a new port style) specifically for that reason, I can emphasize how useful that is. Especially if in your travels you may not always have access to wi-fi and wi-fi enabled peripherals or you don't wish to have a hub dangling off your Mac.
Plus, with it one further year down the line, that means your Air will be further future-proofed in regards to capabilities to whatever Apple does to the OS, and extends the number of years your device will likely be capable of accepting OS updates.
And, if nothing else, waiting for the new model to come out will drop the price of the remaining 'old' stock.

However, if you do need to get a new laptop now, I can only recommend that you visit Apple's own Refurb site (online Apple Store > Refurbished and Clearance), as that will save some significant bucks. Because Apple doesn't do Open Box, quite often these products may be returns because of buyer's remorse, a decision to go with a different model, or even 'wrong' color. Maybe even a tech issue. But each unit individually checked and certified by Apple (so arguably better than factory) and comes with full warranty, the ability to get AppleCare and free shipping.
And the money you save could go towards AppleCare...

My last two Airs (over 10 years) have been Refurbs and I've not had any hardware issues with them.

 

[playtech1]

I would seriously consider buying the M1 Air now. It's an excellent laptop in a well-proven chassis and Apple's track records on new chassis is not the best - version 2 is usually required to iron out the kinks. Also I suspect a price increase will come along with the redesign. And that redesign might not be a home run - the notch isn't great.

I think screens being prone to cracking is sadly a general Apple thing now for all of their laptops. They just aren't the tanks of yesteryear. AppleCare+ is a must buy IMHO (and it's the only extended warranty / accidental damage cover I ever buy).

All that said... WWDC is just around the corner and might reveal M2 - that would give you an idea of whether it's worth waiting for the M2 Air (and just maybe it will drop in June? I doubt it, but there's a chance)

 

[StoneJack]

Wait now

 

[ghanwani]

Now, as we all know, 2.9 pounds and 2.8 pounds isn't really distinguishable in our hands.

When traveling by camel, it could be the 0.1 lb that breaks the camel's back.

 

[ctjack]

(and it's the only extended warranty / accidental damage cover I ever buy).

The only extended warranty that you make definitely money on is purchasing one for $5K for a used CPO BMW - you will definitely face bills of 10K+ and will be glad that you spent on extended, while not putting any further money into repairs from your pocket. With Macs one just needs to be careful to avoid apple care.

 

[ignatius345]

It's the usual story. With current offers, I'm able to get a brand new base MBA M1 for £850 and given the rave reviews, I'm incredibly tempted.

I think the answer really depends on whether you have a Mac you can keep using until later this year (if, as expected, a new MBA is announced). If you need a Mac now then you really won't be disappointed with the current Air. If you have something you can muddle through with ok, maybe you'll be happier if you wait for the new shiny one.

 

[MikeDr206]

When traveling by camel, it could be the 0.1 lb that breaks the camel's back.

This is why I never take my laptop with me when traveling by camel.

 

[ctjack]

This is why I never take my laptop with me when traveling by camel.

I heard that 2 humped camels have bigger payload and towing capacity. Are you currently riding with 1 hump?

 

[MikeDr206]

I heard that 2 humped camels have bigger payload and towing capacity. Are you currently riding with 1 hump?

Darnit. I really need to upgrade. Is there a 3 hump model?

 

[Apple_Robert]

The M2 MBA might not be lighter. I know many articles say it will, but there are a few articles out recently that say the new M2 MBA will be 2.9 pounds.

The M1 MBA is 2.8 pounds.

The most recent article I read said the new M2 MBA would be lighter and then listed it as being 2.9 pounds. I don't know how a tech person could write that knowing the M1 MBA is 2.8 pounds.


In an article on techadvisor.com is the following:

The new MacBook Air for 2022 is here with M2, four colours and MagSafe

The latest MacBook Air for 2022 is official with a new design, four colours, M2 chip, larger screen and the return of MagSafe.

www.techadvisor.com

Thinner and lighter design
Bloomberg has reported that the new MacBook Air will be ‘thinner and lighter’ than the current models.

