My parents have a 10 year old 2013 MacBook Air which they only use for internet browsing, email and maybe an occasional FaceTime call. I recently ordered them a new 15” M2 MacBook Air Base model 8/256. I plan on giving it to them for Christmas this year. Their old 2013 is still working ok but does have a hiccup every now and then. It also can no longer be updated. Plus the non Retina display on the old MBA looks terrible by todays standards. Their eye site isn’t the greatest anymore so I’m sure they will appreciate the 15” brighter Retina display. Do you think the base model will be good enough for an older couple who mostly do 99% internet browsing and email? After I ordered, I read about how the base models have a slower SSD, but would it really be an issue or noticeable for such a minimal work load? Do you think the base 15” MBA is a good replacement for the 10 year old model? Anyone else have a base 15” Air and use it for basic tasks? Thanks for any advice.
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Base 15” Air to replace old 2013 MBA?
- Thread starter SteelBlueTJ
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You made the right choice without a doubt. Base config will be more than enough for them. I'm not entirely sure if the slower SSD speeds still exist in the base configs (although I feel they might) - but you're only going to notice that when you're transferring over large files in a single clip (10gb+ is probably where you would see a difference) and even then, it is by no means a slouch. It just has a slower SSD in comparison to the higher spec models. Nothing to worry about.
I don't have one myself, but I know a few people who are Media Professionals that use that config. Hope that helps!
I don't have one myself, but I know a few people who are Media Professionals that use that config. Hope that helps!
SSD speeds are overblown. If the speed would really affect someone, they'd be buying extra storage anyways. I think you made the right decision.
If they are only using it for internet, youtube, and email, why not an iPad instead? My folks (in their late 70s) switched to one about 5 years ago and have had no need for a laptop/desktop since. It's kind of weird to hear they do their taxes with it, but they make it work.
Just throwing the idea out there
Just throwing the idea out there
Your parent will love it - a lot. Bigger screen, more crisp text, much cooler, better speaker, faster and longer battery life. What else more?
Mine is 8/512, I would say, it’s still more than enough for light to medium tasks. 8gb RAM in Apple Silicone is much more efficient than in Intel Mac (like MBA 2013).
Mine is 8/512, I would say, it’s still more than enough for light to medium tasks. 8gb RAM in Apple Silicone is much more efficient than in Intel Mac (like MBA 2013).
I've thought about getting an iPad instead of a macbook for my parents too but just in the end came to realise the laptop form factor is the default for a reason.
With an iPad you have to hold it all the time, unless you get a keyboard case. Typing on screen is terrible, again could get a keyboard case. But, a keyboard case with it's trackpad is nowhere near as good as a Macbook's, and still doesn't give the overall stability of a laptop with a heavy bottom and solid hinge. The laptop form factor for anything requiring typing is just superior.
8/256 in a modern M2 macbook is easily enough for that use case. I did a hell of a lot more than that with my 2016 8GB Pro.
Many people prefer to buy things early to spread expenses out, rather than having to spend everything in Nov/Dec.
Or another way, it's only six weeks to Thanksgiving and ten to Christmas.
As for OP, yep, that config is fine for them, they'll love it.
