My eyesight is not the best and in my mid 60's I don't expect it to get any better. My question goes out to those with challenged eyesight. Do you find it tough to see the text on the 13" MBA? How about the 15" MBA?
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M2 MBA 13" vs 15"
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I waited for the 15" before getting a Macbook Air. I use large monitors on my pc but needed a mobile addition to my work needs and just can't do anything under 15". I have a 17" laptop I bought as a mobile desktop, but it is not mobile enough anymore for me so I wanted something smaller and lighter.
63 and my eyes have also seen better days. On the 15" I set the resolution so everything is a bit larger. I have no issue for what I need for work (spreadsheets, photos and such) with the text.
63 and my eyes have also seen better days. On the 15" I set the resolution so everything is a bit larger. I have no issue for what I need for work (spreadsheets, photos and such) with the text.
I'm 67 and I've been wearing glasses for the last 24 years. I have no trouble with my 13" MBA with the display resolution set to the default.
You can go into the display settings and magnify the display on the 13 inch
Aging eyes with glasses and have no problems with the 13.6" screen. As @kevman8396 pointed out, I've increased the text size slightly and it's been great.
The 13.6" is perfect for portability which was a major factor in my decision to purchase. There can be arguments for both the 13.6" and the 15.3" for better visibility and screen real estate, etc., but you will have to decide what works best for you. If you have an Apple Store nearby, it might be worth a trip to see them both side by side before you make your choice.
The 13.6" is perfect for portability which was a major factor in my decision to purchase. There can be arguments for both the 13.6" and the 15.3" for better visibility and screen real estate, etc., but you will have to decide what works best for you. If you have an Apple Store nearby, it might be worth a trip to see them both side by side before you make your choice.
I used the 13" for years and only recently got the 15" MBA. I haven't had any problem seeing text with the display set to "more space."
if you have the option go with 15, i have the 13 and 14 and it is good, better, best as far as eye sight goes.
The 13" is fine.
I have my apps set to fill the entire screen (not full screen mode) and I simply increased the font size a little bit, in certain apps.
I also have a 16" M2 Pro, and my 13" M2 Air is just as good, with regards to text size & visibility.
I have my apps set to fill the entire screen (not full screen mode) and I simply increased the font size a little bit, in certain apps.
I also have a 16" M2 Pro, and my 13" M2 Air is just as good, with regards to text size & visibility.
Another aging eyes here. Just got a 13 in h to replace my 2015. No issues with default settings.
Thanks for the comments everyone, much appreciated. I'm leaning on the base 13" M2 MBA. Not only is it $200 cheaper and comes with a $150 gift card but based on the comments, the display should be readable. The 13" MBA would be a far better choice than a 12.9" iPad Pro and supposedly the battery on the M2 MBA is insane at around 20 hrs of up time. Portability is also a factor.
As for colors, I'm liking the starlight as it's a mix between silver and gold. Midnight would drive me nuts with the fingerprints and I already have space gray and silver Mac Mini's.
As for colors, I'm liking the starlight as it's a mix between silver and gold. Midnight would drive me nuts with the fingerprints and I already have space gray and silver Mac Mini's.
Late 60s here. Have a M1 13" MBA and a M1 14" MBP. Just added a 15" MBA. My eyes are still good but I must say the 15" screen is a treat. Perfect in the default setting where as with my others machines I have to zoom in. The 15 provides some future proofing as eyes don't improve with age. The speakers are a nice bonus as well. If one can manage the size, portability wise, 15 is the route to go. Went with Midnight and the prints do show but they are very easy to remove with a quick swipe of a micro fibre cloth. Had Midnight been unavailable Starlight would have been the choice. Classy understated look and easy to maintain.
I run my 13" MacBook Air at 2048x1332 using SwitchResX and have zero problems, but I also had lasik a couple years ago and my eyesight is $$$.
I would just go into a store and see what size feels right to you. You then have two weeks to return it if you feel like you want a more portable device or bigger screen from there.
I would just go into a store and see what size feels right to you. You then have two weeks to return it if you feel like you want a more portable device or bigger screen from there.
Just replaced my old 13" MBP with the 15" Air, and life is better, especially since the majority of use is on my lap. With the 13", even trifocals made it difficult to find the "sweet spot" distance for viewing. The 15" allows me to place it a couple inches further away; very comfortable. I also set email fonts at 18. And, the old Mac did not have the convenient A-A tool bar zoom feature. I don't know when that became available.
I have the 13.6 in M2 MBA, and it is a terrific computer. I use progressive glasses, with lower reading lens. No problems with the 13.6in size reading text etc. Of course, additional screen real estate would come in handy from time to time, but I have an external monitor that I rarely use on those occasions.
For me, the big selling points of the MBA are: price, performance, and portability. So, the 13.6 is a better option for me. But, I can see how some people might want the extra screen space of the 15in when away from their desk and external monitor. It just depends on your use patterns.
For me, the big selling points of the MBA are: price, performance, and portability. So, the 13.6 is a better option for me. But, I can see how some people might want the extra screen space of the 15in when away from their desk and external monitor. It just depends on your use patterns.
I'm 68 and have worn eyeglasses since 2nd grade (about 60 years or so). Currently using a 2023 14" MBP, but I always use it with a 24" external monitor. You may want to discuss the issue with your ophthalmologist or even an optician. My ophthalmologist set a special (nearly overpowering) magnifying section in the area usually occupied by the reading part of bifocal lenses. If you don't mind the geeky look, you can get the kind of magnifiers used by dentists on Amazon for somewhere around $40-60. I've also been seen with the green eyeshade look (can be purchased on Amazon, sold as a visor for casino workers), which can be helpful to reduce glare in some settings.
I decided and placed an order for the base MBA 15" with the starlight color. I saw several YT videos and I really like the mix between silver and gold. I was able to get the MBA for $1199 with a $150 gift card.
A little late in my reply, but I think you made the correct choice. I have both the 13” and 15” MBA M2 and wear reading glasses. The 15” is much more comfortable to work on, especially Excel/Word. For just browsing the web, I’m not sure there is a huge difference, but I tend to use an iPad for browsing anyway. Admittedly, the 13” is much easier to carry around or fit into a smaller bag. So it really depends on how you use the MBA.
Terrific thread, one which this pair of ageing, bespectacled, eyes, has been reading with avid interest.