The $1,200 M2 MacBook Air is Disappointing.. (I want my M1 Air Back)

Miles' initial review of the Base M2 MacBook Air after a week of heavy usage.

Comment: 📝 Let me know what you think...

Links go here:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links:

GEAR I USE:

FOLLOW

CREDITS

TAGS
#m2macbookair #m2 #macbookair

[mb-watches]

Just bought the M1 Air Base model. It can do all what i need and sometimes its also alright for editing a vid on the go. So decision was easy to make. Was interesting to see your experience there, cheers mate.

[keyboardenthusiast]

I returned the base M2 air. Thankfully, I held on to my M1 air. Will continue to use it

[Mamo]

A discounted base entry-level M1 MBA is _by far_ the best bang-for-the-buck value laptop _ever._
Not even close.

[dansanger]

Good point. The M1 already has i9 levels of performance. With 16GB, it's basically a pro level machine. Even at 8GB, it has good enough performance for most uses.

[Elonmast]

Waited for a year for the M2 to release and bought the M1 512Gb just when it did release. The price difference between the two outside of the US is huge and the M1 Air is clearly Value for money unlike the M2

[mtedwards]

Good review. Apple raised the bar with the M1 Air, imo. I’ve had the 256/16g ram configuration since last year, and it hasn’t missed a beat. It’s the best laptop I’ve ever had…super fast, snappy. It copes with short video editing tasks. The M2 looks cool, but by the time you spec it up (512/16 g ram) you’re only £150 away from a powerhouse 14 inch Pro!

[stephenfox]

I bought my silver MacBook Air M1 8GB/256GB on Monday 8/8. Beautiful machine and I love it. I saw both M1/M2 models at the Apple store and wasn't a huge fan of the M2 slab style nor the notch. Got the education discount for $899 as well as a bonus $150 Apple Gift Card. The back to school promotion is fantastic if you have student credentials!

[saulovictor]

There are 3 types of people:

- Who buys based on price only (won't even consider a M2 MBA);
- Who buys based on design (M1 does not stand a chance against M2, it has a 10 year old design);
- Who buys depending on future use but not caring to much about price.

So the question people should really be asking is: IS THIS LAPTOP GOOD FOR YOU? Not for 9to5Mac, or other technology site, but FOR YOU?

[j_official]

My m1 max 14” is the best laptop I’ve ever owned. Sad to hear that some users have reservations about the m2 but that’s Apple’s fault, especially with the base model and charging $200 more for a slower SSD.

[elijahthc]

Thanks for this refreshing take on the M2 Air. It's not that you have to love it or hate it. It's just frustrating how they cheapened it while making it more expensive... peak Apple manipulation.

[davs]

You should have also added in the title that "My workflow requires pro macbooks". M2 for basic use is totally fine. Also, there are people who'd love to go with M2 base as mentioned by you that it was noticeably slower than 16gigs M1 air. I'd rather go with new design and some small changes with the *Only* noticeably slower M2 Base machine

[cheahkaimun]

Since my new M2 MacBook Air is my 1st ever MacBook…… every feature of it is wonderful to me. No regret.

[Number_]

I agree, the tapered design of the M1 Air is super nice. I have owned the Air with original design and really liked it. Nevertheless, w am still very happy with my M2 Air.

[a]

I also just but the M1 MacBook Air after watching a lot of reviews about the new M2 Air. I bumped up to 16g and 512 SSD. Future proofing this beautiful machine

[RobertLeBlancPhoto]

I just bought an M2 MBA to replace my M1 MBA that I gave to my daughter. So glad I went with the 1TB model.

[weljenks]

Well, buy the M1 version which can be purchased at discount prices. Choice is a good thing.

[sotonin]

My M1 air lasts me all day... 8 hour work day and i'm down to 50% battery... 16 hours is not bad. I agree completely the M1 Air is the better laptop. Coupled with the faster chip that uses more power and a much warmer laptop. I'll take the M1 that I can throw whatever i want at it and it never gets warm. It amazes me that Apple released a new laptop that is not worth upgrading to.

[thomaspipermusic]

The M2 air would have been better but the price hike makes it not good. I have a 16inch MBP M1 max 32gb/2 tb and a m1 MB air 16 gb/512gb hd I use the M1 air for live performances so it can get beat up a little and be light in a bag. I was going to update to the new M2 air so wouldn't have to carry a dongle at my shows. But by the time I update the M2 air to 16gb/512gb hd like my old M1 air. It just makes sense to buy a base 14inch. This is the problem the M2 air has if you buy the base it's better to buy the m1. If you update it it's better to buy the 14inch MBP.

[Fraden]

I couldn’t possibly agree with you more !! Great video and I don’t understand the price hike I’m very happy keeping my M1 Air !

[somebodysomeone]

I kinda felt bad at first since I had to buy a Mac for the ‘go’ early this year and of course got the m1 air. But after seeing this and other reviews I gotta admit I’m happy with my m1 and don’t think m2 would’ve fit my needs better.