With the shiny new M3 MacBook Air grabbing all the headlines, you might think the older M1 and M2 models are getting left in the dust. But hold on! There’s good news for budget-conscious shoppers. The release of the M3 has actually triggered some steep discounts on the M1 and M2.
Here’s the surprising part: even the brand new M3 Air has seen a slight price drop already. But the real steal is the M1 MacBook Air. I scoured price comparison tools and found an incredible deal at Walmart: the 13.3-inch M1 MacBook Air for just $649 (originally $999.99)!
Looking to save an extra $50? Best Buy has the same M1 model for $649.99 as “open-box” (meaning a customer returned it). Now, this is the base model from 2020 with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. But here’s the thing: you can still expect a whopping 18 hours of battery life!
Sure, the M1 doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the new M3 chip. But for most everyday tasks, it’s still a powerhouse. As Jake Peterson, Senior Technology Editor at Lifehacker, says, the M1 is a fantastic computer – even three years after its release. Here’s why: Apple optimizes macOS specifically for the M1 chip. This means the M1 MacBook Air runs smoother and takes full advantage of new features in the latest macOS versions, unlike some older Intel Macs that struggle. In fact, an M1 today can outperform an i9 Intel Mac!
Worried about software support? Fear not! Jake assures us that Apple isn’t ditching the M1 anytime soon. It might even be supported for a record-breaking length of time. The only thing you’ll miss out on with the new macOS Sonoma is the ability to connect hearing aids directly to your Mac.
Here’s the catch: Apple discontinued the M1 MacBook Air after releasing the M3, so you won’t find it on their website anymore. But if you’re looking for a reliable MacBook that’s proven its worth and remains an excellent buy in 2024, then the M1 MacBook Air at $649.99 is a fantastic option!
