Video Comparison: M1 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Air

[wbeasley]

In what way is it different ? I am looking for this answer everywhere.
I don't like my M1 MBA keyboard. I find that the keys are too stiff and clicky and it tend to cause me wrist pain if I type on it too long. I have to use an external keyboard. I miss my 2015 MbA keyboard. Why did Apple went from having the best keyboards, to the worst (butterfly) to just ok ones (M1). I hope the M2 is better as you say, but please explain how you feel the difference.

not sure what is different but the 9 year old MBA keys are fine with HUGE travel compared to modern keys and almost spongy feel. the MBP 2017 has the no travel butterfly. no issues but the feel is odd.

new MBA just feels right. the Goldilocks keyboard?

 

[!!!]

Glad you save $100 on your purchase but seriously, the notch is not the deal people are making it out to be.
I whacked a dark topped wallpaper on it and you cant see the notch AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, you effectively move the menus up freeing up the whole screen for content. That's a huge win.

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I don't understand why people are so desperate to defend Apple's stupid decisions. No, a big hole in the screen is not "okay". It's lazy engineering designed to make a fashion statement. "But you can just use a black wallpaper!" Or, get this, I can just *not buy it* and I don't have to make weird compromises around a literal *hole* in the screen.

 

[steve09090]

I don't understand why people are so desperate to defend Apple's stupid decisions. No, a big hole in the screen is not "okay". It's lazy engineering designed to make a fashion statement. "But you can just use a black wallpaper!" Or, get this, I can just *not buy it* and I don't have to make weird compromises around a literal *hole* in the screen.

Why is it stupid to make the screen larger and have an area (in the menu bar) that is usually just wasted space, and put a camera there to ensure there is less bezel?

No, you can make a decision to *not buy it* (??) but for some reason this has gotten under your skin. Who actually cares if you buy it or not, but why so angry?

Personally I think it’s a good decision and not a stupid one, and those who have actually bought one tend to agree. Who knew it was a good decision eh? The thing about Apple is that they drive the 'fashion' of Laptops and Phones.

 

[wbeasley]

I don't understand why people are so desperate to defend Apple's stupid decisions. No, a big hole in the screen is not "okay". It's lazy engineering designed to make a fashion statement. "But you can just use a black wallpaper!" Or, get this, I can just *not buy it* and I don't have to make weird compromises around a literal *hole* in the screen.

well if you dont buy it, youre missing out. and someone else who wants one can buy the one you dont.

TopNotch is a free app that blacks out only the top menu area. I'd be surprised this doesnt address 99% of people's concerns about the notch. It's effectively gone.

 

[Allouttanames]

Apple last week launched a redesigned version of the MacBook Air that's equipped with a next-generation M2 chip. If you own the original M1 MacBook Air and have been thinking about upgrading, or if you're simply new to the MacBook Air and are trying to choose between the two machines, we've done a hands-on comparison video pitting the M2 MacBook Air against the prior-generation M1 MacBook Air.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

Most Mac updates are iterative and focus on the internals of the machine, but that's not the case with the M2 MacBook Air. Apple overhauled the entire design, getting rid of the tapered look in favor of a flat-edged shape that's much more similar to the MacBook Pro.

The new MacBook Air is thinner and lighter than the prior-generation version, and it's available in new colors that include Midnight and Starlight. The design is a notable update that's fresher and more modern, plus the display is 100 nits brighter.

The M2 chip has the same 8-core CPU as the M1 chip, but it's just a bit faster and more efficient, plus the base machine has an extra GPU core so GPU performance has been boosted. Both entry-level M1 and M2 machines feature 8GB unified memory and a 256GB SSD, but it's worth noting that the M1 has two 128GB NAND flash chips, while the M2 has just one, which has resulted in slower performance on benchmarks.

While the M1 MacBook Air was limited to two USB-C ports, the M2 MacBook Air adds a MagSafe port to allow for extra port access and a better charging experience. The keyboard and trackpad are largely the same, but Apple did introduce some major changes that make the speakers sound better.

Apple is selling the base M2 MacBook Air for $1,199 and the base M1 MacBook Air for $999, so is the M2 worth the extra money? For most people, yes. The M2 offers faster performance, a larger display, MagSafe, and Apple's latest design, which is worth the $200 premium if you can swing it. If you already have an M1, you should probably wait to upgrade because the M1 still offers stellar performance. Make sure to watch our full video up above to see these two machines side by side, and see our M1 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Air guide for a more in-depth comparison.

Article Link: Video Comparison: M1 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Air

I bought the M1 Shortly after it came out. It was my first ever laptop and I loved it! Decided on the 8 core pro, 16GB with 1G of storage....I couldn't believe the battery life to the point that I thought the damn thang was lying to me. Not to mention, it was sooooo fast! Coming from a almost 10 year old iMac (which I shortly after deleted everything and started over) I just couldn't believe what it could do.

When the M2 came out I was heartbroken: all the ports and an HD screen made me so jealous, as they were my only two complaints so I almost immediately ordered one to exchange. My ADD kept me from finishing my emotional purchase and a few days went by and then those days turned into weeks, when I was able to hold and touch one. Honestly, that little bit of extra screen was just annoying! The HD screen was too bright and the battery life: well, it had to keep up with that fancy screen so it was horrendous compared to my M1.

Needless to say, I will never get rid of this thing. If I were to upgrade I think I would keep it and only time will tell if the M2 has a glitch with the SSD.

 

[tom123]

Aesthetics alone were enough to make me reconsider my M1 Air purchase. The M2 book feels so incredibly good in the hands.

Don't forget that you can confidently hand hold the M2 on all 4 sides. (Not just the thick side on the M1).

 

[CodeMiner11]

I think I like the M2 13 inch better since the notch doesn’t really bother me and the M2 is faster. Plus you can get the M2 for cheaper than the M1 at Best Buy (see this link). Best Buy is also another great way to buy electronics.

 

[CodeMiner11]

Now the new MacBook Air 2023 comes with a 15” screen.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

I don't understand why people are so desperate to defend Apple's stupid decisions. No, a big hole in the screen is not "okay". It's lazy engineering designed to make a fashion statement. "But you can just use a black wallpaper!" Or, get this, I can just *not buy it* and I don't have to make weird compromises around a literal *hole* in the screen.

We disagree. Not stupid decisions by Apple just because a limited few folks do not like something.