Other rumours get more specific, claiming that the new MacBook Air will weigh around 2.9 pounds (around 1.3kg) with a keyboard that closely mirrors that of the redesigned MacBook Pro range and a bevvy of USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ports. There's even a render giving us a good idea of what to expect design-wise.



Now, as we all know, 2.9 pounds and 2.8 pounds isn't really distinguishable in our hands.

I just wanted to point out that the new M2 MBA might NOT be lighter even though many articles say it will be.

Now, it could be, we will all see.

I think it will be basically the same weight so don't let the fact that it's supposed to be lighter factor into your buying decision because it might not be and if it is lighter, it will only be a tad lighter.

I seriously doubt the average person will be able to tell the alleged 1/10 of a pound difference between the two.

 

[Saturn007]

It was, as its popular to call it these days, fake news without any truth to it.

Yet, read the MacWorld article referenced:

Reports of cracked screens from M1 MacBook owners

Some owners of the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M1 processor are reporting that cracks are inexplicably appearing on the screens.

www.macworld.com

and, especially, the 42-page long (!) Apple forum thread it linked to:

Sign In - Apple

discussions.apple.com

All those people are not making this up or trafficking in “fake news”.

Latest posts were just this past week! It's quite disturbing. It means Apple Care+ is a critical buy with these laptops, something I'd do anyway — Apple would have to honor screen cracking through their Accidental Damage coverage, yet that would still cost the owner an extra $99 per incident (up to 2) above the $200 AC cost for the MBA — even though it wasn't an accident!

 

[ctjack]

All those people are not making this up or trafficking in “fake news”.

Latest posts were just this past week! It's quite disturbing. It means Apple Care+ is a critical buy with these laptops, something I'd do anyway — Apple would have to honor screen cracking through their Accidental Damage coverage, yet that would still cost the owner an extra $99 per incident (up to 2) above the $200 AC cost for the MBA — even though it wasn't an accident!

One really needs to think before purchasing these new slim designed Mac products. I've had rMBP 13 2012 and it withstand ton of abuse: my kid dropped it while open from a high bed in a hotel room - it was bent on the edge/hinge and barely closing. I just fixed it by applying counter-force and made it "true" again, screen luckily didn't suffer.
Then the same kids spilled twice water and maybe coke or smth - the end of the story is that only my Bluetooth module fried up so had no longer Airdrop/Bluetooth functionality and i was also able to sell it for $200 after all these damages(stated in the ad) and 8 year of use.

What I am trying to say that from the day 1 of these new slim designs, we've been hearing a lot of scary stories about the display crack. The real issue here is that the display is installed with a big tension and no room for anything in between keyboard and display.
Possible ways to easily kill the display on this machines:
1) Close the lid with your keyboard cover.
2) Install privacy shutter for your webcam(even if 1mm thickness) and close the lid.
3) Bad habit of closing/opening the lid by holding left or right hand side. These machines need to be closed only from the center. You can close them from sides with 1 hand, but then nobody guarantees that it will not crack on you.
4) Keep it in a backpack. If it rests display down, or you have a charger that will apply pinned force to it then the crack can happen. I've seen lots of people not caring how they stored their laptops in the airplane baggage section and other people throwing their backpacks on other's backpack tops, because they found no space.
5) Holding them 1 hand from the sides and applying pressure. This laptops need to be hold by 2 hand from each side to split the pressure.

Speaking of people and they reporting of the issue on the internet. On the internet everybody is sinless and only good customers. Real life is much different. I bought my M1 Air from bestbuy openbox - i immediately pulled the stats: machine was activated 7 days ago and only had 1 charging cycle. Yet, it had a big coffee mug stain on the bottom and it was all dirty top to bottom. I wiped it with rubbing alcohol and it was like brand new again.
Conclusion: who on Earth manages to abuse that much a laptop in only 7 days of seldom use?

