2 weeks of daily use, Base Midnight M2 MBA

[teh_hunterer]

I stopped carrying my iPad mini to work in my bag because I wasn’t using it and it weighed 297 grams (0.66 pounds).

Lighter is better. If the extra weight serves no purpose then why carry it?

Lighter is definitely better. For me it comes down to whether something justifies its weight. My 13" MacBook Pro 2018 did not justify its weight - for the performance and battery life it provided, it was too heavy, too hot, and too loud. I resented having to carry that thing around.

With my 14" Pro, I think the battery life, performance, display quality, speakers, and keyboard do justify the extra weight. And that's a good place to be, where when you buy the beefier model, you actually get benefits for the extra weight.

 

[teh_hunterer]

wait; so, your perspective is 'less subjective'? how does that work..? what courtesy are you extending me? i 100% disagree that the M2 air 'has a tough time in the lineup...". but that is just my opinion. like your opinion in just yours.

Trying to figure out what is generally a better value device in the lineup for a larger group of people (the average buyer) based on the details of those products is less subjective.

The M2 Air is just harder to recommend. I'd say I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone, and leave it that - ie the people it's best for already know they want it because they want it despite the fact the M1 and 14" Pro exist. They don't need the recommendation, they know what they're about, and they'll just buy it.

The courtesy I've extended to your viewpoint is that if you really value the M2 Air over everything else, that's perfectly OK. Whereas any attempt to rank which devices in Apple's current lineup are generally better value than others is met with hostility apparently. Just because it's not the way you look at it, doesn't mean it invalidates your purchase. So you don't have to attack it.

 

[fisherking]

Trying to figure out what is generally a better value device in the lineup for a larger group of people (the average buyer) based on the details of those products is less subjective.

The M2 Air is just harder to recommend. I'd say I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone, and leave it that - ie the people it's best for already know they want it because they want it despite the fact the M1 and 14" Pro exist. They don't need the recommendation, they know what they're about, and they'll just buy it.

The courtesy I've extended to your viewpoint is that if you really value the M2 Air over everything else, that's perfectly OK. Whereas any attempt to rank which devices in Apple's current lineup are generally better value than others is met with hostility apparently. Just because it's not the way you look at it, doesn't mean it invalidates your purchase. So you don't have to attack it.

the problem is, you don't speak for a 'larger group of people', you speak for yourself. so at the end of the day, you're expressing your opinion, just like me.

i don't see any courtesy here, just an insistance that (somehow) you speak for people in general. and allowing me to have an opinion is not an act of courtesy, it's arrogance.

really, we disagree. and that's alright. but neither of us speak for others, we speak for ourselves. hopefully you'll see that... and we can move on.

 

[Dealmans]

Really? The 14” MBP and the M2 MBA feel the same weight to me.

I had both in my hands at the same time and really couldn’t tell the difference. I even tried to hold it for a couple minutes too see if the 14” would perhaps wear me down, but nope. Felt the same as the M2 MBA.

shh keep that to yourself, those that did air 2 upgrades will have a meltdown lol

 

[Mcdevidr]

What are these last two pages? The M2 Air is lighter and smaller this is objective fact not something that can be argued. Even if it "feels" the same it is not. Anyways who cares (it has nothing to do with lifting more weights in a gym). I took my 14 back as soon as I tried the new air as I loved the thin design. I have always wanted a powerful thin and light device (finless) and it fits the bill. Would I rather have pro motion sure, but id rather use something I want to use then make a concession for pro motion or whatever other reason posited on here as a reason to not get the new m2 air.

 

[teh_hunterer]

the problem is, you don't speak for a 'larger group of people', you speak for yourself. so at the end of the day, you're expressing your opinion, just like me.

i don't see any courtesy here, just an insistance that (somehow) you speak for people in general. and allowing me to have an opinion is not an act of courtesy, it's arrogance.

really, we disagree. and that's alright. but neither of us speak for others, we speak for ourselves. hopefully you'll see that... and we can move on.

I'm not claiming to speak for anyone. But there is no need to be hostile towards the idea that for the most part, some devices in a given lineup are better value for money than others.

