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How much longer are you all planning on keeping the M1 Air?
- Thread starter thadoggfather
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The 14-inch MacBook Pro doesn't tempt me. And the only way it will tempt me is if I find myself needing to run many ARM64 virtual machines at once and thusly need 32GB of RAM over 16GB of RAM (considering that the choices of ARM64 OSes, even with Windows 11 for ARM64 now finally being an officially supported option, that's probably a LONG way away and I'll probably naturally have other reasons to replace my M1 Macs well before then anyway).
If you're fine on the performance of an M1 Air, a 14-inch MacBook Pro doesn't do much more for you and is probably overkill for your uses.
Otherwise, I'm not replacing until:
(a) I have a strong case to keep the Mac on a particular version of macOS and never update it (thereby necessitating that I get something else to keep current with)
(b) There is something architecturally different about a subsequent Mac that having one is useful for me from a knowledge standpoint (I do IT for a living). A great example of such a change would've been the T2 Security Chip in Intel Macs. That was a significant enough change that it made sense for me to acquire one, even if the Macs I had otherwise performed fine.
(c) My M1 Macs are no longer supported by Apple for a new macOS release (my guess is that we're still relatively many years away from this)
(d) My M1 Macs physically break down after their fifth birthday and the repair cost is too steep to be worth it
(e) I need to run an app or do a task and my M1 Macs are not up for the task. I'm pretty sure that the base M1 Airs that I have won't ever have this problem; however the M1 13-inch MacBook Pro that is my main recreational Mac may very well. The base M1 Airs are used for testing MDM functions and new macOS releases and software installations (none of which really requires much); the M1 13-inch MacBook Pro is beefier (16GB of RAM instead of 8GB, and 1TB of SSD instead of 256GB) and is used for entirely different things.
I realize that I’m a bit outside the bounds of this question (M1Max MBPro for myself) but it’s an odd question. I keep my tech until it no longer performs the tasks I want of it (in a way I want them) OR because a newer model offers some desired but non-existent tech. e.g. My M1Max will get replaced once multiple 8K60 monitors are supported on Apple Silicon (not yet possible; next Thunderbolt revision supports it, however) AND 40” 8K monitors of sufficient quality exist (presently zero 40” 8K monitors on the market, regardless of quality).
Oh, one other element that causes me to upgrade: if macOS no longer updates to the latest version, it’s time for a new computer for me.
Oh, one other element that causes me to upgrade: if macOS no longer updates to the latest version, it’s time for a new computer for me.
Either:
1. It stops getting updated (including security updates) OR;
2. It physically breaks OR;
3. The new machine has some feature that I want or need
1. It stops getting updated (including security updates) OR;
2. It physically breaks OR;
3. The new machine has some feature that I want or need
I’m in a similar position as OP.
I love my base model M1 MBA. It’s my daily driver and despite the temptation of a new MBP (I even like the 13” ones for their Form factor and, yes, the Touch Bar) I don’t need to get one.
This laptop does just about everything I need it to do and it does it really fricking fast.
And on top of that it’s a laptop I can take with me on the off-chance I might need one where I’m going because I hardly feel it in my backpack since it’s so light.
I love my base model M1 MBA. It’s my daily driver and despite the temptation of a new MBP (I even like the 13” ones for their Form factor and, yes, the Touch Bar) I don’t need to get one.
This laptop does just about everything I need it to do and it does it really fricking fast.
And on top of that it’s a laptop I can take with me on the off-chance I might need one where I’m going because I hardly feel it in my backpack since it’s so light.
Same.
I had an M1 Air 8/512 for about a year, but 512GB proved to be insufficient for me, so I upgraded to an M1 Pro 16/1TB on a discount despite it having the notch.
And guess what: the notch is a total non-issue. It‘s fine the way it is
Really love the ports, especially the SD-reader.
But if I bought the Air with 1TB storage I would have used it until this day and for years to come.
Edit: I plan on keeping this machine until it breaks or no longer gets security updates.
The older I get the more satisfaction I get in eking out the life of my tech products. Although when my 2016 MBP no longer gets security updates, that's when I'll call quits.
Although not an M1 air, my M1 Mac Pro is probably nearing the end of its life cycle with me. Mainly for not having any media processing cores and because of the extra ram I can have - however I still LOVE my M1. If functions well, writing code in it is effortless, and I do enjoy using it.
