M1 Air 16gb or M2 Air

[Dnzilla]

OP probably knows his requirements
256GB can be great for many, especially if you put stuff you don't always need on external hard drives as back ups
and video file libraries etc often are better off on some kind of NAS server / on your router anyway or streamed from some internet service

Yes most is on onedrive or icloud
But it seems iMovie grows a fat library on my hard drive- I delete it when gets big.. annoying as projects semi gone but necessary

Any other tricks?

(If anyones interested I’m now sitting on wait for M2 and see how 8gb goes in testing for people camp 😅 - maybe 8gb will still be the standard for a few years for apple..)

 

[Dnzilla]

Get ready to fry some eggs on that M2 Air.

Throttling and major heat issues with NO Fan

Why buy something that has already been proven by the M2 MacBook Pro to be a LEMON for something that just works like your M1?

I was a bit surprised by the tests but they were stress tests rather than real world ordinary use tests right?

Also it’s all new internals so for all we know it’s set up to dissipate heat well- the mbp shell was never set up to be specifically cool/run a chip with minimal cooling- it was just one fan..?

The suspense is killing me.

 

[russell_314]

Let’s face it for light tasks the difference between M1 and M2 is irrelevant.

Here are the things that are going to make the difference and you need to decide if it’s important to you.

Larger and better screen. If you work in brightly lit areas the newer MacBook Air might be a better choice.

MagSafe charging. Either you want it or don’t but it’s not critical. It can save your computer if you trip over the power cord but other than that it’s just a nice thing to have.

Now the question you have to ask is do you need 16 GB of RAM. Every time someone mentions future proofing I want to scream. For all the extra options people mention to “future proof” your computer you can buy another one in the future. Just buy what you need now.

Do you like dozens of tabs open? Do you like Google Chrome? Do you constantly switch between several applications as in more than three. If you’re a big multitasker then more RAM is better. IMO 8 GB is plenty if you’re just doing light computing tasks and not a huge multitasker.

 

[darngooddesign]

Now the question you have to ask is do you need 16 GB of RAM. Every time someone mentions future proofing I want to scream. For all the extra options people mention to “future proof” your computer you can buy another one in the future. Just buy what you need now.

I future proofed my 2014 MBP with 16GB RAM and it lasted me seven years of work when the 8GB version would not have.

Scream all you want but future proofing worked for me.

 

[russell_314]

I future proofed my 2014 MBP with 16GB RAM and it lasted me seven years of work when the 8GB version would not have.

Scream all you want but future proofing worked for me.

The only way you can say that for sure is if you bought both and one stopped being able to do whatever tasks you’re doing.

My issue is many people that are talking about “future proofing” are recommending at least $400 worth of upgrades. $200 for the 16 GB RAM and $200 for the 512 GB SSD. That’s 1/3 the price again for the computer. So to even break even in this future proofing scenario they would have to keep that computer for 1/3 longer. So for example if someone was planning to keep a MacBook for 5 years (60 months) which is a reasonable expectation then spending 1/3 more they would have to keep that same MacBook for 6 years and eight months (80 months). That’s just to break even and it’s not even factoring in how much slowdown they’re getting from using that computer for an extra 20 months versus having a new one which will be considerably faster.

Don’t get me wrong if someone needs more then buy more because the worst thing they can do is not buy enough and then realize it’s not working. I’ll say this with storage as well because it’s critical to buy enough and have free space.

 

[Dnzilla]

The only way you can say that for sure is if you bought both and one stopped being able to do whatever tasks you’re doing.

My issue is many people that are talking about “future proofing” are recommending at least $400 worth of upgrades. $200 for the 16 GB RAM and $200 for the 512 GB SSD. That’s 1/3 the price again for the computer. So to even break even in this future proofing scenario they would have to keep that computer for 1/3 longer. So for example if someone was planning to keep a MacBook for 5 years (60 months) which is a reasonable expectation then spending 1/3 more they would have to keep that same MacBook for 6 years and eight months (80 months). That’s just to break even and it’s not even factoring in how much slowdown they’re getting from using that computer for an extra 20 months versus having a new one which will be considerably faster.

Don’t get me wrong if someone needs more then buy more because the worst thing they can do is not buy enough and then realize it’s not working. I’ll say this with storage as well because it’s critical to buy enough and have free space.

Thats why upgrading M1 a lot is a bit annoying, if you upgrade it too much you coulda just bought a new base model in 4 years kinda deal..

Hence wanna stay low to base model, but know which one feasible.
I guess I wait for reviews, its good to see the diversity of opinions and the decision isn't so straight forward

(well for the M2 PRO it is.. haha)

 

[russell_314]

Thats why upgrading M1 a lot is a bit annoying, if you upgrade it too much you coulda just bought a new base model in 4 years kinda deal..

Hence wanna stay low to base model, but know which one feasible.
I guess I wait for reviews, its good to see the diversity of opinions and the decision isn't so straight forward

(well for the M2 PRO it is.. haha)

Trust me I’ve been on the Apple website looking at the M2 and went back-and-forth on prices. I will say for even some basic upgrades it becomes almost the same price as the M1 MacBook Pro.

