Apple MacBook Air Review (M1, 2020): Fabulously Flawless
- Max Summers
- Feb 14, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 8, 2024
by Max Summers published January 12, 2024
Photo by Aleksandra Tykhonravova on Unsplash
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Overall Review
Buckle up, lovelies, because we're diving into the fabulous world of the MacBook Air (M1, 2020)! This laptop is practically a tech revolution in a sleek, stylish package. It flaunted Apple's game-changing M1 chip, causing a tsunami in the MacBook universe. The M1 MacBook Air is still strutting around at an all-time low price, giving you a golden ticket to laptop excellence.
MacBook Air M1 2020 available on Amazon.com
Pros | Cons |
+ macOS' responsive and quick | - Old design |
+ Batter life is longer than your ex | - Fanless design may impact performance |
+ Silent use | |
+ Keyboard's still poppins |
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Specs
CPU: | Apple M1 (8-core) |
Graphics: | Integrated 7-core GPU |
RAM: | 8GB Unified PDDR4X-4266 MHz SDRAM |
Screen: | 13.3-inch, 2,560 x 1,600 Retina True Tone display (backlit LED, IPS) |
Storage: | 256GB PCIe SSD |
Ports: | 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 3.5mm headphone jack |
Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5 |
Camera: | 720p FaceTime HD webcam |
Weight: | 2.8 pounds (1.29kg) |
Size: | 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches (30.41 x 21.24 x 1.61cm; W x D x H) |
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Short Review
Get ready for a no-nonsense exploration of the Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020). This review dives deep into the M1 chip-powered laptop, promising to be a game-changer in the world of sleek and powerful devices.
The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) isn't just an upgrade; it's a total transformation. Loaded with macOS 11 Big Sur or the sleek macOS Monterey, it brings together improved performance, energy efficiency, and impressive battery life—all without breaking the bank. Say farewell to the Intel era; the M1-based MacBook Air is here to steal the spotlight and become the new favorite.
Let’s talk money. At $999, this chic gadget competes fiercely with premium rivals. For an additional $1,249, you can customize it with extra power, storage, and memory—because personalization is always in style.
Now, about Apple's design choices. The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is giving us a sense of déjà vu. While competitors embrace ultra-modern designs, Apple sticks to the same aesthetic. It's like the device missed the memo for a wardrobe change. We expected a fashion statement, but it feels more like a rerun.
Hold your excitement because when it comes to performance, the M1 is the star of the show. Big Sur glides seamlessly, managing new and legacy apps effortlessly. No app compatibility drama here. And the cherry on top? You can seamlessly run thousands of iOS apps. Move over, Intel; the M1 steals the show.
Let's talk battery life. The M1 chip's power efficiency transforms the MacBook Air into a marathon runner among laptops. Up to 15 hours of web browsing or 18 hours of video streaming? Yes, please! In unofficial battery tests, it lasted over 11 hours—more than a binge-worthy season finale.
In the end, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) might not have undergone a Lady Gaga-style fashion transformation, but it's a tech powerhouse. While we wished for a bolder design, the M1's performance and the fanless charm make it a winner. It's like dating someone with a killer personality—looks fade, but the sass remains.
For readers seeking both sass and power, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is the tech fling you never knew you needed.
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Price + Availability
Now, let's talk prices, honey! Starting at just $999, you can snag yourself a piece of tech glamour that's sure to turn heads. But wait, there's more! You can customize your MacBook Air to fit your budget and needs, whether you're a casual user or a power player.
The base model comes packed with an M1 chip featuring an 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU, along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD storage. But if you're feeling extra fabulous, why not upgrade to the higher-specced model for just $1,249? You'll get an extra core in the GPU and double the storage – talk about a fierce upgrade!
And darlings, let's talk value. Apple is serving up the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) for the same price as its predecessor, making it an unbeatable deal. Plus, it's giving those Windows 10 laptops a run for their money with its competitive price point.
So, whether you're strutting your stuff in the office or serving looks at the local café, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is your ticket to tech fabulousness. Don't let outdated laptops cramp your style – unleash your inner diva with the sassiest laptop on the block!
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Design
Alright, darlings, brace yourselves because we're about to spill the tea on Apple's MacBook Air M1 (2020). You might be thinking, "But it looks the same as before!" Well, buckle up, honey, because there's more to this MacBook than meets the eye.
Apple is known for its sleek designs, but with the MacBook Air (M1, 2020), they've pulled a sneaky one. While it flaunts the same familiar look, it's like a glamorous secret party happening on the inside. The M1 chip, combined with macOS Big Sur, is the real MVP here, making this MacBook a tech powerhouse.
But let's address the elephant in the room – the lack of a jaw-dropping makeover. Don't get us wrong; the MacBook Air's classic design is iconic. Yet, it leaves us yearning for a little more runway drama. The dimensions and weight are on a constant rewind, reminding us of its predecessors.
Now, here's where it gets spicy. The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is now fanless, making it the silent diva of laptops. No more noisy fans, darling. It's a treat for your ears, even though it didn't shed any weight in the process. Size-zero dreams shattered, but the silence is golden.
