I bought the cheapest M1 Macbook Air back in June ($999/8gb/256gb) expecting to want to upgrade to whatever Pro was launched this fall, but tbh I've been super impressed at how powerful it is, even for video editing, and I don't really feel like I need to upgrade now 🤷
@hawaiiboy It is surprisingly good, especially for $999. I'm not sure I would spend more than that, because once you start getting closer to $2000 it probably makes more sense to go with the new M1 Pro processor.
@aaronpk Been thinking of swapping my 21.5" iMac for that M1 MacBook Air. I keep getting lured by upgrading to 16 GB RAM and/or the 512 GB storage, but I probably don't even need those! Does the 8 GB Air ever feel RAM-constrained?
@danj Yeah I'm definitely maxing out the RAM and it always is using swap, and I do have to use external drives to work on any video projects because those are way too big for the internal drive. But at the time I bought it, it was clear there was going to be a new launch in the fall, so I didn't want to spend any more on the computer than I had to. But now, looking at the specs, the $1449 Air with 16/512 is a lot more appealing than the $4000 config I'd get on the Pro.
@danj @aaronpk @hawaiiboy Not yet. Granted, I mostly write and binge watch Mythbusters, but when I have edited a handful of photos the Air has been perfect. And the battery life is insane! I’ll go two full days without seeing a power cord.
@aaronpk Good to know! I don't do much video editing—most of my work is prose or code—but there have been times where 256GB storage feels tight.
In Canada, the 8/256 Air is $1,299 and the 16/512 is $1,899... The Pro would be a ridiculous indulgence for me, as hot as the new form factor is. 🤓
Hey, maybe in another year or two we'll get a redesigned Air with MagSafe and an M2, and that'll be your huckleberry. (I'm tempted to hold out for that machine, in fact!)
@danj I still want the old 12" size back! That was my favorite form factor by far. A 12" Air with magsafe and the SD card slot would be amaaaazing
@jessekelber Oof, that sounds good. I've had a weird Linux laptop for the last few years, but I just can't seem to love it. I had a 2011 Air for six years and it basically ruined me for any lesser computer. 😍
@aaronpk It seemed like the 12" MacBook was desperate for Apple Silicon to exist, so I agree! I hope they bring it back as their ultimate consumer laptop story... but, you know, with ports!
@danj I’ve gone that route before, mainly using depreciated laptops from work (benefit to being the IT guy, the boss lets you take retired machines home sometimes). Never could adjust. Then I left IT land for writer world and just couldn’t be bothered to stay up with Linux. When I open my laptop, I just want it to do what I ask, and I get that with the Air.
@jessekelber Yeah... I have a growing chip on my shoulder about being "locked into" the Apple ecosystem, but the Mac is just... the best computer out there.
@jessekelber I have a new M1 Mac Mini if I really do need some heavy lifting. I thing the Air would be a great every day machine. I'm sure it will be faster than my 2015 MBP
