I caved and got the MacBook Air M3… Thoughts?

[Bearygoodfries1]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been waiting for the arrival of the M4 MacBook Airs, but due to a (not serious, but annoying) health issue, I needed a MacBook soonish to help with my productivity, so I got the M3 MacBook Air.

I have to say, this thing is great. It’s so light and comfy to use from bed. The screen is big (15” model), and overall just perfect. It’s so great to feel comfortable and more productive without feeling too tired after a long while.

—-

Two issues, though:

-The screen. I want it to be brighter! I compare it to my OLED iPad and it bums me out that the screen isn’t brighter.

-The M4 MacBooks are just around the corner. The M4 MacBook Pros are expected to be released next week. The current models have a better screen so I expect the same (if not better) for the new models, and it’s possible the base models will start with more RAM or a bigger SSD for the same price as the current models.

I don’t want to upgrade my MacBook for a long while (I’m not rich, and even if I was I don’t want to be spending mindlessly). More RAM and/or SSD would be a big plus. But, the Pros are almost 800 bucks more and they weight over a pound more (which doesn’t seem like a big deal, but comfort is really appreciated). The other option is to wait for the M4 Airs, though how long of a wait that’ll be is the big question.

—-

I have a little over a week to fully decide on what to do, as I can still return the MacBook Air.

What do you all think I should do, or what would you?

 

[M4pro]

Funny you should ask…

Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac - Apple Support

With Sidecar, you can use your iPad as a second display for your Mac.

support.apple.com

 

[DeepSix]

The air is good enough for 99% of people out there. Depends what you use it for. But most people use their MacBook to surf social media and take Instagram beauty shots don't need a pro

 

[Technerd108]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been waiting for the arrival of the M4 MacBook Airs, but due to a (not serious, but annoying) health issue, I needed a MacBook soonish to help with my productivity, so I got the M3 MacBook Air.

I have to say, this thing is great. It’s so light and comfy to use from bed. The screen is big (15” model), and overall just perfect. It’s so great to feel comfortable and more productive without feeling too tired after a long while.

—-

Two issues, though:

-The screen. I want it to be brighter! I compare it to my OLED iPad and it bums me out that the screen isn’t brighter.

-The M4 MacBooks are just around the corner. The M4 MacBook Pros are expected to be released next week. The current models have a better screen so I expect the same (if not better) for the new models, and it’s possible the base models will start with more RAM or a bigger SSD for the same price as the current models.

I don’t want to upgrade my MacBook for a long while (I’m not rich, and even if I was I don’t want to be spending mindlessly). More RAM and/or SSD would be a big plus. But, the Pros are almost 800 bucks more and they weight over a pound more (which doesn’t seem like a big deal, but comfort is really appreciated). The other option is to wait for the M4 Airs, though how long of a wait that’ll be is the big question.

—-

I have a little over a week to fully decide on what to do, as I can still return the MacBook Air.

What do you all think I should do, or what would you?

I think the M4 14” MBP would be in a similar price range. Probably a couple hundred dollars more but considering what you have and your initial complaints I would definitely seriously consider the pro.

The screen, speakers are much better and I think mini led even at same brightness will feel brighter due to better contrast levels. You get a 14” which is close to the 15” and I honestly don’t think you will notice a difference.

The 14 is about the same weight as your 15”.

I wouldn’t recommend the 16” unless you are using it on a desk. It is very heavy but the screen is amazing.

Also since you are trying to keep your device as long as possible the upgraded components in the pro will age better. I have an air now but I plan on getting the 14” m4 MBP at some point on sale probably next year some time. I love my air and have no issues with it but I was considering buying the 15” when the m4 gets released but decided I think the 14” would be better as it is not too heavy and I doubt the fans would ever run when I use it in my lap so that is not as much an issue as on Windows laptops with fans.

So you are not alone. Just also consider that what you already have is going to run very well for many years to come as long as you got 16gb ram. I would not want have an Oled screen. Oled is great in some ways and not so great in others. On small screens Oled are best but larger screens you start to see the issues. white balance sucks on Oled. Brightness perception is lower than at same nits with LCD. Flicker and fuzzy letters can be an issue as well. IPS LCD and Mini led LCD are crisp and have better color and mini led has great contrast. Blooming is the only issue with mini led and I prefer that to the multiple issues with OLED screens. Everyone is different and I initially wanted OLED and it wasn’t until I tried two new Windows laptops with the latest Amoled screen 120 hz, 3 k, 500 nits, touch. After a few months the Oled screens started to bother me to a point I stopped using them and switched back to my M2 MBA and I honestly like the M2 MBA screen better which I was totally not expecting. Kind of through a plan of mine for a loop. So get the best lcd screens from Apple while you can and hope they introduce micro led or keep mini led and don’t use OLED. Just my 2 cents! Good luck whatever you choose to do.

