Overview
The 2022 MacBook Air (MLY33LL/A) with the Apple M2 chip is a thin and powerful ultraportable laptop. Weighing just below 3 pounds and featuring a 13.6-inch Retina display with a high-resolution of 2560 x 1664, it offers very vibrant visuals. The M2 chip, with its 8-core CPU it delivers impressive performance for multitasking and creative tasks and is complimented by the support of 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD. It does have connectivity options which includes two Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C ports but lacks the traditional USB-A ports. The laptop boasts excellent battery life, ideal for all-day use, and features a backlit Magic Keyboard which is just amazing to use in low light conditions and responsive trackpad. Running macOS Monterey, it integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices.
While storage and memory might be limiting for some power users, the MacBook Air remains a top choice for those seeking a high-performing, portable, and stylish laptop.
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Pros:
- Superb and sleek design.
- Long life battery.
- Very bright display.
Cons:
- Very expensive for its performance.
Specifications of Apple MacBook air 13.6 M2
- Screen Size: 13.6 inches
- Model: XPS9530-7701SLV-PUS
- Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1664
- Processor: Apple M2
- Storage: 256GB
- Memory and Type: 8GB, DDR4
- Graphics: Apple M2 8-core
- Operating System: macOS Monterey 12
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Dimensions: 0.44 inches*11.97 inches*8.46 inches
- Product Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Price: About $1000
Apple MacBook air 13.6: A perfect laptop for professionals
Design and Build Quality and Display
The MacBook Air M2 retains its iconic slim profile like its predecessors, measuring just 0.44 inches in height, 11.97 inches in width, and 8.46 inches in depth, and weighing a mere 2.7 pounds which is great and any weight below 3lbs make it very light and portable. The new Midnight color variant which is available adds a touch of elegance, appealing to users who desire a modern and professional look. These color options have a separate class in looks compared to its rivals. The aluminum unibody construction ensures durability while maintaining a lightweight design and also makes sure that its build is up to mark.
The 13.6-inch Retina display is one of the unique features of this MacBook Air. The display helps in portability but does feel a little small for watching movies. With a resolution of 2560 x 1664, it delivers some really exceptional visuals, making it ideal for creative professionals and media consumption. It’s display has made it into our Best Laptops For Graduate Student. The display’s color accuracy and high brightness levels enhance the viewing experience, whether you are editing photos, watching videos, or working on detailed documents. However, the absence of touch screen functionality might be a drawback for those who prefer touch-based interactions.
Performance
At the heart of the MacBook Air is Apple’s M2 chip, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. The M2 chip boasts an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, delivering impressive performance for a wide range of tasks related to office work like MS office or content creation. Whether you are multitasking, running complex applications, or editing high-resolution videos, the M2 chip handles everything with ease. The integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) further enhances performance, particularly for machine learning tasks and AI-driven applications. But it is not suitable for gaming. Because of this great office level performance, so we have included it in our best laptops for working from home.
The 8GB of DDR4 RAM ensures smooth performance during multitasking, although power users who run memory-intensive applications might find the memory capacity limiting. For most everyday tasks, from browsing the web to streaming content or even most of content creation work, the MacBook Air provides a seamless and responsive experience.
Storage and Graphics
The 256GB SSD offers fast boot times and quick access to files, which is crucial for productivity. However, the storage capacity might be insufficient for users who deal with large files or extensive libraries and applications for design or creative works. Fortunately, the Thunderbolt 4 ports allow for high-speed data sharing with external storage, providing a workaround for those who require additional storage.
The integrated Apple M2 8-core GPU delivers considerable graphics performance, suitable for light gaming, photo editing and other not-so graphics-intensive tasks. While it’s not designed to compete with high-end discrete GPUs, it offers a commendable balance of power and efficiency, making it ideal for most users who need reliable and basic graphics performance without compromising battery life.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The MacBook Air features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which support high-speed data transfer, external displays, and charging. This is really important for data transfer due to its limited storage. Additionally, the two USB-C ports expand connectivity options, although the absence of USB-A ports might necessitate the use of adapters for older peripherals. Wireless connectivity is top-notch with support for the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards, ensuring fast and reliable connections.
One of the defining features of the MacBook Air has always been its impressive battery life, this model is no exception. The lithium-polymer battery, combined with the energy-efficient M2 chip, provides all-day battery life, making it a perfect companion for users who need to work away from power outlets. Whether you are traveling, working remotely, or simply moving around the office, the MacBook Air’s battery life won’t let you down.
Camera and Audio
For video conferencing for working people or students, the MacBook Air includes a front-facing camera, which, while not specified, typically provides 720p resolution. It is not the best resolution compared to the many laptops with 1080p resolution camera. The camera quality is adequate for video calls and virtual meetings, although it might not meet the expectations of users looking for high-resolution video capabilities.
The built-in microphone and speakers deliver clear audio, enhanced by Apple’s audio technology, ensuring that you can communicate effectively and enjoy media content without the need for external devices. This also helps during remote work or video conferencing.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The backlit keyboard is a pleasure to use, offering comfortable key travel and quiet operation. Apple’s Magic Keyboard has been well-received for its typing experience, and this model continues that trend. The large trackpad is highly responsive, supporting a range of multi-touch gestures that enhance productivity and navigation.
Software and Ecosystem
Running macOS Monterey 12, the MacBook Air benefits from Apple’s seamless integration with other Apple devices and services present in its ecosystem. Features like Handoff, Continuity, and Universal Control enhance the user experience, especially for those already invested in the Apple ecosystem. The operating system is intuitive, secure, and packed with features that cater to both casual users and professionals. Its user interface is amazing. It also doesn’t have a lack of applications for its operating system as it is the second largest OS for PC.
Conclusion
The Apple MacBook Air 13.6″ M2(MLY33LL/A) is a typical Mac laptop that combines a lightweight design, effective and sufficient performance, and exceptional display quality. The Apple M2 chip is a game-changer, delivering significant improvements in speed and efficiency, making the MacBook Air a versatile machine suitable for a wide range of tasks. Its lightweight and durable design makes it ideal for mobile professionals, students, and anyone who values portability without sacrificing performance and can spend a few extra bucks for its elegance. We have hence included this in our blog on Best Laptops For Computer Science Students under $1000. The Retina display, with its sharp and vibrant visuals, enhances the overall user experience, while the long battery life ensures you can work or play for extended periods without needing to recharge.
But is you are a gamer or if you want a high performance workstation laptop, this is not for you. If you are looking for a value for money laptop then this will mostly be out of your budget and is definitely not for you.