M1, M2, or wait for M3 MBA?

[oofio2461]

Hello, I've been looking for a new Macbook for studies in Late August, the M1 looks really cheap, but the M2 looks nice and there are some rumors about an M3 model, should I buy an M1, M2 MBA now or wait for M3 MBA? I want a 13-in model, since I had issues with traveling on bigger laptops!

 

[russell_314]

Well, I think it’s going to depend on when the M3 comes out. I haven’t kept up with rumors, so I guess you can wait till the last possible minute to buy.

I’d say if you’re on a tight budget get the M1 because it is going to do the same thing. I have the M2 and that’s perfect because I like MagSafe charging. Although it’s not as quite as important now that the battery lasts so long. I remember keeping my Intel MacBook plugged in because the battery didn’t last very long but this thing is crazy.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Why would you wait? No matter what you get, there is already something in the tech pipeline to replace your item. Get what you need to accomplish the task and don't worry about having the latest.

 

[MacDevil7334]

If you don’t need the laptop until late August then I would wait. Most rumors are pointing to some sort of Air update either in April or at WWDC in June. Either way, you lose nothing by waiting and have potentially more to gain. Either you get the newer model or you get the M1 or M2 at a bigger discount. Either way, you win.

M3 is potentially beneficial for a fanless design like the Air. Since it will be on a newer manufacturing process, it should offer the same performance as M2 with less power draw/heat or more performance at the same power draw (or some combination of the two). Again, if you don’t need it right now, you’re better off waiting unless some crazy good sale on the M2 model comes along.

 

[dwig]

If you can wait then wait, but don't wait to the last minute. Get your replacement by June at the very latest. Don't let delivery issues/delays prevent you from getting the new device in time.

 

[Yebubbleman]

Hello, I've been looking for a new Macbook for studies in Late August, the M1 looks really cheap, but the M2 looks nice and there are some rumors about an M3 model, should I buy an M1, M2 MBA now or wait for M3 MBA? I want a 13-in model, since I had issues with traveling on bigger laptops!

The M1 MacBook Air is going to be plenty sufficient for pretty much any thing you'd ever need it for for school. You can get an Apple Certified Refurbished M1 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for $1400 (1360 if you don't care about having unnoticeably weaker graphics). Obviously, that's even cheaper if you get it with 512GB of storage instead. Either way, that will surely cover your needs.

 

[mi7chy]

M1 or wait for M3 if it's 3nm. M2 is mostly a sidegrade from M1.

 

[ChrisA]

... should I buy an M1, M2 MBA now or wait for M3 MBA?...

Wait until you need a computer, then buy a computer. This means you never buy one in advance of needing it. And if you really need one, don't wait

 

[ChrisA]

M1 or wait for M3 if it's 3nm. M2 is mostly a sidegrade from M1.

Yes the M2 was only a small step up frm M1 but "3nm" is just marketing noise. There is nothing on the chip that has a dimension of 3nm.

We should expect small increments of improvements with each generation, nothing huge.

 

[Basic75]

Wait until you need a computer, then buy a computer. This means you never buy one in advance of needing it. And if you really need one, don't wait

Exactly. This question gets asked all the time, as using the search function would reveal, and the answer is always the same. Need a computer now? Get one now. You don't need one? Why are you asking what to buy?