I Have Questions About M4 Air

[42545]

Hi,
I have an Acer Swift 3 laptop that I bought in 2020. It has a 16:9 14" screen. Windows 10. I love 10, but it won't be supported anymore (+1 year), so for some reason I don't want to switch to 11. I want to buy a Macbook Air M4 13 inch, I will buy the 16GB Ram and 256GB version because the price is more affordable, but as someone who has always used Windows, I'm hesitant.

* I got used to the 14" screen even though it feels small at times, but the Macbook is smaller (13.6") and narrower (16:10) even though it is close to this size. I like watching movies and series and I think I will enjoy it more on the Macbook screen. Will I have any problems because of its size?

* In Windows, I sometimes open a lot of tabs and windows, and I switch between them quickly. I think macOS has a desktop switching feature rather than a window. Will I have any trouble?

* I'm a web developer, most frontend. I usually make instant edits via cPanel and use the browser's developer tools. I want to continue this habit even more strongly. I is/was using Chrome, but I don't mind continuing my work in Safari.

* Is it annoying that the rest of the screen remains black due to the size of the apps and movies/series?

* There's a program called Photofiltre that I use a lot on Windows. It's like a more minimal yet effective alternative to Photoshop. I sometimes use it interactively, like adjusting the aspect ratio. This isn't available on macOS. Can I find an alternative?

* I mostly do web work, but I'd also like to edit videos (Davinci resolve) and images. I'm thinking 1080p, but maybe 4K. From what I've seen, the Air can handle that. Do you think it's enough?

* I know Macs aren't gaming computers, but sometimes I get bored and want to play games. I play CoD Mob on my phone, but sometimes I get bored even with that. What are your gaming experiences?

* My computer is always on charge right now. What should I do on my Mac? Should I only charge it when battery is over, or would it be a problem if it were always on charge while it was on the table?

* I spend (very very) most of my day in front of a computer. How long will it take to get used to a Mac?

* Since I use the computer while eating, I often wipe it down with a wet wipe. Will this damage my Mac? The touchpad, etc.

* Is it late to buy the M4 MacBook Air now? Will I regret it? It has been 187 days.
* My current computer doesn't give me much trouble so I'm not sure. Do you think I'll regret buying it?

These are the questions that come to my mind right now. Thanks.

 

[!!!]

* I got used to the 14" screen even though it feels small at times, but the Macbook is smaller (13.6") and narrower (16:10) even though it is close to this size. I like watching movies and series and I think I will enjoy it more on the Macbook screen. Will I have any problems because of its size?

This is a question only you can answer. The size difference does not seem to be that different, I would not have an issue. Then again, I still use a 25" monitor.

* In Windows, I sometimes open a lot of tabs and windows, and I switch between them quickly. I think macOS has a desktop switching feature rather than a window.

Mac has "Spaces" which is a part of Mission control. You can use a three-finger swipe to switch between them, they're very handy for separating out eg. documentation, email, and IDE.

* There's a program called Photofiltre that I use a lot on Windows. It's like a more minimal yet effective alternative to Photoshop. I sometimes use it interactively, like adjusting the aspect ratio. This isn't available on macOS. Can I find an alternative?

If you just mean cropping or downsizing the resolution, Preview is very good, it has some basic editing features that IMO put it far ahead of Windows paint. Otherwise I'm sure you can find other free or cheap basic photo editors.

* I mostly do web work, but I'd also like to edit videos (Davinci resolve) and images. I'm thinking 1080p, but maybe 4K. From what I've seen, the Air can handle that. Do you think it's enough?

The M-series have proven very effective for video editing.

* I know Macs aren't gaming computers, but sometimes I get bored and want to play games. I play CoD Mob on my phone, but sometimes I get bored even with that. What are your gaming experiences?

I play Factorio on my M1, it runs fine at 720p.

* My computer is always on charge right now. What should I do on my Mac? Should I only charge it when battery is over, or would it be a problem if it were always on charge while it was on the table?

If you never use your laptop as a portable device, consider getting a Mac mini instead. It will be cheaper, you can get whatever size screen/keyboard/mouse you want, plus you won't have to worry about batteries.

