Should I buy the 2020 M1 MacBook Air or should I go with the 2022 M2 MacBook Air instead?

[a_rodriguezh]

I've been doing some research and there seems to be a lot of people stating that no one should buy the M2 MacBook Air while other people say that it's worth the extra 200 dollars.

I'm talking about the base versions of both of them, no upgrades or anything.

Which one should I buy and why?

 

[steve217]

Since you're asking, it seems like you're going to be disappointed if you didn't get the M2.

Unless $200 is out of your reach or you need the machine immediately, then get the M2.

How's that for a straight answer? Worth every cent you paid for it.

 

[CalMin]

What does $200 mean to you, and what will you use the machine for?

The truth is that there won't be a whole lot of difference performance wise for most tasks. Even with heavier tasks we are talking a couple of minutes here and there (and if that means a lot to you, then perhaps you need a Pro machine). Some will argue that SSD speed on the M2 base model is 'slow' but that generally won't make a difference in terms of performance in many tasks unless you're pushing the machine quite hard (and a few seconds here and are important to you.)

The M2 is newer and has some other hardware benefits (screen, ports, MagSafe etc). But if those things are lost on you then just get the M1. If it was my money, I'd get the newer one, because the $200 amortized over the life of the machine makes that worth it to me personally.

 

[a_rodriguezh]

Since you're asking, it seems like you're going to be disappointed if you didn't get the M2.

Unless $200 is out of your reach or you need the machine immediately, then get the M2.

How's that for a straight answer? Worth every cent you paid for it.

I'm open to save the $200. The thing is that I originally planned to buy the M2 (I was actually waited for its release) and now that I'm going to actually buy it I start reading and watching videos of all these people trashing it and saying that everyone should go with the previous model.

The major criticism I hear is the problem with the SSD, but I don't know how much of a problem will that be in the future, in my mind I don't think it will impact daily use.

I just don't want to pay more for a worst laptop

 

[russell_314]

I've been doing some research and there seems to be a lot of people stating that no one should buy the M2 MacBook Air while other people say that it's worth the extra 200 dollars.

I'm talking about the base versions of both of them, no upgrades or anything.

Which one should I buy and why?

They’re both right.

Should you buy a semi truck?

No it’s absolutely terrible for gas mileage.

Yes it’s great for hauling.

Do you see what I mean? Both of those answers are correct and totally different.

Instead of depending on someone else to tell you what you should or shouldn’t buy answer your question with what your needs and likes are. Without listing any of that in your post the only thing people here are doing is giving their opinions on the product based on their own needs and likes which could be completely different than yours.

What about each product do you like and how does it work for your needs?

I know this is the hard way instead of me telling without any basis. I personally bought the M2 Air but you may not like it because it may not be for you

 

[Apple_Robert]

I've been doing some research and there seems to be a lot of people stating that no one should buy the M2 MacBook Air while other people say that it's worth the extra 200 dollars.

I'm talking about the base versions of both of them, no upgrades or anything.

Which one should I buy and why?

If you have been doing your research from YouTube, that would explain your first sentence. People who say such drivel should be ignored.

Both machines are excellent. It all depends on budget, need, and any preferences you may have.

 

[Bazza1]

An interesting debate I am considering myself - with a caveat.

I currently have a 2017 Air. 5 years old, but with the next OS, Apple is effectively making it obsolete. Continued support? Only a matter of time...
Regardless, I had been thinking of an upgrade.

Thing is, I don't do the travel or use it for the mobility factor the Air excels at as much as I once did these days. So my discussion with myself is do I go with an M2 Air or, holding onto my 2017 for the occasional travel stints, instead go with the M1 iMac, and gain all that refreshing screen real estate?

Then again, the M1 technology (in the Air or iMac) is coming up to 2 years old, and I can't help but wonder what that means as to the viability of a supposedly 'new' product when Apple seems keen to add features to an OS faster than the devices degrade otherwise.

Regardless, if I decided on the M1 (say, soon'ish), I'd probably first look at the stock available on Apple's Refurb Store and buy it from there, saving a few bucks.

 

[steve217]

I'm open to save the $200. The thing is that I originally planned to buy the M2 (I was actually waited for its release) and now that I'm going to actually buy it I start reading and watching videos of all these people trashing it and saying that everyone should go with the previous model.

The major criticism I hear is the problem with the SSD, but I don't know how much of a problem will that be in the future, in my mind I don't think it will impact daily use.

I just don't want to pay more for a worst laptop

I was just answering your question on the basis of what I would do.

I’ve seen a lot of hate dumped on the base M2 Air, but I’ve also heard glowing reviews.

I’m inclined to trust the “glowers” because of my experience with the base M1 Air. This is the best laptop I’ve ever bought.

The M2 is not the “worse” laptop. Yeah, I know about the SSD issue, but I think that that’s been overblown. I don’t think anyone would notice if they weren’t running speedtests. 1,400 MBs is a very fast SSD.

 

[mrmister]

I'd get the M2, without a doubt.

