About
In this review, we’ll delve into the latest Apple MacBook Air 2022, a highly anticipated laptop that introduces a sleek redesign and impressive upgrades. Since its debut in 2008, the MacBook Air has undergone its biggest transformation, shedding its classic wedge shape for a thinner profile, larger screen, and enhanced performance.
The 2022 MacBook Air builds upon the success of the game-changing M1 model released in 2020, now powered by Apple’s next-generation M2 chip. This sleek, flat aluminium-bodied laptop takes performance to new heights. However, it’s important to note that the MacBook Air’s starting price has increased by £250, making the base model now priced at £1,249.
Externally, the MacBook Air showcases a simplified, retro design akin to the 2021 14-inch MacBook Pro. Its flat top and bottom, coupled with smoothly contoured sides, offer a visually appealing aesthetic. Notably, the M2 Air surpasses its predecessor with a 4.8mm slimmer profile, 50g lighter weight, and 20% smaller volume. This makes the MacBook Air significantly sleeker than the comparatively chunky-looking Pro. Despite its slimness, the laptop maintains a solid build, with a rigid lid and no flex in the deck. Opening the lid reveals a larger 13.6-inch screen that’s 25% brighter and equally crisp, providing users with additional workspace compared to the previous 13.3-inch model.
One notable feature borrowed from the MacBook Pro is the presence of a screen notch, housing an improved 1080p webcam. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for those who rely on virtual meetings. Additionally, the MacBook Air incorporates four hidden speakers within its deck, delivering impressive sound quality and an immersive audio experience.
Pros and Cons on the Apple MacBook Air 2022
- Portability: With its slim profile, reduced weight, and compact dimensions, the MacBook Air 2022 is highly portable, making it convenient for users who are frequently on the go.
- High-Quality Sound: The MacBook Air features four hidden speakers within its deck, delivering a reasonably wide and immersive sound experience for a laptop.
- Larger, Brighter Screen: The MacBook Air now boasts a larger 13.6-inch screen, providing users with more workspace. The screen is also 25% brighter, offering vibrant visuals and an immersive viewing experience.
- Enhanced Performance: Powered by Apple's next-generation M2 chip, the MacBook Air delivers impressive performance with its eight or ten-core GPU, enabling seamless multitasking and improved graphical capabilities.
- Sleek Redesign: The MacBook Air 2022 features a sleek and modern redesign, with a thinner profile, flat top and bottom, and smoothed sides, offering a visually appealing aesthetic.
- Price Increase: Compared to previous models, the starting price of the MacBook Air has seen a significant increase, making it more expensive for potential buyers.
- Limited Ports: The MacBook Air offers two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports, which may be restrictive for users who require a wide range of connectivity options without the need for adapters.
- RAM Limitations: While the MacBook Air provides options for 8, 16, or 24GB of RAM, some users may find these options limiting, especially for demanding tasks or resource-intensive applications.
- Non-upgradeable Storage: The storage capacity of the MacBook Air is not user-upgradeable, so it's important to choose the appropriate storage option at the time of purchase.
- Lack of Touch Bar: Unlike the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air does not feature the Touch Bar, which may be missed by users who enjoy the convenience and versatility it provides.
Specifications
Let’s take a closer look at the specifications:
- Screen: The MacBook Air features a 13.6-inch LCD screen with True Tone technology and a resolution of 2560×1600, resulting in vibrant visuals and accurate colors.
- Processor: Powered by the Apple M2 chip, the laptop offers enhanced performance with an eight or ten-core GPU, enabling smooth multitasking and improved graphics.
- RAM and Storage: Users can choose from various RAM options, including 8, 16, or 24GB, while storage capacities range from 256GB to 2TB SSD, providing ample space for files and applications.
- Operating System: Running on macOS 12 Monterey, the MacBook Air embraces the latest features and functionalities of Apple’s operating system.
- Connectivity: The laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5, along with two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack.
- Dimensions and Weight: With dimensions of 215 x 304.1 x 11.3mm and a weight of just 1.24kg, the MacBook Air strikes a perfect balance between portability and power.
It's worth noting that the pros and cons mentioned above are based on the specific features and characteristics of the MacBook Air 2022 and may vary depending on individual preferences and use cases.