Historically, the MacBook Air line has had limitations regarding multiple external display support. The ability to support two external displays in addition to its built-in display is a notable improvement.
Next, let’s remember some of those “taken for granted” elements that continue to enhance the current MacBook Air value, purchase satisfaction and experience!
- The resale value:
- The lowered starting price (13-inch MacBook Air – $999 & 15-inch MacBook Air- $1,199) is seen as a significant positive, making the M4 MacBook Air a more attractive option for a wider range of users. MacBooks hold their resale value better than most other laptops. Their build quality and longevity of software support help build this value too.
- Build Quality and Longevity:
- As mentioned above, Apple devices are known for their durable construction. The M4 Air aluminum unibody design feels solid and premium, and the overall build quality contributes to the device’s longevity. Expect your MacBook Air M4 to last for years.
- The Efficiency of the Thermal Design (Even Without Fans):
- The M4 chip’s efficiency, combined with Apple’s thermal design, allows the MacBook Air to maintain consistent performance even under moderate workloads. This means you won’t experience significant slowdowns or overheating.
- The Integration of Security Features:
- Apple’s focus on security is evident in the M4 chip’s secure enclave (hardware-based security subsystem integrated) and macOS’s built-in security features, such as Gatekeeper: Ensure Trusted software – FileVault – Full-Disk encryption – XProtect: Anti-malware to name a few. This provides a high level of protection for your data and privacy.
- The Consistency of Color Calibration:
- Apple invests heavily in display calibration. The colors you see on the MacBook Air M4’s screen are consistently accurate, which is crucial for tasks like photo editing or video viewing. This MacBook makes everyday use more pleasant.
- The Quality of the Speakers & Microphone Array:
- The MacBook Air M4 supports Spatial Audio, for a more immersive audio experience, giving you the impression of sound coming from all around you. For such a thin and light device, the MacBook Air’s speakers deliver surprisingly rich and clear audio. This is thanks to Apple’s audio engineering, which maximizes sound quality within a compact space.
- The built-in microphone array ensures clear voice capturing for video conferencing, online meeting and creating audio content.
- The “Magic” Keyboard Feel and TouchID login:
- Apple has refined its keyboard design over the years. The MacBook Air’s keyboard, is backlit, offers a comfortable and responsive typing experience, with well-spaced keys and a satisfying key travel.
- TouchID Sensor is integrated for quick and secure lock & unlock and Authenticate purchases.
- The little things within the OS:
- The ability to easily preview files by pressing the space bar. The ability to easily take screen shots and record the screen. The very useful search function within the finder application. The ability to easily create and manage multiple desktops.
Let’s dive into the “Flashy” details & a couple comparisons!
- Design:
- Unfortunately, Apple didn’t make any significant updates to the design, sticking with the same look introduced in 2022.
- Performance M4 Chip:
- The MacBook Air M4 boasts Apple’s latest M4 chip, providing up to 30% faster CPU performance and 20% faster GPU performance compared to the M3 chip.
- Faster Memory and Storage:
- The MacBook Air M4 supports up to 24GB of unified memory and up to 2TB of SSD storage, making it ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, coding, and data analysis.
- Display:
- Liquid Retina Display*: The MacBook Air M4 features a stunning 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display with True Tone, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a high contrast ratio.
- High Resolution*: With a resolution of 2560 x 1664 pixels (13.6-inch) or 2880 x 1864 pixels (15.3-inch), the display is perfect for watching movies, browsing the web, or working on creative projects.
- Battery Life:
- Up to 18 Hours of Battery Life*: The MacBook Air M4 has an impressive battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge, making it perfect for long flights, road trips, or workdays.
- Design and Portability:
- Sleek and Lightweight Design*: The MacBook Air M4 weighs just 2.75 pounds (13.6-inch) or 3.08 pounds (15.3-inch), making it easy to carry around.
- Compact Size:
- The MacBook Air M4 has a compact size, making it perfect for working in small spaces or on-the-go.
