I would expect the same form factor. But due to marketing reasons, the A18 would likely use a slightly smaller display. This is similar to how iPad Air uses a 10.86-inch LCD while iPad Pro M2/M3 has 11-inch.
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MacBook Air With M1 Chip is Just $599 at Walmart
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I would expect the same form factor. But due to marketing reasons, the A18 would likely use a slightly smaller display. This is similar to how iPad Air uses a 10.86-inch LCD while iPad Pro M2/M3 has 11-inch.
My M1 air is my favorite and longest serving Macbook after my 2012 unibody.
This sounds very plausible.
Looking at benchmarks for the A17 Pro versus the base M1, the A18 pro will likely be a solid single-core upgrade over the M1, while multi-core will be about the same. So if the chassis is the same, it really will be just a speed bump of the "existing" $599 MB. Although hopefully the "official" one will also be available at more than just Walmart.
I would expect bigger bezels. On the plus side, it should help with durability because thicker bezels allow for more knocks to the LCD.
I bought an M1 Air late last year. It had sat on a shop shelf for a good while so by the time I got it (new, unopened) the battery wouldn’t charge but Apple replaced the battery for free once I’d registered the machine with them and took it in to an Apple store. I haven’t used the Air a great deal as I’m not travelling quite so much these days but I think it’s the best of that iteration, most certainly. Trackpad and keyboard are superb. Speakers sound good, too, and screen is fine also. I wanted the wedge-form Air. It’s one of Apple’s ‘genius’ designs, to my mind. A different kind of laptop experience. Not for everyone, clearly, but many of us were charmed by its aesthetics and functionality. It looks good in Space Gray and my 16GB memory bought some peace of mind, too. It will serve me well, if its predecessors are anything to go by. The Walmart price is a good one for those whose needs are compatible with the model available.
I think it’s online orders only. It sure isn’t on the shelves at the Walmart near me.
Yes, it looks like it is a clearance sale. A month ago you could order it online and pick it up the same day at all their stores, in any color.
That fits the narrative predicted by @JPack above, that this form factor will be used for the A18 Pro MacBook. The assembly line that was putting these together is now making Mac17,1 and Mac17,2. I think they will launch them in October, right when Windows 10 dies.
I don't think this is exactly winning. Someone else will take your spot at Walmart while you're making another store get less money than they otherwise would have. It's exclusive to Walmart anyway. Other stores have discontinued them a while back.
My local Walmart has them in stock. They're out of stock online.
I did a similar thing. Had a 16/256, bought an M3 Pro MBP with 18/512. Other than noticeably better display and speakers, I miss everything else about my MBA. Notice no difference in speed day to day.
am i the only one who prefers this tapered design? it feels a lot more "throwable" onto a bed and nicer to hold.
Because it’s not the end of the year, and why would they sacrifice potential sales in the back to school season?
Nope. It’s a great design, and much more pleasant to use (and look at) than the current MBA design, imho. My M1 MBA was the best computer I’ve ever owned. I am really hoping they use this form factor for the rumoured A18 CheapBook.
Not sure that I would invest ion one right now. I still use mine for travel but my daily is an M4 Mac Mini with 24GB because even 16 GB was not enough for me.
Also, the M5 is going to be a GPU beast.
Also, the M5 is going to be a GPU beast.
Even at $599, this device is now old enough to beg the question; is that still worth it? There is only 1 generation between this MacBook and the minimum requirement to run macOS. Good chance buying this device now will leave with less than 5 years of support.
More importantly, how long will Apple continue to support this "old" product with upgrades. The last Intel version of this laptop that came out just a year before this M1 version stopped being supported in less than 5 years. Planned obsolescence is ruining my confidence in the sustainability of Apple hardware.
Apple was (is?) still producing that model specifically for sale at Walmart as a cheaper model.
I think it is a horrible deal. Your buying a 5 year old design with a 3 generation old processor and 8GB of RAM. For just $200 more you can get the latest M4 MBA with 16GB at Best Buy or Amazon. I'd advise anybody to scrimp and save the extra $200 and buy the current machine.
BTW, I own and use an M1 8GB MBA. While it is fine for what I use it for I'm also aware it is very long in the tooth and wouldn't dream of buying it new unless the price was a lot less than $599.
This is the model I bought at Amazon for $749 a few years ago, and I'm still using it. I have no idea what an m4 or m5 would do that I can't on this one.