NEED SERIOUS HELP: Does the MacBook Air M1 Work With USB Sticks?

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Hey guys,

Sorry to be making a thread about this, but I've never bought a Macbook Air before so I have so many worries!

I've done A LOT of research by myself, however, I haven't found answers to these questions:

What happens if my Macbook Air M1 stops working? I'll be storing all of my personal data on the Macbook Air M1 so I'm VERY worried about me needing to take the Macbook Air M1 to an Apple Store for repairs because then the Apple technicians would have access to all of my data. ? ? ? How likely is it for the inbuilt SSD to die?

How long will the Macbook Air M1 last? I was thinking of getting the 16GB of RAM just so that the inbuilt SSD will last longer?

I've been using my iPad Mini 3 since 2015 and the 64GB storage drive it came with still works perfectly! Can I expect to get this many years of perfect functioning from the SSD that the Macbook Air M1 comes with?

Thank you for any advice!

 

[Wolff Weber]

1. Always make backups.
2. Nobody knows how long M1 MBA would last, since all of them are less than a year old. Expect 5+ years. My old 15” retina MBP is nearly 8 years old and still ok at new owner, but battery had to be replaced after 6 years.
My new 8/8/512 M1 MBA was activated 9 months ago and has 100% SSD and 99% battery condition.

 

[TETENAL]

What happens if my Macbook Air M1 stops working?

When the Macbook Air stops working, it is most likely that all data is lost. When you have a decent password, it is unlikely that a technician will be able to spy on your data when doing a repair. And Apple will never attempt to do data recovery when doing a repair. You absolutely need backups on external media.

How long will the Macbook Air M1 last?

I also got the 16 GB version since I believe the 8 GB one has way to few RAM. But it is my understanding that it is the size of the SSD, not the RAM, that determines the longevity of the SSD. From experience with phones and pads I would say the longevity of the SSD should not be a problem unless you're very unlucky. If you're doing video or other stuff that moves a lot of data, maybe get an external SSD.

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Thank you for your replies!

So it's not possible for me to replace the SSD in the Macbook Air M1 after I purchase it from Apple?

I'm interested to know how long the internal SSD in a Macbook Air M1 will last. How is the storage hardware different to my iPad Mini 3 for example? Do both the Macbook Air M1 and iPad Mini 3 use the same storage hardware?

Do Windows 10 laptops manufacturers like Hewlett Packard or Asus allow users to replace the internal SSD/HDD inside the laptop?

 

[leman]

What happens if my Macbook Air M1 stops working? I'll be storing all of my personal data on the Macbook Air M1 so I'm VERY worried about me needing to take the Macbook Air M1 to an Apple Store for repairs because then the Apple technicians would have access to all of my data. ? ? ? How likely is it for the inbuilt SSD to die?

The data on your SSD is encrypted. Enable FileVault and don’t give out your password and they can’t access any data. Make sure that you have backups.

How long will the Macbook Air M1 last? I was thinking of getting the 16GB of RAM just so that the inbuilt SSD will last longer?

We do not have any data on longevity of MacBook Air SSDs. There was at least one anecdotal report of a guy who purportedly wrote large amount of data to his SSD and it failed somewhere after 500TWB or some other ridiculously high number… you won’t be reaching these numbers any time soon, unless you use your M1 machine as a cache server.

So it's not possible for me to replace the SSD in the Macbook Air M1 after I purchase it from Apple?

No it is not.

I'm interested to know how long the internal SSD in a Macbook Air M1 will last. How is the storage hardware different to my iPad Mini 3 for example? Do both the Macbook Air M1 and iPad Mini 3 use the same storage hardware?

As I’ve written above, we don’t have any data. But real-works failures of Apple SSDs are rare occasions.

Do Windows 10 laptops manufacturers like Hewlett Packard or Asus allow users to replace the internal SSD/HDD inside the laptop?

Most laptops have user-replaceable SSDs. At the same time, there is reason to believe that Apple SSDs have a longer lifespan than industry average SSDs. Personally, I am confident that you can use your computer for 5 or more years without ever worrying about the SSD.

Another point to consider: Apple is now offering AppleCare+ as a general insurance that you can keep using for years. Given that SSD repair is expensive (requires a mainboard replacement), this means that they do not anticipate widespread SSD failures even years after purchase.

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

The data on your SSD is encrypted. Enable FileVault and don’t give out your password and they can’t access any data. Make sure that you have backups.

Thank you for your reply Leman!

I'm doing research into FileVault now.

