Apple MacBook Air Review (M2, 2022): A Sassy Makeover or a Missed Opportunity?

by Max Summers published January 19, 2024

Photo by Yudhajit Ghosh on Unsplash

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) Overall Review

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Strut Your Stuff: The MacBook Air (M2, 2022) - Apple's Next Big Thing or Just a Pretty Face? While it serves some fierce upgrades like a sleek design, larger screen, and marathon-worthy battery life, it's playing hard to get with that hefty price tag. Consider it more of a challenger to the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and suddenly, it all clicks into place. Werk it, honey!

MacBook Air M2 2022 available on Amazon.com

Amazon.ca

Amazon.co.uk

Pros	Cons
+ Fabulous new design	- Serious sticker shock
+ Fierce performance	- New colors lack drama
+ Looong... battery life	- 2020 model is better value

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) Specs

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CPU:	Apple M2 (8-core)
Graphics:	Integrated 10-core GPU
RAM:	16GB Unified LPDDR5
Screen:	13.6-inch, 2,560 x 1,664 Liquid Retina display (backlit LED, IPS, 500 nits brightness, wide color P3 gamut)
Storage:	1TB SSD
Ports:	2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 charging port
Connectivity:	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
Camera:	1080p FaceTime HD webcam
Weight:	2.7 pounds (1.24kg)
Size:	11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches (30.41 x 21.5 x 1.13cm; W x D x H)

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) Short Review

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Hey tech divas, buckle up because we're going for a ride with the awesome MacBook Air (M2, 2022) – the talk of the tech speedway. Imagine if Apple had planned a MacBook Pro 13-inch with an M2 chip, but then threw us a curveball with a redesigned MacBook Air instead. It's like a fabulous plot twist in the world of tech glamour!

The MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is strutting its stuff with a larger screen, killer speakers, and a 1080p webcam that's snatching wigs left and right. Move over, MacBook Pro 13-inch – the Air is stealing the spotlight!

While we didn't get the pastel dreamboat we hoped for, the limited but oh-so-professional hues are giving us major CEO vibes. The MacBook Air (M2, 2022) launched with a price tag fit for a Pro, leaving us scratching our heads. But fear not, darling, because Apple dropped a bomb at WWDC 2023 – a 15-inch MacBook Air with the Apple M2 and a sweet $100 price cut for the MacBook Air (M2, 2022). Now, that's what we call a redemption arc!

But let's spill some realness here. The MacBook Pro 13-inch is rocking the same old design, while the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) got a glow-up. Apple, sweetie, did you miss a memo? Still, the MacBook Air has big shoes to fill, aiming to dethrone its predecessor, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020), a reigning champion for two fab years.

So, does the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) snatch the crown? It's got the looks, honey – a sleek design that enlarges the screen while shedding some pounds. The webcam is serving 1080p realness, and with the M2 chip, it's ready to slay the performance game.

While the MacBook Pro 13-inch stays stuck in its old look, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) struts in with a new vibe and the same M2 chip as its pricier sibling. Offering almost identical performance, a larger, brighter screen, and a lower price tag – it's like a tech fairy tale, darling.

But, and there's always a but, the new MacBook Air's higher starting price of $1,199 (£1,249) stings a bit. We miss the good old days when the M1 MacBook Air flaunted a more affordable price tag. Apple seems to get it, as they're keeping the M1 model in the game for those on a budget.

So, if you were eyeing the MacBook Pro 13-inch, darling, reconsider and go for the MacBook Air (M2, 2022). It's the Cinderella of the Apple lineup, stealing the spotlight from its older sibling. But alas, it's not a universal recommendation – that price tag is a runway hurdle for many.

So, my tech queens, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is a fierce contender, but it's not a one-size-fits-all fairy godmother. Time to weigh your tech priorities, embrace the glam, and strut into the digital realm with the sassiest MacBook in town. Werk it, hunty!

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) Price + Availability

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Apple dropped this bombshell at the WWDC 2022, but honey, the wait was real. Now that it's finally strutting its stuff, let's spill the tea on the sassiest laptop on the block.

