Apple has taken the leap into larger screen sizes with its MacBook Air, introducing a 15-inch model that keeps the slim and lightweight design loved by many. The expansion to a 15.3-inch display is a welcome change for users seeking more screen real estate without compromising on portability. The laptop is praised for its competitive pricing, starting at $1,299, and its sleek design that remains faithful to the Air line’s reputation.
The 15-inch MacBook Air’s performance and battery life have both seen improvements. Powered by Apple’s M2 chip, this MacBook Air version also boasts a larger trackpad, more pronounced audio, and a stellar expanded display with a resolution of 2,880 by 1,864 pixels. The laptop comes with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD in the model that was tested. Moreover, it stands out with its impressive battery life, clocking in at nearly 19 hours during tests.
The MacBook Air 15-inch model is not without its shortcomings, however. One notable drawback is the limited number of Thunderbolt ports, with only two available. Additionally, it only supports one external display, which could be a limiting factor for users who prefer a multi-monitor setup. Another point of contention among users is the return of the camera notch, a design feature that has received mixed reviews in the past.
Apple offers two base configurations for the 15-inch MacBook Air. The base model, priced at $1,299, is equipped with an Apple M2 chip, a 10-core GPU, 8GB of Unified Memory (Apple’s term for RAM), and a 256GB SSD. The other option, priced at $1,499, also features the M2 processor with a 10-core GPU but comes with a larger 512GB SSD. For those who require more power and storage, Apple allows upgrades to the RAM (16GB and 24GB options) and the SSD storage (up to 2TB). These enhancements, however, can significantly increase the cost of the laptop, with a fully maxed-out model ringing up at around $2,4991.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the MacBook Air 15-inch model has received high praise. The choice among midrange desktop-replacement laptops, commending the MacBook Air for its blend of performance, graphics power, high-quality design, and all-day battery life. The new size is seen as a welcome addition to Apple’s laptop lineup, offering nearly the portability of a compact ultraportable laptop, but with desktop-replacement capabilities.
Conclusion
Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Air is a powerful, larger-screen addition to the MacBook family that offers enhanced performance and battery life while maintaining the sleek, lightweight design that the Air is known for. Despite a few cons, this new model is a significant contender in the midrange desktop-replacement laptop category, making it a worthy consideration for Apple enthusiasts and new users alike.