If you still want a laptop, I recommend setting your Mac's battery to 70% if you plan on leaving it connected for weeks at a time. There's a free app called Battery Toolkit which can do that. Apple themselves recommends storing devices powered-off at 70%, this can be applied to this situation as well (more or less).

* Since I use the computer while eating, I often wipe it down with a wet wipe. Will this damage my Mac? The touchpad, etc.

I would not recommend eating above your MacBook.

* Is it late to buy the M4 MacBook Air now? Will I regret it? It has been 187 days.

If you are waiting for a specific hardware feature or are planning on getting a Pro/Max/Ultra because you need as much performance as possible, I would wait. Otherwise, why wait? Your experience will not change significantly.

* My current computer doesn't give me much trouble so I'm not sure. Do you think I'll regret buying it?

I mean if your existing device works fine, why replace it? And only you can figure out if you'll regret it.

 

[joeblow7777]

Regarding Windows 10, it will likely be receiving security updates for some time, and "not supported" doesn't mean that it's going to stop working or anything, so there's no reason why you can't just stick with your current laptop if you like it.

 

[JPack]

Don't switch. In your case, it's high risk, low reward. Sounds like you're using your Acer for work as well?

 

[NoBoMac]

I would not recommend eating above your MacBook.

Or any computer. The amount of crud that gets into, for example, a full size keyboard... yikes! And use a Contigo-like device to protect from spills.

Regarding Windows 10, it will likely be receiving security updates for some time, and "not supported" doesn't mean that it's going to stop working or anything, so there's no reason why you can't just stick with your current laptop if you like it.

Generally agree with this, but basically this got me to pull the trigger on an M4 Air. Got emails from TurboTax stating Win 10 and Ventura will be dropped for desktop versions. Figured some other programs will start to get EOS on those environments, so ditched my Win 10 VM and replaced my Intel MBP with the M4 at $200 off (only $100 more than projected price for the rumored entry/value priced MacBook). This M4 runs rings around the old MBP (though it was usable but battery was in replacement zone, so why not buy now).

ADDED CONTEXT: the MBP was a 2017 and already had one battery replacement under AC, didn't want to spend $250+ for new battery (but do get a new butterfly keyboard in all that).

Is it late to buy the M4 MacBook Air now? Will I regret it? It has been 187 days.

No. Apple supports, at minimum, five years, up to seven if parts available. And there have been OS updates that did not drop any older hardware in the past (MacOS and iOS. Latest that I can recall was iOS 18 ran on anything that supported iOS 17).

 

[ignatius345]

I will buy the 16GB Ram and 256GB version because the price is more affordable, but as someone who has always used Windows, I'm hesitant.

256 GB is barely sufficient and will fill up very fast. Strongly recommend spending the $200 to double the storage.

* I know Macs aren't gaming computers, but sometimes I get bored and want to play games. I play CoD Mob on my phone, but sometimes I get bored even with that. What are your gaming experiences?

Macs are notorious for not being compatible for a lot of games. If you're into gaming, you should stick with Windows. That's not to say there are no games for the Mac -- there are even AAA games from time to time -- but in a lot of people's estimation Apple has never gotten serious about gaming and it's been that way for decades.

* My computer is always on charge right now. What should I do on my Mac? Should I only charge it when battery is over, or would it be a problem if it were always on charge while it was on the table?

If you always leave it plugged in, it will eventually start charging itself only up to 80% and staying there. I'd unplug it a few times a month and let it run down to 20% or something -- but I also wouldn't worry about it too much. MacOS battery management is very good and you don't need to make hobby out of it.

* I spend (very very) most of my day in front of a computer. How long will it take to get used to a Mac?

Impossible to answer. I use a Mac exclusively and have for years. Sitting in front of a PC feels alien and weird every time, and I think it would take me quite a few weeks to relearn muscle memory and adapt my workflows.

* Since I use the computer while eating, I often wipe it down with a wet wipe. Will this damage my Mac? The touchpad, etc.

This is a bad idea for any laptop.

 

[42545]

Of course, I don't use my computer as a food tray, but I do have to touch it with my hands. After eating, I wipe the keys and touchpad with a wet wipe to keep them clean. Some of the keys on my current computer don't work; I use a Bluetooth Logitech keyboard. The screen is good, though not as good as a Macbook's, at 154ppi. It satisfies me. In the second quarter of this year, I upgraded the RAM from 4 GB to 8 GB. So, it seems adequate. It does my work.