The data on your SSD is encrypted. Enable FileVault and don’t give out your password and they can’t access any data. Make sure that you have backups.



We do not have any data on longevity of MacBook Air SSDs. There was at least one anecdotal report of a guy who purportedly wrote large amount of data to his SSD and it failed somewhere after 500TWB or some other ridiculously high number… you won’t be reaching these numbers any time soon, unless you use your M1 machine as a cache server.



No it is not.

As I’ve written above, we don’t have any data. But real-works failures of Apple SSDs are rare occasions.

I see.

Could you answer my question about my iPad Mini 3 64GB storage being of the same technology as the SSD's in the Macbook Air M1?

I'm eager to know if the iPad Mini 3 and Macbook Air M1 use the same technology because my iPad Mini 3's 64GB storage still works perfectly after 6 years of use!

 

[dogslobber]

How long will the Macbook Air M1 last? I was thinking of getting the 16GB of RAM just so that the inbuilt SSD will last longer?

I was once the harshest critic of the new M1 Macs. Then I bought wife a 16GB M1 Mini and myself an M1 8GB MBA. I got the MBA for 800 bucks total and think it's probably the best laptop I've ever had. I am hard to please but recommend them to everybody.

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Like I said, I've never owned a Macbook Air M1 before so I'm really clueless! I just want to know how I can plugin a USB stick into the Macbook Air M1? I know I need to buy an accessory from Apple, but there are so many different accessories that I don't know which to choose???

 

[Wolff Weber]

Like I said, I've never owned a Macbook Air M1 before so I'm really clueless! I just want to know how I can plugin a USB stick into the Macbook Air M1? I know I need to buy an accessory from Apple, but there are so many different accessories that I don't know which to choose???

You can buy USB-C to USB-A adapter for few $$$ from Unitek for example. You can also buy USB-C stick or such a stick with both A and C connectors.

 

[Mikael H]

Thank you for your reply Leman!

I'm doing research into FileVault now.

I see.

Could you answer my question about my iPad Mini 3 64GB storage being of the same technology as the SSD's in the Macbook Air M1?

I'm eager to know if the iPad Mini 3 and Macbook Air M1 use the same technology because my iPad Mini 3's 64GB storage still works perfectly after 6 years of use!

Modern high-quality SSDs are good. I've been using my current MacBook Pro since 2013 with no issues. In case of issues I have multiple backups, both to a USB drive and to a Time Machine server (other options exist).

When it comes to USB sticks, there are USB-C sticks that don't require an adapter for your modern Mac, but if you want to connect to legacy computers you will of course need an adapter for one or the other.

 

[ImaginaryNerve]

Like I said, I've never owned a Macbook Air M1 before so I'm really clueless! I just want to know how I can plugin a USB stick into the Macbook Air M1? I know I need to buy an accessory from Apple, but there are so many different accessories that I don't know which to choose???

I got one of these, formatted exFAT, for compatibility. I don't remember it costing too much, but I grabbed it on a whim after I purchased my MBP and so wasn't paying too close attention. No adapter needed, just use that.

There are also Thunderbolt / USB-C SSD/HDD enclosures available that'll work as well, OWC has some top-notch ones from my understanding.

 

[leman]

Could you answer my question about my iPad Mini 3 64GB storage being of the same technology as the SSD's in the Macbook Air M1?

We don't know for sure since technical details of these parts are not publicly listed. But my guess would be that if the technology differs, Macs would use more advanced SSDs with longer lifetime.

 

[ImaginaryNerve]

We don't know for sure since technical details of these parts are not publicly listed. But my guess would be that if the technology differs, Macs would use more advanced SSDs with longer lifetime.

I'd hazard a guess that it's similar in how it works, but might be different in how its handled on an OS level. Though, considering the new M1 iPad Pros have (from my understanding) the same SoC as the M1 Airs/Pros/iMacs, I'd assume it is extremely similar and/or maybe even more advanced than the iPad Mini 3.

Thinking more on it, I'd also imagine there wouldn't be much difference at all beyond the speed difference since the larger SSDs have faster read/write speeds than the smaller ones do.

 

[ChrisA]

What happens if my Macbook Air M1 stops working? I'll be storing all of my personal data on the Macbook Air M1 so I'm VERY worried about me needing to take the Macbook Air M1 to an Apple Store for repairs because then the Apple technicians would have access to all of my data

Use encryption and the data is not accessible to anyone without your password

How long will the Macbook Air M1 last?

If you buy Apple Care it will have a 3-year warranty. After that who knows, you might drop it or spill water on it.