 

[kiranmk2]

It's now looking like the next MBA will start with 16/256 configuration looking at the new iMac. If RAM and longevity are important to you, I would wait for the M4 MBAs. If you need a laptop in the meantime, I would guess a second hand M1 will probably keep a lot of it's value between now and the M4 MBA launch.

 

[Bearygoodfries1]

Well, we got the MacBook Pros announcement, alongside cheaper current MacBook Air Models.

I think I’m gonna return the MacBook Air regardless. I could save over 200 bucks for the same model.

Funny you should ask…

Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac - Apple Support

With Sidecar, you can use your iPad as a second display for your Mac.

support.apple.com

I thought about this, and it’s a tad less convenient than just having a MacBook, but it might hold me down until the new airs are released.

The air is good enough for 99% of people out there. Depends what you use it for. But most people use their MacBook to surf social media and take Instagram beauty shots don't need a pro

I’m actually that 1% who needs a beefier Mac. The Air works for a lot of my work, and I have a Mac Mini with a Pro chip that handles some of the beefier stuff when I need it (though I’ve had a couple of slowdowns for some of my work in the last few weeks; not a common occurrence but something to keep in mind).

I think the M4 14” MBP would be in a similar price range. Probably a couple hundred dollars more but considering what you have and your initial complaints I would definitely seriously consider the pro.

I’m considering this. The screen brightness is bugging me more than it should, and the price difference isn’t too bad, but do I want to lose that extra inch? An inch does make quite a difference, believe it or not.

I’ll think about it for a few more days.

 

[i486dx2-66]

I’m actually that 1% who needs a beefier Mac.

You probably should have lead with that.

If you already know that you need more compute power, it sounds like you are the perfect candidate for an M4 MBP.

 

[snipr125]

You didnt say how much RAM you got with your 15” MBA M3. If you got the 8 GB model, then return it immediately and replace it with a other one as all the MBA’s have been upgraded to 16 GB RAM for free (as in the same price) as of today including the MBA M2 for £999.

 

[Bearygoodfries1]

You probably should have lead with that.

If you already know that you need more compute power, it sounds like you are the perfect candidate for an M4 MBP.

Oh, I didn’t think it was that relevant since my main issues I brought up were the screen, weight of the MacBook, and the M4 Macs being around the corner 👀

But, if I do want it to last a few years without feeling I need an upgrade, then MacBook pro would be ideal…

You didnt say how much RAM you got with your 15” MBA M3. If you got the 8 GB model, then return it immediately and replace it with a other one as all the MBA’s have been upgraded to 16 GB RAM for free (as in the same price) as of today including the MBA M2 for £999.

16 GBs of RAM, but the same model now costs about 200 less, so even if I wanted my current model, I’d still return it to save those extra 200 bucks.

 

[DeepSix]

16 GBs of RAM, but the same model now costs about 200 less, so even if I wanted my current model, I’d still return it to save those extra 200 bucks.

Really? I guess we will see if the 8GB M2 and M3 airs get cleared out at blow out liquidation prices over the coming months. I would think so as stores do have to get rid of the remaining stock. So the next 6 months may be the best time for anyone who just wants a Macbook and doesn't care about ram to buy one at rock bottom prices.

But if I had the option of returning my 8GB M3 Air and pay $200 more for 16GB model, (as much as I hate the Apple tax), I'd do it in a heartbeat. Even though Im perfectly fine with my 8GB model and saving $200 off MSRP when I bought it 2 months ago.

 

[SuzyM70]

16 GBs of RAM, but the same model now costs about 200 less, so even if I wanted my current model, I’d still return it to save those extra 200 bucks.

I was gifted the M3 16/512 13" model just over 2 weeks ago last Monday (I am now outside the exchange/return window), and of course the price for that has now dropped by A$400! In fairness, the Apple store price-matched with another and I got A$200 off, so I will be content with that (I am very grateful for it, and am happy with it!). I can't predict ahead of time if prices will drop or not, and one will go mad with frustration if you keep waiting for the next big thing. 🤷‍♀️