Not everyone has to shop the same as you, and if you truly do believe that it's 100% subjective then why do you even care if others happen to think the M2 MBA isn't generally quite a good value for money buy as the M1 Air and 14" Pro? It's like you're saying it's perfectly valid that you bought the M2 Air because it was the one you wanted the most and that's what was most important to you - but you're also arguing tooth and nail when someone says it's generally not the best value for money computer in the lineup.

Raw value for money isn't the only consideration for buying a device - but it does drive a lot of the buying decisions of the masses, and generally a lot of people do try to figure out what is the best deal out of a certain lineup of products.

As an example, I don't care if someone says the Hermes Apple Watch isn't good value for money compared to the other Apple Watches. It's what I wanted so I bought it. I could twist it around and argue that for my needs it was in fact the best value for me, but the Hermes one isn't ever going to be considered the money option in that lineup by the mainstream, and justifying my own purchase of it doesn't disprove that person's argument, which is made in a more general sense.

 

[jdb8167]

the problem is, you don't speak for a 'larger group of people', you speak for yourself. so at the end of the day, you're expressing your opinion, just like me.

i don't see any courtesy here, just an insistance that (somehow) you speak for people in general. and allowing me to have an opinion is not an act of courtesy, it's arrogance.

really, we disagree. and that's alright. but neither of us speak for others, we speak for ourselves. hopefully you'll see that... and we can move on.

Some people are just incapable of acknowledging that others’ opinions are just as valid as their own. After repeated examples it becomes clear that there is little point in continuing the discussion. Some just can’t understand the meaning of subjective. How can one opinion be less subjective than another? My opinion has more truthiness than yours?

 

[teh_hunterer]

Some people are just incapable of acknowledging that others’ opinions are just as valid as their own. After repeated examples it becomes clear that there is little point in continuing the discussion. Some just can’t understand the meaning of subjective. How can one opinion be less subjective than another? My opinion has more truthiness than yours?

I'll just say what I said last time you made that baseless accusation:

You're just moving the goalposts. You seemed to take major issue with the idea that the M2 is generally lower value for money compared to the M1 Air and base model Pro, but when we started getting into the specifics of it all of a sudden you're arguing that value is subjective and people can buy what they want.

Except now I don't know who you're arguing with, because every post of mine indicated that the M2 Air is a perfectly good computer and nobody is wrong or stupid for buying it.

1. There is such a thing as recognising that each person has their own values that ultimately determine what is worth it to them.

2. There is also such a thing as wanting to figure out which devices in the lineup are generally better value for most buyers.

Both are fine and fun - but because you bought the M2 MBA you seem to really take issue with point 2. And that's not my fault, or anything to do with whether or not I understand the word 'subjective' as you keep claiming. I actually hope you really enjoy your M2 Air.

 

[hungryghosty]

For me it comes down to whether something justifies its weight. My 13" MacBook Pro 2018 did not justify its weight - for the performance and battery life it provided, it was too heavy, too hot, and too loud. I resented having to carry that thing around.

That's part of the reason I went for the M2 MBA as before buying my old MBA in 2019 I bought a 13" Macbook Pro and was really disappointed in the performance and capabilities of the device given it's weight and cost. So much so that I returned it and bought a Macbook Air instead!

 

[teh_hunterer]

That's part of the reason I went for the M2 MBA as before buying my old MBA in 2019 I bought a 13" Macbook Pro and was really disappointed in the performance and capabilities of the device given it's weight and cost. So much so that I returned it and bought a Macbook Air instead!

And the best thing is that even though it's smaller, lighter, and passively cooled, it destroys that MacBook Pro in every way.

I remember feeling so annoyed carrying around that heavy, hot loud thing when even my iPhone was more powerful.

 

[fisherking]

There is also such a thing as wanting to figure out which devices in the lineup are generally better value for most buyers.

and here is where you get stuck:

There is also such a thing as wanting to figure out which devices in the lineup, in my opinion, are generally better value for most buyers.

 

[teh_hunterer]

and here is where you get stuck:

There is also such a thing as wanting to figure out which devices in the lineup, in my opinion, are generally better value for most buyers.