I've been using my iPad Mini 3 since 2015 and the 64GB storage drive it came with still works perfectly! Can I expect to get this many years of perfect functioning from the SSD that the Macbook Air M1 comes with?

It is reasonable to assume a very long life for SSD, More then 10 years of normal use. But see above. Accidents happen

ALWAYS have at least two backups of your data in two physically different locations.

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

I got one of these, formatted exFAT, for compatibility. I don't remember it costing too much, but I grabbed it on a whim after I purchased my MBP and so wasn't paying too close attention. No adapter needed, just use that.

There are also Thunderbolt / USB-C SSD/HDD enclosures available that'll work as well, OWC has some top-notch ones from my understanding.

Thank you for your reply ImaginaryNerve!

However, I'll be wanting to use a USB stick that I can plugin to a regular USB port on a PC as well.

I'll want to plug a USB stick into the Macbook Air and use the same USB stick into a PC like this: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-913zHUE-3...+%284th+Gen+Ci5+6GB+750GB+Win8%29+%287%29.jpg

I'm looking on the Apple website to buy what I need but there are so many accessories that I don't know which one!

 

[bunnspecial]

There are a lot of ways to get a regular USB-A port as shown above.

This is the official simple Apple option

USB C to USB Adapter - Apple

Apple Store Search Results

www.apple.com

I have a couple of these, which work equally well and are less expensive

Best Buy: Platinum™ USB A to USB C Adapter, USB 3.0 Spec Gray PT-PACA

Shop Platinum™ USB A to USB C Adapter, USB 3.0 Spec Gray at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.

www.bestbuy.com

I have one of these that allows me to plug in a USB-A device, plus a VGA monitor and also charge the computer

USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter

USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter lets you connect your USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) enabled Mac to a VGA display, standard USB devices, and charging cables. Buy now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

I also have one of these, which gives me 2 USB ports, an SD card reader, and an HDMI plug

Hyper 7-Port Universal USB-C Hub USB-C Docking Station for Laptops Space Gray GN21D-GRAY - Best Buy

Shop Hyper 7-Port Universal USB-C Hub USB-C Docking Station for Laptops Space Gray at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.

www.bestbuy.com

For use at my desk I have this

https://www.owcdigital.com/products/thunderbolt-3-dock-14-port which charges the computer also

It is also connected to one of these

Thunderbolt Display Archives - 9to5Mac

9to5mac.com

by using this

Thunderbolt 3 USB C to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple

Apple Store Search Results

www.apple.com

And I have a bunch of USB-A ports, an ethernet port, and even Firewire.

 

[ImaginaryNerve]

Thank you for your reply ImaginaryNerve!

However, I'll be wanting to use a USB stick that I can plugin to a regular USB port on a PC as well.

I'll want to plug a USB stick into the Macbook Air and use the same USB stick into a PC like this: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-913zHUE-3sU/UtKgaXh4DDI/AAAAAAAAChw/qsJfLP8z8lk/s1600/Dell+Inspiron+3537+Laptop+%284th+Gen+Ci5+6GB+750GB+Win8%29+%287%29.jpg

I'm looking on the Apple website to buy what I need but there are so many accessories that I don't know which one!

I apologize, I wasn’t clear. The Sandisk drive has BOTH USB-C and USB-A connectors. When formatted exFAT, I can use it in both my Windows PC and my M1 MacBook Pro. It comes in a few difference capacities as well.

SanDisk 256GB Ultra Dual Drive Luxe USB Type-C - SDDDC4-256G-G46, Black

Looking for stylish storage that works across your USB Type-C and Type-A devices? Whether youre taking amazing photos of your latest adventure or creating content in the office, the SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe is the all-metal, 2-in-1 flash drive that lets you easily move files between USB Type...

www.amazon.com

 

[ADGrant]

I'm eager to know if the iPad Mini 3 and Macbook Air M1 use the same technology because my iPad Mini 3's 64GB storage still works perfectly after 6 years of use!

Even if they did, the comparison would not be valid since iOS and MacOS do not use the SSD in the same way.

 

[ADGrant]

Thank you for your reply ImaginaryNerve!

However, I'll be wanting to use a USB stick that I can plugin to a regular USB port on a PC as well.

I'll want to plug a USB stick into the Macbook Air and use the same USB stick into a PC like this: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-913zHUE-3sU/UtKgaXh4DDI/AAAAAAAAChw/qsJfLP8z8lk/s1600/Dell+Inspiron+3537+Laptop+%284th+Gen+Ci5+6GB+750GB+Win8%29+%287%29.jpg

I'm looking on the Apple website to buy what I need but there are so many accessories that I don't know which one!

