Apple’s New MacBook Air Brings the Machine in Line with Pro

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The MacBook Pro received a much-needed keyboard update last year. The new model has a scissor-switch mechanism, like the old MacBook Pro. Reviewers have loved it. Apple also made it a bit thicker for better cooling, understanding that performance is more important to pro users than shaving off a few millimeters. Now they’re giving a similar treatment to the MacBook Air.

The Keyboard’s Fixed

It’s about time, isn’t it? The keyboard on the MacBook Air is now an Air version of the 16″ MacBook Pro keyboard. The MacBook Air doesn’t have the Touch Bar, which some would still prefer, but does have the new features of the MacBook Pro keyboard. This includes the scissor switch mechanism with 1mm of travel. That’s more than the previous keyboard. Apple also replaced the awful arrow keys with the inverted ‘T’ shape, which will make them easier to find as you’re navigating anything. You’ll also find Touch ID in the upper right corner.

More Power

The new MacBook Air laptops come with Intel’s latest 10th generation i3 and i5 processors. These are low clock speeds, so the MacBook Air can be as thin and light as possible without using up too much power. The base clock rate on the i3 is 1.1GHz. It’s also only dual core. Fortunately, it does have turbo boost, which takes it up to a highly respectable 3.2GHz when the task calls for more power. That’s definitely a large jump, and likely why these processors still feel so snappy, despite that lower base clock speed. You can configure it with a 1.2GHz quad-core i5 with Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz, which I think more frequent computer users will prefer. If you only use your machine for taking notes and web browsing, the base configuration will be fine.

Apple also upgraded the graphics with Intel’s latest Iris integrated units. The new MacBook Air might not sound very powerful, but it’s packing enough for most folks and does so in such a small package.

Memory sits at 8GB on the base level, which I don’t think will be enough for people who are a little scatterbrained. If you find yourself frequently with more than 15 tabs open in a browser, email, chat, and other apps open, you’re going to want to upgrade to the 16GB model. I use an absurd amount of memory when working (app development is tough on a machine), and 16GB barely cuts it on my work machine. My home computer’s 32GB is much more comfortable. 8GB is enough for some light blogging, word processing, maybe some light photo work, emails, texting, and those kind of activities.

More Storage

The default storage is up to 256GB, and the MacBook Air can get up to 2TB of storage (8x the base model’s storage). This will be great for people who use their MacBook for storing videos and photos, but don’t want to manage external drives and backups of those external drives. The storage is all solid state, so it’s incredibly fast and durable.

MacBook Air: The People’s MacBook

For most people, the power, portability, and new keyboard on the MacBook makes it an easy choice. With up to 2TB of storage, you don’t have to worry about clearing your drive very often, even if you’re a photo hoarder. Still, if you find yourself configuring it with the fastest processors and memory, you may want to go with the 13-inch MacBook Pro instead. However, if you do decide to do this, wait. The 13-inch MacBook Pro will likely receive a new update soon. It’ll go up to a 14-inch screen, and feature that new keyboard everyone loves. It is not wise to buy a 13-inch MacBook Pro right now, you will regret it. Either go for the 13-inch MacBook Air, the 16-inch MacBook Pro, or wait.

However, if you just want something to do a little light work on, some browsing, texting and chat, and photo organizing, the MacBook Air is your perfect companion. That is, unless you find the new iPad Pro more attractive.