 

[VaruLV]

Yet, read the MacWorld article referenced:

Reports of cracked screens from M1 MacBook owners

Some owners of the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M1 processor are reporting that cracks are inexplicably appearing on the screens.

www.macworld.com

and, especially, the 42-page long (!) Apple forum thread it linked to:

Sign In - Apple

discussions.apple.com

All those people are not making this up or trafficking in “fake news”.

Latest posts were just this past week! It's quite disturbing. It means Apple Care+ is a critical buy with these laptops, something I'd do anyway — Apple would have to honor screen cracking through their Accidental Damage coverage, yet that would still cost the owner an extra $99 per incident (up to 2) above the $200 AC cost for the MBA — even though it wasn't an accident!

Yeah, I admit that few months ago, or maybe it was last summer, when I was reading about cracked M1 MBA screens, it was proven that its only one complaint posted in online forum later being picked up by numerous other outlets and forums while the image of supposedly cracked M1 MBA display was one that was supposedly much older than the M1 itself.
Also, Ive watched few YT videos with people experiences with their Macbooks and none complained about screens being an issue.

I also read about MBP 14/16 experiences after I posted here and noticed that some people complained about the screen quality in regards to it being overy fragile. I dont know, I went to Apple reseller today and played with all 4 M1 Macbooks on display, noticing that display assemply is the most durable looking and feeling on 2021 MBP 14 and 16, while being more flexible on 2020 MBA and MBP. I also checked that there is a rim around the display on all these Macbooks that protect it from small debree and from directly resting on the keyboard, so, I guess that every ones experience will vary. I was cautious after I read those 2021 MBP threads about displays being more fragile and softer at the same time, however, after "inspecting" them on both sizes of 2021 MBP I didnt find real issues with those, so only time will tell, how well these will serve their duties in ones individual hands.

Obviously, these are no ThinkPads or other durable'ish laptops, yet I dont think that they are as fragile as people report here, perhaps its combination of both - Apples tight build tolerances and users neglect with these machines.
I dont know, I might actually get one of MBP 2021 models in june, if new MBA is not what I would like it to be or if its not even announced. Will see...

 

[ignatius345]

I had forgotten about the reports of cracking screens... https://www.macworld.co.uk/news/cracked-screens-m1-mac-3807153/

Think I'll wait after all.

First I've heard of this "epidemic." Been using mine for a year and my wife's been using hers for two years. No cracking.

 

[ghanwani]

Yeah, I admit that few months ago, or maybe it was last summer, when I was reading about cracked M1 MBA screens, it was proven that its only one complaint posted in online forum later being picked up by numerous other outlets and forums while the image of supposedly cracked M1 MBA display was one that was supposedly much older than the M1 itself.
Also, Ive watched few YT videos with people experiences with their Macbooks and none complained about screens being an issue.

I also read about MBP 14/16 experiences after I posted here and noticed that some people complained about the screen quality in regards to it being overy fragile. I dont know, I went to Apple reseller today and played with all 4 M1 Macbooks on display, noticing that display assemply is the most durable looking and feeling on 2021 MBP 14 and 16, while being more flexible on 2020 MBA and MBP. I also checked that there is a rim around the display on all these Macbooks that protect it from small debree and from directly resting on the keyboard, so, I guess that every ones experience will vary. I was cautious after I read those 2021 MBP threads about displays being more fragile and softer at the same time, however, after "inspecting" them on both sizes of 2021 MBP I didnt find real issues with those, so only time will tell, how well these will serve their duties in ones individual hands.

Obviously, these are no ThinkPads or other durable'ish laptops, yet I dont think that they are as fragile as people report here, perhaps its combination of both - Apples tight build tolerances and users neglect with these machines.
I dont know, I might actually get one of MBP 2021 models in june, if new MBA is not what I would like it to be or if its not even announced. Will see...

Many of the Windows laptops have MIL ratings. I don’t think I have seen one for Apple.