You keep trying to claim I'm saying something I'm not. If you weren't quoting me I honestly would have no idea who you're even arguing with.

There is no need to be so hostile towards the idea that for the most part, some devices in a given lineup are better value for money than others. Unless while you claim that it's all about subjectivity, you still must defend your purchase against anyone who thinks the MBA M2 is generally poor value compared to the rest of the lineup.

Raw value for money isn't the only consideration for buying a device - but it does drive a lot of the buying decisions of the masses, and generally a lot of people do try to figure out what is the best deal out of a certain lineup of products. It's fun to weigh it all up and go through the details and see what people think.

I think you initially jumped to defend your purchase so emphatically (that was never even under attack in the first place) that you're now trapped into trying to paint me as saying something I'm not even saying. The position you keep arguing is that people can buy what they want and value most without having to justify it - which is a position I've repeated myself over and over. Who are you even arguing with?

 

[fisherking]

Who are you even arguing with?

yes, exactly 🙄

 

[Mcdevidr]

You two are so cute. But lets face it we all know the best “value” in the mac lineup is a “refurbished” MBA from 2015 from woot. I know this because I’ve seen it in an email or advertisement somewhere. Argument done.

 

[aajeevlin]

I feel if the two of you can meet and talk it out you’d end up be good friends.

 

[fisherking]

I feel if the two of you can meet and talk it out you’d end up be good friends.

ah, the anonymous internet. i bet we're already good friends, and don't realize that, as we go back & forth endlessly on this thread... 🤣

 

[alexonline]

For those of you having owned the 14" Pro. Is it noticeably heavier of thicker than the Air M2? (I hope so). I haven't got to try the new Pro, but changed my 13" Pro for an MBA M2, 8 GHz CPU/10 GHZ GPU, 16GB/512GB. And I love it. The most important thing for me is that it's light and portable.

Although I started wondering if I was doing something stupid when I didn't order the Pro 14" yesterday when it was a 15% discount. I have to return the Air I have now and wait for another one that won't be coming before the end of September. The reason? The one I'm getting was on a 20% discount.
So I panicked yesterday and ordered a base model MBA M1 to keep in the mean time. Hope I did the right thing and that I won't regret not buying the Pro. Suspected that it was too big and heavy.
Ah... Life of a digital nomad 🙄

You panicked for nothing. The MBA M2 is fantastic

But then so is the MBA M1

 

[torbjornhb]

You panicked for nothing. The MBA M2 is fantastic

But then so is the MBA M1

Great to hear!
Although, I am a professional panicker☺️.

I'm getting the M1 soon just as a backup when I'm waiting for the Air M2. But I got the M1 so cheap that I wonder if I should give it to my parents...

 

[alexonline]

Great to hear!
Although, I am a professional panicker☺️.

I'm getting the M1 soon just as a backup when I'm waiting for the Air M2. But I got the M1 so cheap that I wonder if I should give it to my parents...

Oh, definitely. A Mac is the best computer for any age group, best especially parents who want to avoid the horrors of malware that afflict most Windows PCs.

You won’t be going around or TeamViewer-ing to fix toolbar malware, adware or other such nonsense, and while Macs are not impervious to social engineering tricking people in clicking and installing fake updates and whatnot, it’s just superior system on so many levels for everyone.

Of course, on a Mac site, I am preaching to the converted, but I give an extremely enthusiastic “yes!” In answer to your question.

And even if your parents are already Mac users, no doubt they would appreciate the upgrade.

 

[torbjornhb]

Oh, definitely. A Mac is the best computer for any age group, best especially parents who want to avoid the horrors of malware that afflict most Windows PCs.

You won’t be going around or TeamViewer-ing to fix toolbar malware, adware or other such nonsense, and while Macs are not impervious to social engineering tricking people in clicking and installing fake updates and whatnot, it’s just superior system on so many levels for everyone.

Of course, on a Mac site, I am preaching to the converted, but I give an extremely enthusiastic “yes!” In answer to your question.

And even if your parents are already Mac users, no doubt they would appreciate the upgrade.