But darling, let's talk popularity – this MacBook Air is the Beyoncé of laptops. Sure, there are some stock hiccups causing delays, but trust us, it's worth the wait. Now, about that price tag – it's like the cost of a fancy brunch, starting at $1,199 (£1,249/AU$1,899). The M1-based Air is still strutting its stuff at $999, but for the scholarly crowd, it's a steal at $899.

Storage	US Price	UK Price	AU Price
128GB	$999	£999	AU$1,849
256GB	$1,099	£1,099	AU$2,049
512GB	$1,299	£1,299	AU$2,399
1TB	$1,499	£1,499	AU$2,749

Hold your MacBook Airs, because we need to address the elephant in the room – the price leap. Yes, it's understandable, but it's like buying the latest couture when you were all about thrift store chic. The 2020 MacBook Air spoiled us with low prices and top-notch performance, and now we're feeling a tad bougie.

Now, let's dissect this tech runway model. The base model of the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) packs an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 8GB of memory, and a sassy 256GB SSD storage. Meanwhile, its sibling, the M2 MacBook Pro 13-inch, starts at $1,299 – a bit like choosing between Versace and Gucci. The Air's got an 8-core GPU, and the Pro flaunts a 10-core GPU. Sure, the Pro wins in graphics, but the Air's no slouch – we'll spill the deets later.

Fast forward to WWDC 2023, and Apple decided to throw us a lifeline – a $100 discount on the MacBook Air (M2, 2022). Ding, ding, ding! Suddenly, it's like a flash sale on your favorite designer label – the value just got a major boost, making it a bit more budget-friendly than the M1 MacBook Air.

Apple threw us a curveball with that discount, turning the MacBook Air into the belle of the ball.

So, my tech darlings, whether you're Team MacBook Air or Team MacBook Pro, the M2 upgrade is a game-changer. It's like giving your laptop a fierce makeover with a sprinkle of discount magic. So, grab your MacBook Air (M2, 2022), and let's sashay into the future of tech glam.

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) Design

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Grab your glitter because we're about to sissy that walk with the MacBook Air (M2, 2022)! Apple, our fairy techmother, waved its magic wand and gave the MacBook Air a glow-up that's leaving us all gagged.

Picture this: the MacBook Air has shed its iconic wedge shape, and honey, it's serving looks. No more bulky borders and outdated screens – Apple slimmed down those bezels, making the MacBook Air look sleeker than ever. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina screen is brighter, bolder, and supports a billion colors. Move over, MacBook Pro 13-inch; the Air is stealing the spotlight with its larger and more vibrant display.

But, darlings, really? – the "notch." Yes, it's there, a diva drop-down into the menu bar. Some may call it controversial, but trust us, it's worth it. With a resolution bump to 2,560 x 1,664, the larger screen is a visual feast. The notch is the MacBook Air's quirky accessory, and we're here for it. Who needs ProMotion support when you've got a show-stopping display?

Now, let's talk about the MacBook Air's facelift. It's no longer a "wedge" but a uniform beauty, in line with Apple's chic designs. The colors may not be as vibrant as a pride parade, but Space Gray, Silver, Starlight, and Midnight Blue are serving sophistication. Midnight Blue, our personal favorite, is like the Louboutin of laptop hues – utterly fabulous.

And, honey, MagSafe is back! Charging is now a runway moment, accompanied by two Thunderbolt ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It's as slim and lightweight as your Insta crush, just 11mm thick and weighing 2.7 pounds. The MacBook Air (M2) is the supermodel of laptops.

Now, for the power queens, a 30W charger comes standard, but why settle for the basics? Upgrade to a 67W adapter for $59, and you'll be at 80% battery capacity in just 20 minutes. It's the ultimate power move for charging your iPhone, iPad, or any other devices simultaneously. Yes, queen!

In our fabulous opinion, the MacBook Air's redesign is a 10 – a triumph, a slay, a tech revolution. It's everything you'd want from a makeover – sleeker, sexier, and utterly irresistible. So, whether you're a tech guru or just a diva who wants the hottest laptop on the block, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is your ticket to tech stardom.

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) Display

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Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the sassiest details of this sleek and fabulous gadget!