Sometimes I think about building a PC, but I'm not sure. One of the most important things for me is the screen. A good monitor is expensive. Yes, I use my computer mostly on the desk, "sometimes" I carry it...

 

[Howard2k]

Not to beat a dead horse, but no food or drink near your laptop

Gaming can be done via Cloud. Xbox game pass for example.

There is native gaming that be done too but the Air is not super for that.

 

[42545]

Not to beat a dead horse, but no food or drink near your laptop

Then I need an iPad.

 

[MBAir2010]

what would you do with th

Then I need an iPad.

perhaps, but what will you do with the Acer if you purchased the Macbook G4?
I know that resell value is not what you deserve,
are we weaning to leave Microsoft to ?

I would keep the ace for work, gaming etc an get a surface go or iPad for secure things.
iPads are great but not really for web development .....YET!

good luck!

 

[42545]

are we weaning to leave Microsoft to ?

Thing what I am thinking. But it's a bit of a pain. I also want to be more mobile by relying on MacBook. I'm at home a lot. I want to go out more. Sometimes I like to lie down and watch something. As I said, my current computer is more than adequate in many ways. I can edit 1080p videos in Davinci when necessary, better when I upgrade the RAM to 8; it's a bit of a hassle, but it's manageable.

Acer Swift SF314-54-P8UG - NX.GXZEY.005 laptop specifications

✅ 💻 Code: NX.GXZEY.005 laptop family: Swift Series: 3 Model: SF314-54-P8UG Acer Swift 3 SF314-54-P8UG, Intel® Pentium®, 2.3 GHz, 35.6 cm (14"), 1920 x 1080 pixels, 4 GB, 128 GB

www.laptoparena.net

It won't be worth anything here. Besides, I have so much contact and data, I'd keep it. Or maybe I'll burn it one day. But when I buy a Mac, I know it will retain its second-hand value. That way it will be easy when I want to upgrade.

For me, the iPad is mostly for content consumption. If I do, I can't afford the more expensive model. Maybe the Air, which would allow me to edit video, but I'd have trouble doing detailed cutting with the mouse cursor like I do on a computer.

Not to beat a dead horse, but no food or drink near your laptop

There are three books under my laptop.

 

[darkpaw]

* In Windows, I sometimes open a lot of tabs and windows, and I switch between them quickly. I think macOS has a desktop switching feature rather than a window. Will I have any trouble?

As already mentioned, macOS has Spaces, which lets you have multiple desktops and you can switch between them. But you can also easily switch between applications (Cmd + Tab) and windows within each application (Cmd + `).

In web browsers you can cycle through tabs with Cmd + Shift + [ or ].

* I'm a web developer, most frontend. I usually make instant edits via cPanel and use the browser's developer tools. I want to continue this habit even more strongly. I is/was using Chrome, but I don't mind continuing my work in Safari.

You can still use Chrome on macOS. The developer tools in Safari are laid out differently than Chrome so if you switch to Safari you might have to learn that, but there's no harm in learning something new.

---

I use macOS at home, and have been lucky enough to be able to use Macs at work, until my latest job where I have to use Windows 11. I much prefer macOS; it's just easier, cleaner, and it doesn't fight against you like Windows does. Maybe you'll find using macOS is an improvement over Windows?

 

[Siliconguy]

Apple supports, at minimum, five years, up to seven if parts available.

Usually. The 2018 minis were sold until late 2022. They are dropped under Tahoe, so you have two more years of security updates which will cover 2026 and most of 2027. Technically that qualifies as five years, certainly not as seven.

Since the original poster has a PC laptop, just put Linux on it. Linus Mint Cinnamon is quite similar to Windows 10. Check the compatibility list for Wine and see of your software is on it, or check with CodeWeavers for Crossover compatibility. That assumes that a Linux version of whatever you need is not available.

There are other Windows-like Linux versions as well. I switched from Windows 10 to Linux in 2019 and it was easier than I thought. Some of the rough edges (one being the second hard drive showing up by UUID not disk name requiring a crash course in editing fstab ) are fixed now. I did use Codeweavers for a year for a couple of odd things but it was only for a year.

