While the new M3 model is great, last year’s 15-inch MacBook Air remains an excellent choice — especially at this new all-time-low price.
For the longest time, Apple’s MacBook lineup was in a bit of disarray. Choosing the right model primarily boiled down to budget and display preference, but if you wanted a larger screen, you’d have to pay up for a Pro model, even if the extra power and ports were unnecessary. For most user applications, it’s overkill.
The design of the MacBook is sleek and modern, with elements like flat edges, the camera notch, and MagSafe charging that have trickled down from Apple’s higher-end laptops. What wasn’t carried over was the extra ports and slots for HDMI and SD cards. (You won’t get those aspects on the new M3 model either.)
Comparing the port selection between the 15-inch MacBook Air (left) and the 16-inch MacBook Pro (right).
I get it: This is a MacBook Air, not a MacBook Pro. But something just feels off about having more real estate yet the same amount of ports as the previous, smaller model. For reference, the count is two left-aligned USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the right. An additional USB-C on the right side is all I really ask for. That way, charging the MacBook doesn’t always feel like a game of tug-of-war with my outlet.