- Connectivity and Security:
- Two Thunderbolt 4 Ports*: The MacBook Air M4 features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, providing fast data transfer speeds and support for up to two external displays.
- Touch ID*: The MacBook Air M4 features Touch ID, providing a secure and convenient way to unlock your laptop, make purchases, and access sensitive information.
- The lack of ports like HDMI or an SD card slot is still a point of contention for some users, who may need to rely on dongles.
- Operating System:
- macOS Ventura*: The MacBook Air M4 comes with macOS Ventura, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience, along with features like Stage Manager, Continuity Camera, and more.
Other Features:
- Improved Webcam: The MacBook Air M4 features an improved 1080p FaceTime HD camera, providing better video quality and low-light performance.
- Dolby Atmos Support: The MacBook Air M4 supports Dolby Atmos, providing an immersive audio experience.
It’s clear that if you are looking to upgrade from an older MacBook air, or are looking to purchase a new laptop, the M4 MacBook air is a very strong option.
*Where to Buy and Pricing*
Availability Timeline:
- Announced: The M4 MacBook Air was announced in early May 2024.
- Expected Release: It is expected to be released next week March 12th, 2025 and available for pre-order NOW. Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo (bhphotovideo.com)
- Initial Rollout: Apple typically rolls out new products in phases. Expect online orders to ship first, followed by availability in Apple Stores and authorized retailers.
Here are the available configurations:
*13-inch MacBook Air*
– $999: 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD
– $1,199: 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
– $1,399: 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD
*15-inch MacBook Air*
– $1,199: 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD
– $1,399: 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
– $1,599: 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD
Turning Your MacBook Air M4 into a Developer’s Playground: A Friendly Guide
Think of your MacBook Air M4 as a powerful tool that can help you create amazing apps! Here are the developer features of the MacBook Air M4, along with their start up friendly guides:
1. Xcode
– What is Xcode? Xcode is Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE) for building macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS apps.
– How to use Xcode:
1. Download and install Xcode from the Mac App Store.
2. Launch Xcode and create a new project by selecting “File” > “New” > “Project”.
3. Choose the type of project you want to create (e.g., iOS app, macOS app).
4. Follow the prompts to set up your project.
-Friendly tip: Start with the Xcode tutorials provided by Apple to learn the basics of Xcode and app development.
2. Swift
– What is Swift? Swift is Apple’s programming language for building macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS apps.
– How to use Swift:
1. Download and install Xcode, which includes the Swift compiler.
2. Launch Xcode and create a new project.
3. Write Swift code in the Xcode editor.
4. Run your Swift code using the Xcode simulator or on a physical device.
– Friendly tip: Start with Apple’s Swift tutorials and documentation to learn the basics of the Swift language.
3. Rosetta 2
– What is Rosetta 2? Rosetta 2 is a translation layer that allows you to run x86-64 apps on Apple silicon Macs.
– How to use Rosetta 2:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of macOS installed.
2. Download and install the Rosetta 2 installer from the Apple Support website.
3. Launch the Rosetta 2 installer and follow the prompts.
4. Once installed, you can run x86-64 apps on your Apple silicon Mac.
– Friendly tip: You don’t need to do anything to use Rosetta 2 – it works automatically in the background. However, keep in mind that some apps may not work as expected or may require updates to work with Rosetta 2.
*DevOps-Friendly Information*
– Getting started with app development: Start with Apple’s developer documentation and tutorials, which provide a comprehensive introduction to app development on Apple platforms.
– Choosing a programming language: Swift is the recommended language for app development on Apple platforms. However, you can also use other languages like Python, Java, and C++.
– Joining the Apple Developer community: Sign up for an Apple Developer account to access exclusive resources, including the Apple Developer Forums, Apple Developer Academy, and more.
– Finding resources and tutorials: There are many online resources and tutorials available for learning app development on Apple platforms. Some popular resources include Apple’s developer documentation, Udemy courses, and YouTube.
