How can a lightweight and powerful device become lighter and more capable?
For the longest time, the MacBook Air – as a device class – has held a special place in my heart. Even when it was still relatively thick and not trendy looking, this product has always stood out. When most Windows laptops still had bulky chassis, the unparalleled MacBook Air shines as a stylish yet powerful unit. In the end, Apple introduced its own silicon – the last bullet to go through the head of Windows. There rests the desktop, the MacBook Air M1, with its Space Gray chassis – very bright, despite its dark finish.
I’ve been using the MacBook Air M1 for over a year when Apple introduced the M2 variant. I’ve been wondering for a while – how can Apple improve the perfect M1 laptop? It is indeed very light, portable, capable and relatively affordable. In fact, I’ve always preferred the Air model over the Pro model. It looks more luxurious and minimalistic, thanks to its paper-thin design. Then, somehow, during WWDC22, Apple managed to outdo itself by introducing the MacBook Air M2.
MacBook Air M2 design: midnight is a dream come true
It’s no secret that I always choose the darkest shade available when choosing a new device. I think there’s beauty in an all-black slab that hides any sensors, holes, or bezels. When you look at a black device from afar, all its flaws fade away. It is true that he may lack personality, but he definitely has a powerful presence like no other. So when Apple announced the MacBook Air M2, I immediately decided to move on to—spoiler alert—the midnight finish.
As I mentioned, I was using a Space Gray MacBook Air M1. This is simply because Midnight is not available for this model. Apple offers a Midnight option with the M2 scratching an itch you’d forgotten. Why settle for a dark gray when you can have a solid black in all its unique glory? If the M1 variant is perfect, the M2 is just perfect eh.
I have to admit though, as much as I love the boxed design (in general), the round MacBook Air M1 has a classy touch to it. I can’t tell if the matte black or the straighter structure is behind this. However, when you grab and look at the M2 model, something about it feels cheaper. Of course, that’s my personal opinion, though, and I think the midnight ending is worth it.
Another notable touch in the design area is the speaker system. On the M1 model, speaker grilles appear on the left and right sides of the keyboard. Not only do they interfere with the simple design of the notebook, but they are also difficult to clean. MacBook Air M2 masters this aspect and addresses the problem by moving the speakers. They are now hiding next to the hinges, doing their job invisibly.
Width: cutter slit intrusive
Every time Apple offers up a score on one of its devices, the internet – almost collectively – must lose its mind. Yes, screen breaks are not perfect. However, until Cupertino-overlord can achieve a simple design, these uncomfortable compromises save us from having to stare at uniforms, but huge, width of the edges. I’ve been using the MacBook Air M2 for about a month now, and I can assure you that the notch does not interfere with your workflow. You just adapt to it and forget about its existence.
Remember how I mentioned the M1 was perfect back then? The M2 upgrade somehow finds and smooths out small flaws in it. In the section display the rounded corners. Now that I’ve adapted to those right angle screens they look alarmingly outdated. Not to mention that the circular ones on the MacBook Air M2 now match the ones on the Latest iPad And the iPhone models. Yes, there is something cheaper in the Midnight structure. However, the screen is definitely a significant upgrade – when compared to the MacBook Air M1.
Speaking of the notch, the webcam has received an upgrade from 720p to 1080p. I’m not here to compare tech specs, though. Instead, I share my personal opinions based on practical, real-life scenarios. How did the webcam upgrade on my MacBook Air M2 affect me? My room can be a bit dark, even with the lights on. Just like my device ends up being, I like sitting in dim environments. When using MacBook Air M1 to make video calls, sometimes the broadcast will look grainy due to low light. Under the same conditions, the M2 model manages to pick up a clear feed. The difference is definitely clear.
Ports: least, the airy
My opinions posted here often cause subsequent waves of hate. So why not enter everything? I’m proud to support portless devices. If it is not yet possible to achieve a completely portless build, then one charging port will suffice. Obviously, I’m not advocating for a world where not every device has ports – I get valid use cases. However, this is the MacBook Air, not the Pro. Professional users can keep their ports and get more out of them. The Air model caters to a different category of users. My business, like many others, is completely wireless. I have Literally I’ve never used any of the MacBook’s ports – except for charging.
I was thrilled to see Apple not include the variety of ports it introduced on the MacBook Pro 14 and 16. The MagSafe 3 charging port is clearly a very welcome addition. Though, I would like to see the Cupertino company drop all the other outlets down the road. A man can dream. Speaking of MagSafe, you must be wondering how long your MacBook Air M2 lasts on a single charge.
I keep my screen brightness set to 100% at all times. With that in mind, this Mac lasts me about 10 hours or more when using seven non-stop Safari tabs. If I lower the brightness, it can easily last me a few more hours. One thing I really like about MagSafe is its LED indicator. When the MacBook Air is fully charged, a small LED on the charger turns from orange to green. That way, even with the Mac’s lid closed, I can tell when it’s ready to go.
It’s truly amazing how Apple has managed to squeeze such a long battery life into a thin and capable device. When comparing the performance of the M1 to that of the M2, I would say that the only difference I have noticed is when it comes to application launch times. Built-in apps are now loaded instantly. The waiting time does not actually exist.
MacBook Air M2: How different is it?
For those who use Intel MacBooks or Windows laptops, the M2 model offers a breath of fresh air in terms of design and performance. It is the epitome of craftsmanship in the laptop field. A device usually sacrifices its build/weight or performance for the sake of the other. The MacBook Air M2 is a combination of the two. You really get the best of both worlds with this $1,199 purchase.
If you’re considering upgrading from the MacBook Air M1, you may want to wait a little longer. In terms of performance, the M2 chip is not much of a bump when compared to the M1 chip. Unless you’re struggling with a bad webcam or dying to get a MagSafe charger, this upgrade will mostly be cosmetic. I mean, the trackpad has nicer haptic feedback on it too — if you’re looking to go a little more pro.
The MacBook Air M1 has been my companion and favorite device for a long time. However, now that the M2 is here, I can’t help but betray my old friend. The 2022 model fills in many gaps – I had no idea most of them were in the 2020 model. Kudos to Apple for finding new ways to complement a flawless product. If my MacBook Air was a cake, an M2 fix would be the icing I didn’t know I needed.
The 2022 MacBook Air offers an M2 chip, a redesigned serrated chassis with MagSafe support, and more color options.
Would you buy a MacBook Air M2? Why and why not? Let us know in the comments section below.
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