A dazzling 2560x1664 resolution display that's sharper than your favorite drag queen's contour. At 500 nits, it's shining brighter than a disco ball and outshining its 2020 counterpart. Your images, videos, and websites will be serving looks on this screen – it's like having a front-row seat at a tech fashion show.

But, honey, we've got a bone to pick – the refresh rate. At 60Hz, it's like sipping a basic latte when you're used to a caramel macchiato. For a laptop with a minimum price tag of $1,200, we're craving that 120Hz smoothness. We want to scroll through memes with the grace of a runway model, not a leisurely stroll in the park. Can I get an amen?

Now, don't let the refresh rate be the Regina George of your MacBook Air experience. This gadget is still slaying in every other department. I mean, I used it as a second screen for watching baseball – multitasking goals, right? It might not be the flashiest performer, but the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is delivering a performance profile that's more delightful than a surprise discount at your favorite store.

To sum it up, the MacBook Air's display is like the queen of the tech ball – sharp, bright, and ready to steal the show. Sure, the refresh rate might be stuck in 60Hz land, but who needs speed when you've got sass? Whether you're a tech-savvy guru or just a fabulous queen looking for a chic laptop, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is here to make a statement. So, snatch one up and let your tech runway moment begin!

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) Performance

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The MacBook Air flaunts the M2 System on Chip (SoC), Apple's second-gen chip promising an 18% faster CPU, a 35% faster 10-core GPU, and a 40% speedier neural engine. Upgrade to a 10-core GPU if you want to unleash the full glam power.

During our hot date with the MacBook Air, it performed like a superstar. The macOS Monterey boots faster than you can say "werk it," and with the 16GB unified memory, multitasking feels like strutting on the runway. Browsing? Fast. Typing up docs on the slightly narrower, yet chic keyboard? Comfortable AF.

With more apps serving M1 and M2 realness, your favorites run brilliantly. Adobe and Microsoft? Slaying. And for the stubborn ones, Rosetta 2 works its magic, making them play nice with the M2 chip.

The MacBook Air boasts a fanless design, giving you a silent, runway-ready experience. But don't underestimate the Pro – it rarely breaks a sweat, suggesting it's a boss at sustained performance for heavyweight tasks. Yet, for everyday glam, the Air steals the show.

Our benchmark tests said it all – the MacBook Air and Pro 13-inch are fierce competitors. Single-core performance? Identical. Multi-core? Pro edges slightly, but with the Air's new design, larger screen, and lower price, it's like choosing couture over basics.

In a twist of fate, it seems the MacBook Pro 13-inch got outshone by its sassy sibling, the MacBook Air. The Air's new look, bigger screen, and similar performance make it the belle of the ball. Sorry, Pro – looks like you got upstaged on your own runway.

So, darlings, if you're after sass, speed, and a runway-ready laptop that won't break the bank, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is your go-to glam gadget. Strut confidently into the future of tech!"

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) Battery Life

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Get ready to dive into the glamorous world of MacBook Air (M2, 2022), where sass meets serious battery goals. This tech diva, powered by the M2 chip, doesn't just perform; it outshines the competition with its jaw-dropping 16-hour battery life.

Comparing it to its sibling, the MacBook Pro 13-inch, the Air takes the crown by lasting 30 minutes longer. Remember the M1 MacBook Air? Well, the M2 version says, "Hold my cocktail" and pushes the battery life to a dazzling 16 hours, leaving its predecessor in the dust.

What does this mean for you? Picture strutting through your workday, attending meetings, browsing, and creating without a care in the world about finding the nearest power outlet. Take it on a long flight, and it still has juice left for more. The MacBook Air (M2, 2022) offers freedom – the freedom to slay without being tethered.

When the time comes to recharge, the more potent charger acts like a quick espresso shot for your laptop. The MagSafe connection, with its fabulous magnetic touch, makes plugging in a breeze. Accidentally yanked it out? No drama, no damage. Just reconnect and keep shining. USB-C charging is in the mix too, perfect for those on-the-go moments.

In the world where performance meets endurance, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) reigns supreme. It's not just a laptop; it's a lifestyle. So, if you're after a tech companion that stays lit all day and brings the sass, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is your glittery ticket to fabulousness. Strut on, you tech trailblazer!