Not great for compiling complex AI models tho… but it’s still a fantastic multitasking machine.
Not great for compiling complex AI models tho… but it’s still a fantastic multitasking machine.
Zero, because I don't have an M1 Macbook Air, I have an M1 Pro Macbook Pro
But to answer the question, probably three years, or until M3 Pro comes out maybe? I don't know because my base spec M1 Pro still kicks ass, and I got this thing for the display anyhow. Though if I need more than 16 gbs of RAM, I'll probably get a new one then.
But to answer the question, probably three years, or until M3 Pro comes out maybe? I don't know because my base spec M1 Pro still kicks ass, and I got this thing for the display anyhow. Though if I need more than 16 gbs of RAM, I'll probably get a new one then.
For most people a 2 year old laptop is not old. That's not even old in phone years. I'm not sure what's hard to believe about a 2 year old Mac running well. I have a 7 year old desktop PC that's still running great and I use a MacBook Air from 2018 that has no issue handling my daily tasks or driving my 34in curved monitor. It's hard to see a reason to upgrade personal devices every 2 years anymore unless you're a pro editor or something like that.
I have a base M1 MBA and an M2 (maxed) MBA (MagSafe for the win). I keep the former as backup and it is also nice to use with Continuity between the two, as I have them both on Rain stands next to each other a lot of the time. I really like the M2 MBA. If a newer MBA gets released this year, I might upgrade if it has more to offer than a bigger screen.
Hard to believe that much time has passed this quick is more what I meant than “wow it can run macOS still” to be clear lol
I dont tent to update my computers at the same rate as I do with phones. I hope for an easy 5 years out of my Mac, especially when its only used for personal use anyways, editing some photos and browsing.
Realistically I think:
M1 Air is for most people with casual uses,
M2 Air if you're after a new design and don't mind spending more,
and M1 Pro or up 14/16 MBP if wanting a better screen and speakers, and ram/SSD.
Of course there can be some other delineation but that seems like probably how most people sort out the options in their head.
...Still can't help but feel like M1 Air is gobbling up (cannibalizing) higher end models for most normies, because it scratches the itch at an insane price. It's regularly $800 or less for the base model, that is bonkers value IMO. And it's not like M2 or M1 Pro for casual uses is making M1 feel slow by any stretch (especially coupled with the NAND situation on M2 Airs and now M2 Pro 14 and I believe 16" as well)
M1 Air is for most people with casual uses,
M2 Air if you're after a new design and don't mind spending more,
and M1 Pro or up 14/16 MBP if wanting a better screen and speakers, and ram/SSD.
Of course there can be some other delineation but that seems like probably how most people sort out the options in their head.
...Still can't help but feel like M1 Air is gobbling up (cannibalizing) higher end models for most normies, because it scratches the itch at an insane price. It's regularly $800 or less for the base model, that is bonkers value IMO. And it's not like M2 or M1 Pro for casual uses is making M1 feel slow by any stretch (especially coupled with the NAND situation on M2 Airs and now M2 Pro 14 and I believe 16" as well)
I hang on to my Macs until they stop getting software updates. ✌
It's gone once the 15 MBA comes out. Love it but want a bigger screen and I have no use for the MBP's.
I think I'll probably end up keeping mine (a gold base M1 model with slight battery degradation I got on deep discount from Best Buy just this last October of 2022) until it is no longer supported with software/security updates, but ideally before it gets to that point I'll be able to upgrade to a notchless Pro model that doesn't throttle like an Air.
Love this device, but yeah, to me the whole thermal throttling thing kind of defeats any real sentiment of longevity in a computer, even if it's just an occasional occurrence. In my use case if/when throttling does occur, it's for extended periods, such as when playing games (even Sims 4 at max settings and 2880x1800 resolution), so still a point of concern. I tend to avoid activities that make passively-cooled smartphones and tablets generate excessive amounts of heat, and whereas in that context it is understandably by design, I just don't feel I should have to be as careful/hesitant with a "computer" or PC.
Perhaps if it's really that much of an issue (it isn't; the Air chews through most things I throw at it with finesse) I should have gone with a Pro to begin with, but that wasn't—and isn't—in the budget. I'm grateful for what I have, just thinking aloud for hopeful future nice-to-haves.
Happy to hear others are similarly satisfied with this now-iconic machine.
