2024-03-29 23:30:00
MacBook Air equipped with Apple’s M3 chip
Advantages and disadvantages
Strong Points
- “Pro”-like performance is sufficient for many professional users
- Form factor that raises the bar for appearance and internal performance
- Supports 2 external monitors with lid closed
- Speed up AI tasks with upgraded “Neural Engine”
Cons
- LCD display lags behind competing models equipped with organic EL
- The base model has only 8GB of RAM, which limits its uses.
- Only two expansion ports, both on the same side
- Built-in audio leaves a lot of room for improvement
Purchase advice
The redesigned 13-inch M2-equipped MacBook Air was so great in terms of design and performance that ZDNETSelected as the 2022 Product of the Year. The M3-equipped MacBook Air is a suitable successor, and this time it is available in two sizes: 13 inches and 15 inches. ZDNET tested both models for a week and was deeply impressed by three key upgrades. These upgrades make it an easy buy for professionals and hobbyists who need stronger AI performance and multiple external monitors. But there are also important considerations when making a purchase.
First, perhaps the best part about the arrival of the M3-equipped MacBook Air is that the 13-inch M2-equipped MacBook Air now starts at $999 (prices for students, faculty and staff start at $899). The discontinued M1-powered MacBook Air (still a solid machine that outperforms Chromebooks and many comparable Windows machines) could be priced even lower in clearance sales. This is a good model for children and families who only need basic functionality.
If you’re considering purchasing a 15-inch M3-equipped MacBook Air, there’s one more thing to keep in mind. A configuration with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage costs $1,699, putting it in the price range of a 14-inch M3-equipped MacBook Pro. If you’re going that far, I recommend opting for the 14-inch M3-powered MacBook Pro instead. That’s because the display and sound are much better, and you can connect two external monitors and use the main monitor as a third display.
spec
processor
8-core CPU and 16-core Neural Engine
RAM/Graphics
8GB, 16GB, or 24GB unified memory and 10-core GPU
storage
512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
display
LCD, 60Hz refresh rate, 500 nits peak brightness
port
“MagSafe 3” charging port, Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports x 2, 3.5mm headphone jack
Connection function
Wi-Fi 6E（802.11ax）、Bluetooth 5.3
battery
Up to 18 hours battery life
audio
4-speaker sound system, 3-mic array with directional beamforming, spatial audio
webcam
1080p FaceTime HD camera, computational video
weight
13 inch model: 1.24 kg, 15 inch model: 1.51 kg
price
13-inch model: starting at $1099, 15-inch model: starting at $1299
The ability to use two external monitors with the lid closed is one of the most important upgrades to the M3-powered MacBook Air.
Credit: Jason Hiner/ZDNET
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