Something people don't talk about here—the M1 isn't that old...but the design is very old, and is going to get dated quickly now that it is out of the limelight. People claim it doesn't matter, but it does—and if the invisible pressure of that makes you end up upgrading your next laptop sooner, then it will cost you.

Also the M2 is better in all the ways.

Finally, unless you live in iCloud/Dropbox, I think anyone's serious laptop should start at 512 gb in any case, because you need space.

 

[CalMin]

The M2 is not the “worse” laptop. Yeah, I know about the SSD issue, but I think that that’s been overblown. I don’t think anyone would notice if they weren’t running speedtests. 1,400 MBs is a very fast SSD.

This is the truth. These artificial benchmarks are useful as a means of general comparison, but they don't reflect the daily reality of using a computer.

What a benchmark tells you is that in specific situations, the SSD of one device is faster/slower than the other. Sure. But in practice, a few seconds here and there just isn't noticeable. It's kind of like saying will a Ferrari get me to the grocery store faster than a Lamborghini? Both will get you there equally fast in most situations because in daily use, you're not driving each one to it's maximum potential. If you max them out on the track, then you might start to see differences, but the truth of it is that they are both fast cars!

 

[1BadManVan]

I'm open to save the $200. The thing is that I originally planned to buy the M2 (I was actually waited for its release) and now that I'm going to actually buy it I start reading and watching videos of all these people trashing it and saying that everyone should go with the previous model.

The major criticism I hear is the problem with the SSD, but I don't know how much of a problem will that be in the future, in my mind I don't think it will impact daily use.

I just don't want to pay more for a worst laptop

Just remember those YouTubers need the views to make a living. Controversy sells, always has, but the longer the m2 air has been out, the more realistic reviews are starting to come out now.

The base M2 is a better machine in every way except if you run an ssd benchmark test. But for real world usage, the m2 is still faster overall.

 

[mrmister]

Something people don't talk about here—the M1 isn't that old...but the design is very old, and is going to get dated quickly now that it is out of the limelight.

Oh came back to say the old MBA design...IS TWELVE YEARS OLD.

So...yeah.

If you love it, great—I really liked it. But there's no argueing that it is OOOOOOOOLD OLD OLD.

 

[russell_314]

do I go with an M2 Air or, holding onto my 2017 for the occasional travel stints, instead go with the M1 iMac, and gain all that refreshing screen real estate?

As someone who went from a 24” iMac to an M2 Air I’ll throw in my two cents.

What made me want to switch and I’m happy I did is I didn’t want to be tied down to my desk to use the computer. I can use my MacBook Air at my desk or I can sit down at my bed and use it. I can take it with me to the coffee shop and relax there while using it. With Apple Silicon and it’s crazy battery life I don’t have to worry about searching for an outlet.

Of course that’s just my experience with how I use it. Perhaps your use case is only at your desk so then I would say consider the 24” iMac or Mac mini. That’s why I tell people it’s important to figure out what they need because what I like may not work for them.

The only other thoughts I have would be the larger screen might be helpful if you have a hard time seeing a smaller screen. I don’t have that problem because my vision is great close up. Also risk of accidental damage is probably significantly lower with a desktop since it stays there.

 

[Slartibart]

Yes.🤓

If you consider the base model you have already contemplated sufficiently about what you need.

Buy. One.

Its always the right one.

 

[russell_314]

I'd get the M2, without a doubt.

Something people don't talk about here—the M1 isn't that old...but the design is very old, and is going to get dated quickly now that it is out of the limelight. People claim it doesn't matter, but it does—and if the invisible pressure of that makes you end up upgrading your next laptop sooner, then it will cost you.

Also the M2 is better in all the ways.

Finally, unless you live in iCloud/Dropbox, I think anyone's serious laptop should start at 512 gb in any case, because you need space.

I think design is subjective. I’m not sure what you mean by pressure but I guess if you’re worried about what people think then maybe go with the M2.

Of course get more than enough storage space then you think you’ll need. You never want to be close to full on an SSD because it slows down. I think it’s does that over 90% but I’m not sure on that one. The base 256 GB is perfect for people who use a computer to browse the web, a few office documents, and watch streaming media. My mom is the perfect example of this. I will bet my life that she doesn’t have more than 100 GB to include the operating system on her SSD. She doesn’t download things. I bought the 512 GB because I know I’ll install a few games and more than my fair share of programs that I probably will rarely use.

 

[imnotthewalrus]

I saved $350 by purchasing the M1 Air refurbish from Apple. Just another duck in the pond. Ultimately its up to you.

 

[mrmister]

I think design is subjective.

This is something tech people say that sounds cleverer than it actually is.

It's not subjective that it is a very old design. It's not subjective that the machine looks like other 12 year old designs.

People constantly underestimate how they will feel about their "old" computer in 3 or 4 years.

These things matter, more than synthetic benchmarks will.

 

[1BadManVan]

This is something tech people say that sounds cleverer than it actually is.

It's not subjective that it is a very old design. It's not subjective that the machine looks like other 12 year old designs.

People constantly underestimate how they will feel about their "old" computer in 3 or 4 years.