 

[truciet]

With the current base MBA being easily available for $725-750, would you guys still wait and pay more for the new model?

 

[MikeDr206]

I’ve been using my MBA M1 for a couple of weeks now. My desktop machine is the 2018 Mac Mini i7. The M1 is just so much better. I don’t see any need to wait for the M2, unless you need 32gb, which is the only thing I miss from my Mini (for VM purposes).

 

[ctjack]

With the current base MBA being easily available for $725-750, would you guys still wait and pay more for the new model?

I got 512gb base for $935, so you could think that 256gb were available at that time for $735+.
Now speaking from my experience, I am stopped by the amount of base ram(8gb). I am in the situation that made no sense to custom-order 16GB from Apple($1340) back then and it doesn't make sense to sell mine and re-buy (also loss of $400). At this point, I would rather put my money on any comfortable 16GB new Air.

But by all means, If you are content with 8GB and do light things on it, then you can't have any better option that $725 nowadays and in the future. The lowest I've seen new-old stock Air is selling for $650 and recently microcenter was selling for $780. So if you are good with the base, then buy it cause that is the best thing you can do even if the new model coming - it will definitely be $900-$1000 with the same specks(8gb of RAM and 256gb ssd.)

 

[truciet]

I got 512gb base for $935, so you could think that 256gb were available at that time for $735+.
Now speaking from my experience, I am stopped by the amount of base ram(8gb). I am in the situation that made no sense to custom-order 16GB from Apple($1340) back then and it doesn't make sense to sell mine and re-buy (also loss of $400). At this point, I would rather put my money on any comfortable 16GB new Air.

But by all means, If you are content with 8GB and do light things on it, then you can't have any better option that $725 nowadays and in the future. The lowest I've seen new-old stock Air is selling for $650 and recently microcenter was selling for $780. So if you are good with the base, then buy it cause that is the best thing you can do even if the new model coming - it will definitely be $900-$1000 with the same specks(8gb of RAM and 256gb ssd.)

Yeah more pro's than con's for sure!

I really wish bootcamp was updated. Maybe when Qualcomm loses their exclusive agreement...

I use Windows for work and I can slowly transition over. I miss the battery life of a Mac over a Windows PC.

 

[MikeDr206]

I bought a 7 GPU core, with 16gb and 1tb, for $1,189 through Apple, certified refurbished. Totally happy with this price. The unit is brand new from my eyes. Only disadvantages of going the certified refurb route is you can pay interest free over 12 months, and cannot do a trade in credit against the purchase. But you do save 15%.

 

[ctjack]

Only disadvantages of going the certified refurb route is you can pay interest free over 12 months, and cannot do a trade in credit against the purchase. But you do save 15%.

Thank you for pointing this out - it was helpful. I heard that you can first trade-in for a gift card your old mac at apple store. Then you can transfer that gift card to your Apple id balance and pay it from there for refurbished. I guess this is a longer route versus inability to directly trade-in at a purchase.

 

[MikeDr206]

You can trade in your existing Mac for a gift card, and then use that gift card to order a refurb, but that means you’re out of a computer for a while. I don’t think there’s any way to apply a gift card balance to your Apple Card balance.

By comparison, when ordering a brand new (non refurb) Mac, you don’t trade in your old Mac until after you get the new one. And the purchase price at time of purchase is reduced by the anticipated trade in value (and then divided over 12 payments at 0% interest if you want).

 

[azentropy]

I bought a 7 GPU core, with 16gb and 1tb, for $1,189 through Apple, certified refurbished. Totally happy with this price. The unit is brand new from my eyes. Only disadvantages of going the certified refurb route is you can pay interest free over 12 months, and cannot do a trade in credit against the purchase. But you do save 15%.

Apple Refurbs are great and I have purchased several over the years, however there is another disadvantage to consider. Some people don’t get applecare since their CC doubles the warranty on many items. However at least with my CC any refurbished products are excluded From that benefi.