 

[42545]

The reason I see the Macbook as an alternative is because it is quiet, powerful, and has a beautiful screen...

The MBA has a 500-nit brightness display. Is it effective with HDR content? I have 472 movies on Apple TV. I also use streaming services.

 

[gilby101]

I mostly do web work, but I'd also like to edit videos (Davinci resolve) and images.

One reason you will want a larger SSD (512GB or 1TB) or a fast Thunderbolt external.
You should also consider 16GB as an absolute minimum.

I want to buy a Macbook Air M4 13 inch

Go to your local Apple shop and compare screens MBA and MBP. For photo/video work (and watching movies), you might prefer the MBP (one of the reasons it is more expensive). A MBP also has a fan so can do heavier video work without slowing.

I'm a web developer, most frontend.

Not saying you need MBP, but this is another reason to consider one.

 

[42545]

The difference between Pro and Air here is almost 1.5-1.8 times. I know Pro is great, but it seems expensive to me right now.

In the reviews I've watched, it's said that it doesn't cause any problems during the video editing phase but the rendering takes a long time, but this isn't actually a problem.

As I said, I use cPanel, a web panel, to manage sites. It works fine on my current computer, so I shouldn't have any trouble with the Macbook.

 

[Howard2k]

The difference between Pro and Air here is almost 1.5-1.8 times. I know Pro is great, but it seems expensive to me right now.

In the reviews I've watched, it's said that it doesn't cause any problems during the video editing phase but the rendering takes a long time, but this isn't actually a problem.

As I said, I use cPanel, a web panel, to manage sites. It works fine on my current computer, so I shouldn't have any trouble with the Macbook.

I agree. The Pro will do that work faster, the Air will thermally throttle sooner, but if you're not getting paid for the work and the time taken doesn't matter a great deal, then just get the Air.

 

[raythompsontn]

Windows 10. I love 10, but it won't be supported anymore (+1 year), so for some reason I don't want to switch to 11

The switch to W11 is hard to tell any significant difference from W10. Security is better in W11 than W10 and that may be a good reason to upgrade.

Since you are used to Windows, have that you use and know on Windows, consider something other than Apple. The Microsoft Surface laptops are very good machines. I used one for years. I found it comparable to the MacBook in terms of quality and form factor. My machine was fast, quiet, and worked well. It became time to change because the battery was loosing capacity on the Surface Laptop and replacement was expensive. About like Apple. The machine was 5 years old and it was time to upgrade.

One reason I switched to a MacBook was the integration between my iPad and iPhone. The other reason was the built in SDXC card slot on the MacBook Pro. It worked very well as that is the same card my camera uses. It allowed me to travel to sporting events and carry minimal adapters.

I still use Windows (11) on my desktop and I do run W11 under Parallels on my MacBook.

There is a learning curve when switching. Some stuff annoys me such as using Command instead of CTL when cutting, copying and pasting. Thumbnails of images cannot be copied and pasted as they are actually links. I have to use a list view to copy and paste. Annoying.

My reasons are not necessarily your reasons. But do consider the Microsoft Laptops rather than Apple. I don't think you will be disappointed. The cost is about the same, including upgrades to memory and storage.

 

[Ctrlos]

Hi,
I have an Acer Swift 3 laptop that I bought in 2020. It has a 16:9 14" screen. Windows 10. I love 10, but it won't be supported anymore (+1 year), so for some reason I don't want to switch to 11. I want to buy a Macbook Air M4 13 inch, I will buy the 16GB Ram and 256GB version because the price is more affordable, but as someone who has always used Windows, I'm hesitant.

Welcome to the forum! You'll adapt and eventually find MacOS to be a lot more reliable than Windows. All you really have to adapt to is the persistent menu bar at the top and the dock at the bottom. All of your keyboard shortcuts use the 'Command' key with the Apple logo on instead of the Ctrl key. For example Cmd+C = Copy and so on. I would try and get used to launching things from Spotlight, the device-level search bar induced with Cmd+Space. Its a lot more efficient.

* I got used to the 14" screen even though it feels small at times, but the Macbook is smaller (13.6") and narrower (16:10) even though it is close to this size. I like watching movies and series and I think I will enjoy it more on the Macbook screen. Will I have any problems because of its size?