These things matter, more than synthetic benchmarks will.

how dare you! lol

 

[a_rodriguezh]

I'm a medical student, I don't really need extra speed in the SSD, and I don't see the point in getting the 516gb upgrade because all of my files (ALL OF THEM) are in the cloud and I don't run any fancy apps, mainly office and safari. I don't watch a lot of media content in my laptop either, I generally use my iPad for doing so.

I really didn't mean to focus this conversation on the SSD problem, because like I said I'm not going to notice, I just meant it as a starting point.

My current laptop has an i3 processor, so either is going to feel way faster.

I really meant to ask for other things besides the SSD that I should keep in mind.

For example, I heard some people talking about like how the keyboard and trackpad are not as great (keyboard bends and trackpad isn't as snappy).

At the end, I will probably end up buying the M2, just because is the newer model and most likely will receive more support down the line; I just wanted to really see if those things that people are stating are actually true and if so, if them are relevant in the choice between the two laptops.

 

[mrmister]

"and I don't see the point in getting the 516gb upgrade because all of my files (ALL OF THEM) are in the cloud"

Totally—you know your own needs!

"I heard some people talking about like how the keyboard and trackpad are not as great (keyboard bends and trackpad isn't as snappy)."

I think those people are being silly. I mean, many many people reviewed this machine, and the iFixit teardowns show...the same trackpad as always, and basically the keyboard that everyone loved on the new MBPs. I don't think this is real.

"My current laptop has an i3 processor, so either is going to feel way faster."

Yes, it will demolish your current one.

Whatever you choose, best of luck to you!

 

[1BadManVan]

I'm a medical student, I don't really need extra speed in the SSD, and I don't see the point in getting the 516gb upgrade because all of my files (ALL OF THEM) are in the cloud and I don't run any fancy apps, mainly office and safari. I don't watch a lot of media content in my laptop either, I generally use my iPad for doing so.

I really didn't mean to focus this conversation on the SSD problem, because like I said I'm not going to notice, I just meant it as a starting point.

My current laptop has an i3 processor, so either is going to feel way faster.

I really meant to ask for other things besides the SSD that I should keep in mind.

For example, I heard some people talking about like how the keyboard and trackpad are not as great (keyboard bends and trackpad isn't as snappy).

At the end, I will probably end up buying the M2, just because is the newer model and most likely will receive more support down the line; I just wanted to really see if those things that people are stating are actually true and if so, if them are relevant in the choice between the two laptops.

Ive actually heard the opposite in regards to the keyboard, most seem to prefer the keyboard on this, even compared to the 14" pro model. The only "complaint" I've really heard about the trackpad is the haptic noise is different, I feel thats more of a personal preference than an issue. I love the m2 keyboard and the trackpad is fantastic. The screen is brighter and better colours, I find the speakers really nice and balanced on this as well.

I think once you get the m2 and give it a try, you'll be very happy with it. I was very tempted by the M1 air when it came out, but I couldn't look past the dated design, it is something I have to look at everyday after all lol. So when they released these new M2 models, I finally made the dive and im very happy I waited for this. I would have kicked myself if I got the m1 air and then this came out a year and a half later lol.

 

[kp98077]

I'd get the M2, without a doubt.

Something people don't talk about here—the M1 isn't that old...but the design is very old, and is going to get dated quickly now that it is out of the limelight. People claim it doesn't matter, but it does—and if the invisible pressure of that makes you end up upgrading your next laptop sooner, then it will cost you.

Also the M2 is better in all the ways.

Finally, unless you live in iCloud/Dropbox, I think anyone's serious laptop should start at 512 gb in any case, because you need space.

About right weather we admit it or not …
Personally not a big fan of how light the m2 is but it can perform!

 

[mrmister]

First time I’ve heard someone say a Mac laptop is too light!

 

[russell_314]

This is something tech people say that sounds cleverer than it actually is.

It's not subjective that it is a very old design. It's not subjective that the machine looks like other 12 year old designs.

People constantly underestimate how they will feel about their "old" computer in 3 or 4 years.

These things matter, more than synthetic benchmarks will.

Design is subjective as to what someone likes. Some people prefer the wedge shape of the old Air better than the new. The only thing "old" about the wedge vs the square sides is there was a change. If you mean by old as in someone will see you with an older style laptop then maybe. I know people who have to have the latest whatever just because they worry about what people think about them. If you're that person then sure by the latest because there's no point in buying something that won't make me happy.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I've been doing some research and there seems to be a lot of people stating that no one should buy the M2 MacBook Air while other people say that it's worth the extra 200 dollars.

I'm talking about the base versions of both of them, no upgrades or anything.

Which one should I buy and why?

My take is slightly different to what several others have posted.

I would recommend that you buy neither the M2, nor the M1.

That is, I recommend that you do not buy either of them now.

Personally, I would never buy the very first iteration of a brand new model of computer; there will be issues, teething troubles, unforseen glitches that will be reported back to Apple.

My personal recommendation would be to wait until Apple tweaks the M2, which will mean addressing any issues or ironing out any problems, or deficiencies, that have arisen, and have been noted - and then purchase the newer version of the M2. Now, that could well take the best part of a year, but this is something that I would consider well worth while.