Longevity of Macbook Air M1?

[MBAir2010]

How did you get that specific version of Monterey?

I tried to find it but couldn't. Is there a website where you download the installer to be put on a USB? Lime the installer you download in the apple website or the installation method is different?

I have that version on a usb_c thumb drive from 2023
there are older versions on Monterey on the  website which is tricky but findable.
I will see if I can find that site with links.

Monterey is is my favorite  headache!

 

[MBAir2010]

All of the arguing back and forth about the M1 MBA as it relates to the OP is meaningless. He is happy and his daughter is happy with the M1.

And furthermore, it also doesn’t really matter what tech elites here think about the longevity of the M1 MBA. The current price point is such that many people who normally wouldn’t be able to afford it for themselves or their children can now afford a very nice Mac that will more than accomplish the needs of people who aren’t obsessed with the latest specs. Believe it or not, most of you are in the minority when it comes to the average consumer and you argue as if what you espouse is the current consumer mindset; it isn’t.

Give it a rest already.

thank you,
I was going to post something similar, as only time will tell how long they will be supported.

 

[gd2024]

Hey guys, in terms of software support, how many years do you guys think are left in the M1 MBA? Appreciate this is a "how long is a piece of string" kinda question!

I'm looking to buy an M1 for my kid as don't want to spend to much as chances are they won't look after it properly.

Thanks

You didn't say how old the kids were, but I'd side many here to say a new M1 Air is going last them 3-5 years easily. I had a 13" M1 (still working great and was terrific as a travel mac for the size) and traded up to an M2 15" for 1) bigger screen and 2) such a sweet deal at the time - $400 on a 1TB model plus over $400 in trade. Still can't believe what deal that was.

 

[aespana]

I have that version on a usb_c thumb drive from 2023
there are older versions on Monterey on the  website which is tricky but findable.
I will see if I can find that site with links.

Monterey is is my favorite  headache!

Ooook ok got it. Will search a little more then.

Thank you!

 

[tonmischa]

Ooook ok got it. Will search a little more then.

Collection of Download links to full Monterey Installers - directly from Apple servers.

macOS 12 Monterey Full Installer Database. Download Directly from Apple!

Download macOS Monterey full installer with one click straight from Apple! Every version of Monterey Beta & Final available all in one place!!

mrmacintosh.com

Apple pulled most versions this year from their servers. Only 12.7.4 is still available as a standalone installer. (Which then can be upgraded OTA to 12.7.6)


EDIT:
If you need to create USB installers, I can also highly recommend Mist.

GitHub - ninxsoft/Mist: A Mac utility that automatically downloads macOS Firmwares / Installers.

A Mac utility that automatically downloads macOS Firmwares / Installers. - ninxsoft/Mist

github.com

Will find all available downloads (Full Installers, ipsw Firmware files) and can create USB installer sticks and other formats. Saved me several times already.

 

[MBAir2010]

Collection of Download links to full Monterey Installers - directly from Apple servers.

macOS 12 Monterey Full Installer Database. Download Directly from Apple!

Download macOS Monterey full installer with one click straight from Apple! Every version of Monterey Beta & Final available all in one place!!

mrmacintosh.com

Apple pulled most versions this year from their servers. Only 12.7.4 is still available as a standalone installer. (Which then can be upgraded OTA to 12.7.6)

somehow 12.7.2 (21G1974) circumvents or does not have several 12.7.6 flaws
as textEdit crashes when opening a recent file,
the screen brightness need a lid closure to operate after start up
and two others pains I forgot that annoyed my MBA 2020 M1.

sometimes older is better!