Open it up, and you're greeted with the beloved Magic Keyboard. It's flat, it's tactile, it's everything. The Touch ID button is there, and let's just say it’s the Beyoncé of fingerprint scanners – flawless.
The screen is like a loyal friend – still 13.3 inches with a Retina display, but now supporting the P3 wide color gamut. For all you creators out there, this MacBook Air is throwing a P3 party, and you're invited. The thick bezels, though, are like last season's fashion – a little dated. Huawei might be winning in the design department. Shocking, right?
Now, let's talk about the webcam – the unsung hero of virtual meetings. It's the same old 720p FaceTime webcam. Apple, sweetie, it's time for a glow-up. The M1 chip claims to work some magic, but we're still waiting for that 1080p glam.
Port-wise, it's déjà vu with two Thunderbolt 3 ports. At least Apple didn’t snatch those away with the M1 makeover. Thunderbolt 3 is still here, darling, and it's fabulous.
The MacBook Air M1 (2020) might not have changed its outfit, but the tech revolution happening inside is the real showstopper. Is it a slay? Absolutely. Is it a nay? Only if you're all about the exterior. Either way, this MacBook Air knows how to make an entrance – silent or not, it's stealing the spotlight. Werk it, MacBook!
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Display
In the dazzling world of tech, the Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is our VIP guest. Picture a 13.3-inch Retina Display, a sassy 2,560 by 1,600 pixels – not 4K, but just the right amount of drama. The bezels might not be runway-ready slim, but they're working it.
True Tone technology is the diva move, setting the display's mood lighting to match your surroundings. It's like having your personal lighting crew, darling. And don't even think about touching it – touch technology is reserved for Apple's phones and tablets. The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) keeps its cool without a touchy-feely moment.
This MacBook Air is your reliable bestie in the tech world. It might not have all the flashy extras, but who needs them when you're this fabulous? Until Apple decides to give us a touchy moment, we'll keep sashaying with our MacBook Air – the true tech royalty.
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Performance
Get ready for a backstage pass into the glam world of the MacBook Air (M1, 2020). This tech marvel, driven by the powerful M1 chip, is here to dazzle and redefine your laptop experience.
From the get-go, the MacBook Air impresses with its rapid boot, courtesy of the M1 chip.
Running on Big Sur, the interface undergoes a chic transformation with vibrant colors and a cleaner design, including a revamped Control Center inspired by its iOS counterpart.
A seamless transition awaits your apps, thanks to the magic of Rosetta 2. Whether they're tailored for the M1 chip or carry the legacy of Intel, these applications waltz effortlessly on the MacBook Air's stage.
But that's not all – iOS apps join the party, turning your MacBook into a formidable gaming machine. From feature-rich apps to graphically impressive games, the MacBook Air's performance is nothing short of a showstopper.
Speaking of performance, this laptop dances through tasks with grace and speed. Juggling multiple apps, transferring hefty files – it handles it all with flair. Yet, it's not without a hint of drama. Without fans to cool the stage, there's a potential for throttling during intense performances. Enter the MacBook Pro 13-inch with fans, claiming a lead in prolonged, demanding tasks.
However, in our tests, the MacBook Air demonstrated that it can closely rival the Pro without breaking a sweat. The dazzling display, potent performance, and an enticing price tag make the MacBook Air a formidable contender, even challenging the Pro's spotlight for video editing tasks.
The Air emerges not just as a laptop but as a tech diva. Its speed, style, and sass make it the reigning queen of the scene. Whether you're conquering the tech runway or editing videos, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is the one for you!
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Battery Life
Sorry... got distracted by the picture... Ok, now let's get back to the Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) – the latest sensation in town. We're diving into the deets, and trust us, it's not your typical tech review. So buckle up, and let's dish out the sassiest scoop on this sleek tech diva.
Now, darlings, let’s talk about the real MVP of the MacBook Air – its battery life. Apple promised us a power-efficient "Apple silicon," and boy, did it deliver! The MacBook Air flaunts the longest battery life ever seen in a MacBook – up to 15 hours of web browsing and a jaw-dropping 18 hours of video playback. Yes, you heard it right – it's practically the Energizer Bunny of laptops!
Our own glam test confirmed what Apple claimed. After a few hours of slaying work (and some fierce web browsing... don't ask), the battery barely budged. Even if you forget it on standby for a day, that battery level stays serving high voltage glam.
In our official battery runway, where we looped a 1080p video at 50% brightness until the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) cried "lights out," it lasted a dazzling 11 hours and 15 minutes. That's more impressive than a diva quick-change backstage!
And honey, it outshined the previous model by a landslide (7 hours 55 minutes), leaving the latest Dell XPS 13 trailing behind (11 hours 1 minute). You can strut through a full workday (and then some) without searching for that charging cable. Although, let's be real, the battery might drop a bit quicker if you're pushing this MacBook to its fierce limits.
Sure, it doesn't quite snatch the crown from its sibling, the 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1, 2020), with its colossal 13 hours and 22 minutes. But seriously, who's complaining? The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is a battery powerhouse – long live the glam without the plug drama!
Serving up power and pizzazz. With battery life that outlasts the fiercest tech runway, it's a stunner that won't leave you stranded. Charge it up, slay your day, and remember – the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is not just a laptop; it's a tech crown for the fabulous!
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