None at all. In fact Apple has a whole 'Apple TV' app you can buy and rent movies and TV shows from. Every streaming service (bar Netflix) plugs right into it so you can search for things from one interface.

* In Windows, I sometimes open a lot of tabs and windows, and I switch between them quickly. I think macOS has a desktop switching feature rather than a window. Will I have any trouble?

I find MacOS better for window management because on Windows I run everything full-screen. You'll find Mac apps size themselves automatically so as not to take up more space than needed. You can invoke Expose (Maybe F3?) to see them all at once.

* I'm a web developer, most frontend. I usually make instant edits via cPanel and use the browser's developer tools. I want to continue this habit even more strongly. I is/was using Chrome, but I don't mind continuing my work in Safari.

Chrome continues to work fine with the Mac if thats your preference

* Is it annoying that the rest of the screen remains black due to the size of the apps and movies/series?

I wouldn't say so.

* There's a program called Photofiltre that I use a lot on Windows. It's like a more minimal yet effective alternative to Photoshop. I sometimes use it interactively, like adjusting the aspect ratio. This isn't available on macOS. Can I find an alternative?

You can buy a 3rd party app called Pixelmator for a one-off $50 that runs rings around Photoshop for a fraction of the price. Pixelmator got bought by Apple themselves last year so who knows where it will go.

* I mostly do web work, but I'd also like to edit videos (Davinci resolve) and images. I'm thinking 1080p, but maybe 4K. From what I've seen, the Air can handle that. Do you think it's enough?

Easily. DVR is great!

* I know Macs aren't gaming computers, but sometimes I get bored and want to play games. I play CoD Mob on my phone, but sometimes I get bored even with that. What are your gaming experiences?

You can comfortably run Cyberpunk 2077 on the base M4 Macbook Air with no issues.

* My computer is always on charge right now. What should I do on my Mac? Should I only charge it when battery is over, or would it be a problem if it were always on charge while it was on the table?

Run the battery to 10-20% then recharge. You'll get a couple of days from an Air easily so take the chance to free yourself from being tethered to the mains and work where you like

* I spend (very very) most of my day in front of a computer. How long will it take to get used to a Mac?

Windows is something I begrudgingly use at work; MacOS is something I look forward to using.

* Since I use the computer while eating, I often wipe it down with a wet wipe. Will this damage my Mac? The touchpad, etc.

Food and electronics doesn't mix. If you must move the laptop further away and use a mouse.

* Is it late to buy the M4 MacBook Air now? Will I regret it? It has been 187 days.

Any gains from an M5 model will be minimal at best, like 10%. The M4 Air is the best value laptop on the market right now.

* My current computer doesn't give me much trouble so I'm not sure. Do you think I'll regret buying it?

I used to sell Acer computers and they were notoriously unreliable. I'd consider yourself lucky for having one last so long! Conversely every Mac I have previously owned has given me a decade of service.

These are the questions that come to my mind right now. Thanks.

 

[AF_APPLETALK]

* Is it late to buy the M4 MacBook Air now? Will I regret it? It has been 187 days.
* My current computer doesn't give me much trouble so I'm not sure. Do you think I'll regret buying it?

Probably not going to be any HW updates until next spring. If cost sensitive, definitely check out the refurbished section. That's where I got my M4 Air (15") from.

 

[42545]

I came again. The m4 air is only 2cm smaller than my current computer. Maybe there is no problem. But I'm still not sure. Should I use my current computer as long as it lasts? It just won't press some keys; so i use my logiteck k380 wireless keyboard, i love it so much. I can't be as mobile as I'd like. I spend too much time at home and want to go out and sit somewhere and play on my computer. Game? I think it's enough to play fun games on Apple Arcade.

For me, it's mostly on the web. I use a web panel to edit sites and edit code online. I love doing this; it allows me to see results very quickly. Video and image editing is not as frequent, and slightly longer rendering times are not a problem. Although I want to shoot a lot of video, the M4 Air is a great device and seems to be fine.

I'm not sure. Maybe I won't buy it, maybe I will.

 

[42545]

I ordered an M4 Macbook Air. 16/256. I bought it from Amazon. It will arrive on Monday. I think I need to get a converter for my mouse. I hope everything goes well. Thank you for all answers.