You may want to look into using your local network to transfer files.

Also, you should regularly back up your Mac using either the TimeMachine app that Apple provides or third party software.

 

[Tagbert]

Hey guys,

Sorry to be making a thread about this, but I've never bought a Macbook Air before so I have so many worries!

I've done A LOT of research by myself, however, I haven't found answers to these questions:

What happens if my Macbook Air M1 stops working? I'll be storing all of my personal data on the Macbook Air M1 so I'm VERY worried about me needing to take the Macbook Air M1 to an Apple Store for repairs because then the Apple technicians would have access to all of my data. ? ? ? How likely is it for the inbuilt SSD to die?

How long will the Macbook Air M1 last? I was thinking of getting the 16GB of RAM just so that the inbuilt SSD will last longer?

I've been using my iPad Mini 3 since 2015 and the 64GB storage drive it came with still works perfectly! Can I expect to get this many years of perfect functioning from the SSD that the Macbook Air M1 comes with?

Thank you for any advice!

Go get an external Hard Drive, at least the size of your Macbook’s SSD. Bigger if you can. It shouldn’t be more than $100, likely less. Make sure it can plugin to the USB-C port one your Mac.

Then read up on Time Machine. This is Apples automatic backup software. If something happens and your Mac dies, this will let you restore a copy of all of your data to a new machine.

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

Automatically back up what's important: Photos, email, music, and more.

support.apple.com

Make sure you either keep it plugged into your Mac or that you setup regular reminders to plug it in at least once a week to back things up over night.

You never want your files, photos, etc to to only exist as one copy.

 

[Sydde]

You could also look into a wifi-connected NAS. That is a hard drive attached to your home wifi. Apple used to sell one of these: a large HD combined with a wifi AirPort. I use one of these for my home network and copy stuff from my iPad to the HD (using an iPad app). Using it with a MacBook is even easier, and Time Machine will automatically ask you if you want to use it for back-up. Holding onto your data is quite easy these days.

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

There are a lot of ways to get a regular USB-A port as shown above.

This is the official simple Apple option

USB C to USB Adapter - Apple

Apple Store Search Results

www.apple.com

Thank you for your reply Bunnspecial!

I'm wanting to buy an official Apple USB adapter product because I'm worried about the data being changed or altered in some way if I use a non-Apple USB adapter product from Amazon or another non-Official source.

To be more clear, I'm worried about the data being altered by the non-Apple USB adapter when it transfers the data to the USB stick. Is this possible? Please let me know!

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

You can buy USB-C to USB-A adapter for few $$$ from Unitek for example. You can also buy USB-C stick or such a stick with both A and C connectors.

Thank you for your reply Wolff Weber!

I'm really confused with which USB dongle or USB adapter cable I'll need to buy.

For example, my smartphone uses "microUSB 2.0" and I have a USB adapter cable for this, but this looks completely different to the Macbook Air M1 ports...

Sorry for my silly questions, but there are so many different USB cables and USB adapter cables available... ? ? ?

 

[mr_roboto]

Even if they did, the comparison would not be valid since iOS and MacOS do not use the SSD in the same way.

Huh? iOS began life as "Mac OS X, but shaved down enough to fit into an iPhone", so it's always used storage the same way. The only period of time where there was ever a significant difference was that Apple flipped the switch to make APFS the default iOS file system a year or so before they did it for macOS.

 

[mr_roboto]

To be more clear, I'm worried about the data being altered by the non-Apple USB adapter when it transfers the data to the USB stick. Is this possible? Please let me know!

If I followed things right, you're looking for a USB-C to USB-A adapter, right? Those are typically passive cables which cannot alter data.

Basically, you don't have to worry about USB adapters changing your data unless you're an international woman of mystery with enemies in high places who have the resources to intercept the product shipped to you and substitute something designed to spy on you, or do something Evil to your data.

Sorry for my silly questions, but there are so many different USB cables and USB adapter cables available... ? ? ?

Unfortunately this is just the way things are. The standards committee responsible for USB has invented a ridiculous number of different connectors over the years, and consumers are left to be confused by it all.

When you look for things which need to plug into a M1 Air, the key phrase is "USB Type C". It's the newest of the USB connector designs, and is intended to hopefully sweep away all the past connectors and simplify down to just one. We'll see if that actually happens.