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Real World MacBook Air M2 Review
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Real World MacBook Air M2 Review
Why did I buy the MacBook Air M2?
I had the M1 MacBook Air, 8GB RAM 512GB SSD. I back up my photos by downloading all of the originals to my hard drive. Yes an expensive proposition, and yes I can get a portable SSD, but I want it done automatically from iCloud. I had about 40GB left so it was time for a new machine, plus my oldest son is a HS senior so the M1 Air will serve him well for a long time.
What model did I buy?
I figured I should buy a computer that should last a long time, so I went for the M2 in Midnight, with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD.
How did the set up process go?
It was normal per Apple standards. I didn't restore my time machine backup. I decided to set this up as new and download everything from iCloud.
How has the M2 been for normal usage?
In a word, spectacular. Its fast, there are no slowdowns. Im sure I bought more computer than I will need but I wanted something that would last. Other than an occasional video in iMovie, I am not doing any heavy duty video work. The speakers sound different than the M1, not better or worse, just different. I think they are somewhat louder too, especially if I am using the MacBook in clamshell mode.
Why didn't I spend a few more dollars and get a 14 inch M1 Pro, as is suggested by a lot of reviewers?
It would have been a waste of money for me. Everything I need to do with a computer, I will get done on the M2 MacBook Air.
I had the M1 MacBook Air, 8GB RAM 512GB SSD. I back up my photos by downloading all of the originals to my hard drive. Yes an expensive proposition, and yes I can get a portable SSD, but I want it done automatically from iCloud. I had about 40GB left so it was time for a new machine, plus my oldest son is a HS senior so the M1 Air will serve him well for a long time.
What model did I buy?
I figured I should buy a computer that should last a long time, so I went for the M2 in Midnight, with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD.
How did the set up process go?
It was normal per Apple standards. I didn't restore my time machine backup. I decided to set this up as new and download everything from iCloud.
How has the M2 been for normal usage?
In a word, spectacular. Its fast, there are no slowdowns. Im sure I bought more computer than I will need but I wanted something that would last. Other than an occasional video in iMovie, I am not doing any heavy duty video work. The speakers sound different than the M1, not better or worse, just different. I think they are somewhat louder too, especially if I am using the MacBook in clamshell mode.
Why didn't I spend a few more dollars and get a 14 inch M1 Pro, as is suggested by a lot of reviewers?
It would have been a waste of money for me. Everything I need to do with a computer, I will get done on the M2 MacBook Air.
James_C
macrumors 68030
Sep 13, 2002
2,653
1,470
Bristol, UK
I think you have made a great choice, if you don’t need the sustained performance when pushed that the MBP can deliver. The 16GB / 1TB M2 Air is a great machine.
Reactions:
Markgnyc2
Thanks for taking the time to give an honest hands on review. I hope you enjoy your new M2.
Reactions:
Markgnyc2
atownguy
macrumors member
Apr 22, 2020
Nice! Are you happy you went with the midnight color?Why did I buy the MacBook Air M2?
I had the M1 MacBook Air, 8GB RAM 512GB SSD. I back up my photos by downloading all of the originals to my hard drive. Yes an expensive proposition, and yes I can get a portable SSD, but I want it done automatically from iCloud. I had about 40GB left so it was time for a new machine, plus my oldest son is a HS senior so the M1 Air will serve him well for a long time.
What model did I buy?
I figured I should buy a computer that should last a long time, so I went for the M2 in Midnight, with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD.
How did the set up process go?
It was normal per Apple standards. I didn't restore my time machine backup. I decided to set this up as new and download everything from iCloud.
How has the M2 been for normal usage?
In a word, spectacular. Its fast, there are no slowdowns. Im sure I bought more computer than I will need but I wanted something that would last. Other than an occasional video in iMovie, I am not doing any heavy duty video work. The speakers sound different than the M1, not better or worse, just different. I think they are somewhat louder too, especially if I am using the MacBook in clamshell mode.
Why didn't I spend a few more dollars and get a 14 inch M1 Pro, as is suggested by a lot of reviewers?
It would have been a waste of money for me. Everything I need to do with a computer, I will get done on the M2 MacBook Air.
1BadManVan
macrumors demi-god
Dec 20, 2009
1,762
1,463
Bc Canada
excellent to hear! I ordered this configuration and colour. Still a few weeks out as it took me forever to decide between this m1 and an xps 13. Feeling pretty good about my decision, same thing, the spec is a bit overkill for me but I want to hold onto it for a long time.Why did I buy the MacBook Air M2?
I had the M1 MacBook Air, 8GB RAM 512GB SSD. I back up my photos by downloading all of the originals to my hard drive. Yes an expensive proposition, and yes I can get a portable SSD, but I want it done automatically from iCloud. I had about 40GB left so it was time for a new machine, plus my oldest son is a HS senior so the M1 Air will serve him well for a long time.
What model did I buy?
I figured I should buy a computer that should last a long time, so I went for the M2 in Midnight, with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD.
How did the set up process go?
It was normal per Apple standards. I didn't restore my time machine backup. I decided to set this up as new and download everything from iCloud.
How has the M2 been for normal usage?
In a word, spectacular. Its fast, there are no slowdowns. Im sure I bought more computer than I will need but I wanted something that would last. Other than an occasional video in iMovie, I am not doing any heavy duty video work. The speakers sound different than the M1, not better or worse, just different. I think they are somewhat louder too, especially if I am using the MacBook in clamshell mode.
Why didn't I spend a few more dollars and get a 14 inch M1 Pro, as is suggested by a lot of reviewers?
It would have been a waste of money for me. Everything I need to do with a computer, I will get done on the M2 MacBook Air.
Love the color. The fingerprint issue is real but so far it hasn’t bothered me all that much. On my desk it almost looks like a darker shade of space gray. In other light it looks blue.Nice! Are you happy you went with the midnight color?
I got lucky on launch day, they had this model in stock early in the morning while looking online. You are going to love it.excellent to hear! I ordered this configuration and colour. Still a few weeks out as it took me forever to decide between this m1 and an xps 13. Feeling pretty good about my decision, same thing, the spec is a bit overkill for me but I want to hold onto it for a long time.
Midnight is the best colour imo, but you will have never ending finger prints, almost impossible to get off even with apples polishing cloth, and they are back within 5 minutes of use.
So imo you just have to like the look of fingerprints 24/7, if not don't buy midnight.
My review after 1 week, base model is a rip at $1900AUD v M1 at $1500 and it's faster lol. Not worth paying $450 more for a 8/512GB when long term you will really need 16GB, then you are at 14" price with:
WAY better screen
Way better speakers
PROmotion = deal breaker
Ports if needed or not but good to have.
Forget about if you need power, apple pro doesn't mean pro user look at the iPads.
Returned.
So imo you just have to like the look of fingerprints 24/7, if not don't buy midnight.
My review after 1 week, base model is a rip at $1900AUD v M1 at $1500 and it's faster lol. Not worth paying $450 more for a 8/512GB when long term you will really need 16GB, then you are at 14" price with:
WAY better screen
Way better speakers
PROmotion = deal breaker
Ports if needed or not but good to have.
Forget about if you need power, apple pro doesn't mean pro user look at the iPads.
Returned.
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