Agree!
I have tried to convince them for years, but they've been claiming their hands to the trust Android devices. And the pitty thing, I bought them a Samsung Galaxy S22 and a Oneplus 9 Pro last week... They wouldn't have anything else. Still trying to convince them though. 2 weeks of free return ☺️

 

[alexonline]

Agree!
I have tried to convince them for years, but they've been claiming their hands to the trust Android devices. And the pitty thing, I bought them a Samsung Galaxy S22 and a Oneplus 9 Pro last week... They wouldn't have anything else. Still trying to convince them though. 2 weeks of free return ☺️

Thankfully Android is more mature these days, and no doubt they know the OS well, and it would be challenging to change. If you have a spare, older iPhone that you're no longer using, let them try it, pop in a cheap SIM with unlimited calls and some data, hook it up to the home Wi-Fi and let them try it out. Maybe they'll like it. Always good to have a "spare phone" they can use in an emergency.

I have a spare phone for my mother on a different carrier to the one she's on, so if there's ever an unscheduled outage, she always has a phone she can call out on. We don't keep the landline connected, it's just a source of spam calls these days.

She gets spam calls on that spare phone, too. I tell her to only answer that phone if it rings and rings and rings and rings, as the only person that will try to call her continuously would be me, scammers don't usually call endlessly.

The friends I converted to iPhone were staunch Samsung fans, but back in 2018 when they switched, the Android Auto experience was woeful - Google Assistant would keep stating it was having a problem.

At the time, an out of date iPhone 5 with an old iOS version was running CarPlay flawlessly, and that was the clincher.

They've enjoyed iPhones ever since and have loved them.

Sometimes people just need to try the new thing to see what it's really like, and of course it helps if you can spend at least a couple of hours taking them through the changes and showing them that things really aren't that different on the surface, or at least two to do things on iOS that are a bit different on Android.

Anyway it worked for me. Android Auto is probably better these days, but as an iOS user, my CarPlay preferences are clear and I just don't use Android Auto.

 

[smoking monkey]

Right I knew it was controversy to generate views. YouTubers probably made a lots of cash on ads and that YouTuber who shall remain nameless gained subscribers.

But the information isn't untrue. The SSD situation is very real. It's just whether or not it will be an issue to you.

 

[1BadManVan]

Oh, definitely. A Mac is the best computer for any age group, best especially parents who want to avoid the horrors of malware that afflict most Windows PCs.

You won’t be going around or TeamViewer-ing to fix toolbar malware, adware or other such nonsense, and while Macs are not impervious to social engineering tricking people in clicking and installing fake updates and whatnot, it’s just superior system on so many levels for everyone.

Of course, on a Mac site, I am preaching to the converted, but I give an extremely enthusiastic “yes!” In answer to your question.

And even if your parents are already Mac users, no doubt they would appreciate the upgrade.

Well now you're just making the Mac sound boring... I spent over an hour yesterday reinstalling windows 11 on my stepsons laptop after deep diving into the black screen with only a curser issue. Meanwhile my boring m2 air is just sitting there doing nothing

 

[alexonline]

Well now you're just making the Mac sound boring... I spent over an hour yesterday reinstalling windows 11 on my stepsons laptop after deep diving into the black screen with only a curser issue. Meanwhile my boring m2 air is just sitting there doing nothing

Parallels Desktop 18 is a fantastic way to run Windows 11 on ARM, waaaaaaay better than any Qualcomm chip can run it.

Anyway the M2 is definitely not boring. You just don't get the "excitement" (or is that excrement) of serious Windows re-installation issues. If that makes my Mac boring, well, I'm very excited by that level of boredom.

hahaha

 

[1BadManVan]

Parallels Desktop 18 is a fantastic way to run Windows 11 on ARM, waaaaaaay better than any Qualcomm chip can run it.

Anyway the M2 is definitely not boring. You just don't get the "excitement" (or is that excrement) of serious Windows re-installation issues. If that makes my Mac boring, well, I'm very excited by that level of boredom.

hahaha

Luckily I still have lots of learning ahead of me as this is my first Mac but enjoying every minute of it lol.