I’m going to throw another wrench into your decision making process. With the 13” M2 MacBook Pro Apple used 1x 256 GB SSD module vs 2x 128 GB modules on the 13” M1 Pro and Air. No one knows if this will be the same with the new M2 Air but it’s likely due to supply chain shortages. What does this mean? Slower disc access that probably would not be noticeable for most users but depending on what you’re doing it could be noticeable. Some YouTube videos overhyped this but it can be relevant.

Also have you considered checking out the Apple refurbished store? I’ve never purchased one refurbished but from everything I’ve heard about it’s pretty much a new computer in a different box. Absolutely no scratches or blemishes. It also carries the same warranty options and AppleCare if you get it. If you’re on a budget I would consider that.

 

[darngooddesign]

The only way you can say that for sure is if you bought both and one stopped being able to do whatever tasks you’re doing.

My issue is many people that are talking about “future proofing” are recommending at least $400 worth of upgrades. $200 for the 16 GB RAM and $200 for the 512 GB SSD. That’s 1/3 the price again for the computer. So to even break even in this future proofing scenario they would have to keep that computer for 1/3 longer. So for example if someone was planning to keep a MacBook for 5 years (60 months) which is a reasonable expectation then spending 1/3 more they would have to keep that same MacBook for 6 years and eight months (80 months). That’s just to break even and it’s not even factoring in how much slowdown they’re getting from using that computer for an extra 20 months versus having a new one which will be considerably faster.

Don’t get me wrong if someone needs more then buy more because the worst thing they can do is not buy enough and then realize it’s not working. I’ll say this with storage as well because it’s critical to buy enough and have free space.

In 2014 I was using a work provided computer almost exclusively for design work but over the years I did more on my computer so I can say with 100% certainty that 16GB future proofed my computer because 8GB would not have sufficed. I also got more seriously into photography after purchasing the computer so the extra RAM future proofed my photography. You can argue theory all you want, but I have first-hand proof that future proofing worked for me.

I don't buy computers to break even, I buy computers to use them and if $400 in upgrades allows my computer to be more useful for longer then the upgrade is worthwhile to me. The upgrades are 1/3 the cost of the base Air, because the base Air is lacking in both RAM and drive space, and really so what if it is 1/3 if those upgrades make the computer more useful.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

M1 Air 16gb would be the smartest bet. Unless you want a brighter display.

 

[BeatCrazy]

If it hasn’t been mentioned yet, the M2 will likely get 2 or more years extra OS support compared to the M1, which is already 2 years old.

That’s the thing with Apple, they don’t support their hardware very long. MacBook Pros that were sold well into 2017 are already locked out of upgrading to Ventura.

M1 will likely get macOS support for another 7 years. The M1 Pro/Max/Ultra models were only released 8 months ago.

It only feels like Apple's not supporting "their hardware very long" because they're now in a hurry to ditch Intel compatibility. They support iOS devices for ~7 years, and they support Macs for longer... so Apple Silicon Macs will probably get 9 years of support.

 

[boss.king]

In 2014 I was using a work provided computer almost exclusively for design work but over the years I did more on my computer so I can say with 100% certainty that 16GB future proofed my computer because 8GB would not have sufficed. I also got more seriously into photography after purchasing the computer so the extra RAM future proofed my photography. You can argue theory all you want, but I have first-hand proof that future proofing worked for me.

I don't buy computers to break even, I buy computers to use them and if $400 in upgrades allows my computer to be more useful for longer then the upgrade is worthwhile to me. The upgrades are 1/3 the cost of the base Air, because the base Air is lacking in both RAM and drive space, and really so what if it is 1/3 if those upgrades make the computer more useful.

Is that really future proofing, or is it just buying the specs you needed anyway? I always took future proofing to mean buying a computer way beyond your current needs to protect for unanticipated needs in the future, but it sounds like you always needed the extra ram.

 

[Devvy]

Thats why upgrading M1 a lot is a bit annoying, if you upgrade it too much you coulda just bought a new base model in 4 years kinda deal..

Hence wanna stay low to base model, but know which one feasible.
I guess I wait for reviews, its good to see the diversity of opinions and the decision isn't so straight forward

(well for the M2 PRO it is.. haha)

If the M2 8GB model is an option for you, then the M1 8GB model should be an option too - performance wise the difference isn't that huge. You do not have to spend the extra money, right? Why not save that for something else?

 

[Acid Gambit]

You can “mitigate” the “lack” of RAM, by closing unused apps right away if you are pushing the memory to the limits.

But brighter screen, new design, magsafe and other features can’t be mitigated, so if I were you I would get the M2 Air and close the unused apps if possible. If 16 gigs of ram is a must, try to hang on to your old computer and save a little bit more for M2 Air with 16 gigs of ram. I always buy the best (latest usually) I can so I won’t have any regrets.

 

[Kashback]

Bit confused..

Waited over a year for the M2 air, but find it’s quite a bit more expensive- and of course unproven..

And speed wise not a huge bump right?