Love this device, but yeah, to me the whole thermal throttling thing kind of defeats any real sentiment of longevity in a computer, even if it's just an occasional occurrence. In my use case if/when throttling does occur, it's for extended periods, such as when playing games (even Sims 4 at max settings and 2880x1800 resolution), so still a point of concern. I tend to avoid activities that make passively-cooled smartphones and tablets generate excessive amounts of heat, and whereas in that context it is understandably by design, I just don't feel I should have to be as careful/hesitant with a "computer" or PC.
Perhaps if it's really that much of an issue (it isn't; the Air chews through most things I throw at it with finesse) I should have gone with a Pro to begin with, but that wasn't—and isn't—in the budget. I'm grateful for what I have, just thinking aloud for hopeful future nice-to-haves.
Happy to hear others are similarly satisfied with this now-iconic machine.
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I have M1 Air 16/512 and M1 iMac 16/512. Easily the best macs I have. I was reticent to move from 5k imac but absolutely love the new imac. Air is a superb machine. Light, silent, amazing battery and very powerful. They are perfect complements. Air gives me “second desk”, mobile and a backup to iMac. I had a look at the M2 air and actually prefer the M1 size. In so many ways the M1 air is perfect, for me at least.
I tend to change in 3-4 year interval, especially when AC expires. Always found that was a good time for resale values as I could realise 40-45% of new price. This time I am not so sure. Will depend on how macOS upgrades and features progress but could be tempted to go to 5-6 years on each this time.
Features that would encourage me to move. Facetime on MBA and imac. Long overdue. A much improved camera would encourage a move. That said I feel the camera gets a bad report. In most cases it is good enough. I have tried other including higher end Logitech and found them little improvement. I also have iPad Pro 12.9 (M1) and iPhone 14 Pro Max and do wonder how they can get a vastly superior camera and Facetime.
As this was thread for M1 MBA I would end by saying I feel, for me, it was the best MacBook Apple have produced. I have had many all the way back to first Intel white MB, the first and second Air, several Pros including 15” and 17” (loved the 17” wish it was available now with 4.5k retina), MB12. Price-wise it is super value and performance for price is unbeatable. If someone asks me now to recommend I still recommend the M1 MBA for general user and even suggest for those on a budget the 8/256 is far superior to anything running a vastly inferior OS may deliver.
I tend to change in 3-4 year interval, especially when AC expires. Always found that was a good time for resale values as I could realise 40-45% of new price. This time I am not so sure. Will depend on how macOS upgrades and features progress but could be tempted to go to 5-6 years on each this time.
Features that would encourage me to move. Facetime on MBA and imac. Long overdue. A much improved camera would encourage a move. That said I feel the camera gets a bad report. In most cases it is good enough. I have tried other including higher end Logitech and found them little improvement. I also have iPad Pro 12.9 (M1) and iPhone 14 Pro Max and do wonder how they can get a vastly superior camera and Facetime.
As this was thread for M1 MBA I would end by saying I feel, for me, it was the best MacBook Apple have produced. I have had many all the way back to first Intel white MB, the first and second Air, several Pros including 15” and 17” (loved the 17” wish it was available now with 4.5k retina), MB12. Price-wise it is super value and performance for price is unbeatable. If someone asks me now to recommend I still recommend the M1 MBA for general user and even suggest for those on a budget the 8/256 is far superior to anything running a vastly inferior OS may deliver.
In 2010 when I purchased my MacBook Air 2010 11" 4GB
that MacBook was designed so sturdy and light compared to the powerbook, I was amazed!
I told the store employee there in 10 years, I will bring this back fully functional.
when I did, they did not care.......and I just check my email on that MacBook now.
anyway, Hopefully keeps supporting this MacBook Air m1 because I this their chip!
although last night I lifted up the MBA'10 cover, tapped and slide on the trackpad
and saw a black screen with white pixels where the trackpad moved.
which means my 2010 might be seeing it's last months.....
sads.....
that MacBook was designed so sturdy and light compared to the powerbook, I was amazed!
I told the store employee there in 10 years, I will bring this back fully functional.
when I did, they did not care.......and I just check my email on that MacBook now.
anyway, Hopefully keeps supporting this MacBook Air m1 because I this their chip!
although last night I lifted up the MBA'10 cover, tapped and slide on the trackpad
and saw a black screen with white pixels where the trackpad moved.
which means my 2010 might be seeing it's last months.....
sads.....