So if I only have fixed amount to spend I’m starting to think I gotta go back to 2020 and just do 16gb M1 for slightly less - is that logical?

Especially as it sounds like 8gb is limiting if we want to use it for safari/ms office work for say 4+ years right?

What do you all think?
Feels wrong tho for me to go back to consider M1 when been waiting so long with my 2014 mbp….

I was in exactly the same position, waiting for the new Air but it is way too expensive when you spec it to 512gb & 16gb storage - it makes more sense to go up to the 14” Pro. So I actually picked up a used (like new) M1 Air with 512gb / 8gb for £750 here in the UK. I know the model I picked up is only 8gb but it feels absolutely fine for what I need it for, and if it does start to slow, could do the same thing and pick up a used or refurbished M2 or whatever is newest in a couple of years.

 

[DamonS]

Will the MBA M2 make a loud noise? Sorry if this is a silly question, any help is appreciated

 

[Dnzilla]

Will the MBA M2 make a loud noise? Sorry if this is a silly question, any help is appreciated

It can’t as it has no fan, the verdict is out on if that means it will overheat though. The MBP w 1 fan does potentially overheat on current ‘stress test’….

 

[DamonS]

It can’t as it has no fan, the verdict is out on if that means it will overheat though. The MBP w 1 fan does potentially overheat on current ‘stress test’….

Thank you for replying! not great about it potentially overheating but your reply means I can confidently try it out. Thanks again!

 

[Dnzilla]

Thank you for replying! not great about it potentially overheating but your reply means I can confidently try it out. Thanks again!

Useful

I guess we gotta be patient to see how it all pans out grr

 

[darngooddesign]

Is that really future proofing, or is it just buying the specs you needed anyway? I always took future proofing to mean buying a computer way beyond your current needs to protect for unanticipated needs in the future, but it sounds like you always needed the extra ram.

In 2014 I enjoyed but didn't need 16GB RAM, but by 2016 I needed 16GB RAM so future proofing worked for me.

 

[darngooddesign]

It can’t as it has no fan, the verdict is out on if that means it will overheat though. The MBP w 1 fan does potentially overheat on current ‘stress test’….

I mean... its a stress test so of course its going to over heat. If you are going to push the M2 Air like its a 14" MBP, just buy the MBP. Don't try to save money by buying the cheaper computer despite obviously needing a more capable computer. Don't skimp on RAM, SSD, processor, or cooling because you'll have to upgrade again, much sooner than you expected.

“A rich man buys it once, a poor man buys it twice.”

I tried the 16/1TB M1 Air but could easily make it overheat and throttle, so I bought an M1-Pro MBP.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

Unless you need the media engine in the M2 (which at that point you'd probably be better off getting a 14 inch Macbook Pro instead) then getting more RAM for the M1 would be better. M1 is pretty much the same CPU wise to M2 with the only difference being GPU.

 

[snak-atak]

Said mostly safari like canva, YouTube, Google docs

And ms office

Maybe 10 mins of video on iMovie to make each week

Zero games.
And yes a hard budget

Plus the pride of having waited 10 months for something better to come along hahah.. was it worth the price to get the base, or stick to M1 with an upgrade in ram for less cost..! 😅

M1 16 can more than handle those tasks. Way more. As for your pride, take pride that you didn’t blindly spend $200+ more for the latest model just because it was there.

 

[Saturn007]

Thats why upgrading M1 a lot is a bit annoying, if you upgrade it too much you coulda just bought a new base model in 4 years kinda deal..

Huh? Let's say that I upgrade an M1 MBA to 16GB and 512GB SSD. That's an extra $400. No way in four years will I be able to buy a new base Apple laptop for only $400.

A rich *person may buy it once but, in my experience, they buy it many times, chasing the latest tech as bling and so spend far more than they need.

The “poor” *person* has a much better sense of value and the worth of money.

Keep in mind another old saying, “A fool and his money are soon parted”! 😎

 

[Wizec]

This. This is the starting point. OP needs to find the money to go to 512GB.

The M1 MBA design is really great. It's also super silent and stays cool unless you are really pushing it. I had it for 10 months before the big fellas were released and really enjoyed it apart from screen size. Loved the wedge design for typing.

Wedge design for the win. I got the 16GB M1 Air with 512, so same internals as the M1 Pro, but silent, fanless and very future proof and it doesn’t hurt my wrists to type on like my 2018 MacBook Pro.

Since I don’t deal with video encoding that takes advantage of the updated M2 media engine… 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[Wizec]

Huh? Let's say that I upgrade an M1 MBA to 16GB and 512GB SSD. That's an extra $400. No way in four years will I be able to buy a new base Apple laptop for only $400.

A rich *person may buy it once but, in my experience, they buy it many times, chasing the latest tech as bling and so spend far more than they need.

The “poor” *person* has a much better sense of value and the worth of money.

Keep in mind another old saying, “A fool and his money are soon parted”! 😎

Penny wise, pound foolish is another, maybe a better expression than the one about rich/poor. If you can afford better, and the quality is actually available - not just pricier - quality/functionality is the way to go.