🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 8 (from laksa165)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa008.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.space.com/macbook-air-m1-review\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.space.com/macbook-air-m1-review\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review","crawl_time":1775059149,"first_indexed_time":1649154718,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,space!www,\/macbook-air-m1-review s443","src_root_hash":"7770394665477845008","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"MacBook Air M1 review | Space","meta_descriptions":["Apple’s MacBook Air M1 is the perfect mix of power and portability. Read our review to find out why."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Apple’s M1 chip gives the MacBook Air new life, making its most portable laptop an even more powerful one too.\nPros\n+\nIncredible battery life\n+\nSlim notebook design\n+\nCan run iOS apps\nCons\n-\nNo design refresh\n-\nCamera still only 720p\nWhy you can trust Space.com\nOur expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.\nFind out more about how we test and review products.\nApple’s MacBook Air is the company’s most popular laptop, and yet it felt like it had been forgotten about for a while. Aside from spec bumps every now and again, the MacBook Air, as light and portable as it is, was swept aside by the MacBook Pro on one side and the iPad Pro on the other.\nThe good news is that the M1 chip makes this latest 2020 model the best MacBook Air there’s ever been, with a wealth of performance improvements that extend the battery life, too.\nKey specs\nPrice:\nStarting at $999\nScreen size:\n13.3-inch\nWeight:\n2.8 lbs (1.27 kg)\nMemory:\n8GB as standard, configurable up to 16GB\nBattery life:\nup to 15 hours wireless web browsing\nStorage:\n256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB versions\nOperating system:\nmacOS Big Sur\nDisplay:\nRetina display with 2560 x 1600 resolution, 227 pixels per inch. 400 nits brightness.\nCPU:\nApple M1 chip 8-core CPU\nGraphics:\nM1 includes 7-core GPU\nPorts:\ntwo USC-C ports (USB 4 support)\nWhile we’d have liked a bit more pizazz on the outside, and a better built-in camera, it’s fair to say that the M1 helps the MacBook Air hit new heights – finally hitting its potential for a powerful notebook you take anywhere.\nLatest Videos From Space\nThere are some concerns about the longevity of its fan-less design, but that does help it remain silent during use – whether you’re touching up images, wrangling audio, or even editing video. You’ll no doubt want to splash out for the MacBook Pro for heavier workloads, but many creatives will still love what’s on offer here.\nApple has finally exorcised the demons from its laptops by reverting to scissor switch keyboards, but there are only two ports to be found here – that can make it a tougher prospect if you rely on connecting external displays as well as docking stations and the like. But for a laptop you can grab while sitting on the couch, the train, or at the coffee shop, there really is nothing better.\nMacBook Air M1 review: Design\n(Image credit: Future)\nAvailable in Gold, Silver, or Space Gray\nScissor switch keyboard\nThin design, but feels dated\nThe M1 MacBook Air looks, well, just like the Intel-based MacBook Air. There’s an argument that the design of Apple’s laptops have a classic appeal to them, all aluminum casing and glossy logo (still no light-up logo, sadly), but the MacBook Air, for the most part, resembles what Steve Jobs pulled from an envelope all those years ago.\nThere’s still that contentious black bezel around the 13.3-inch display, with the MacBook Air logo proudly displayed beneath it, and a FaceTime camera that’s still, in 2022, 720p. The keyboard, now comprised of scissor switches, offers excellent travel, and the trackpad remains industry leading for control and gestures.\nDiscover this week’s must-see night sky events, moon phases, and stunning astrophotos. Sign up for our skywatching newsletter and explore the universe with us!\nAs before, the base of the laptop is a “wedge”, with the front considerably slimmer than the back, but balanced with small “feet” underneath. On the left side, you’ll find two USB-C ports that are USB 4.0 compatible, and on the right-hand side, you’ll find just a headphone jack.\nSpeakers flank the keyboard, too, and they offer impressive depth given the svelte chassis they’re in, and there’s a TouchID fingerprint sensor in the top-right corner of the keyboard for unlocking the device or using Apple Pay.\nMacBook Air M1 review: Performance & features\n(Image credit: Future)\nM1 chip allows for iOS and iPadOS compatibility\nHuge battery life improvements\nInstant wake from sleep\nOn the inside, it’s all change for the MacBook Air this time around. The M1 chip leans on Apple’s now decade-and-a-half knowledge of manufacturing its own iPhone processors.\nNot only does it replace multiple components at once to save space, but doing so increases both performance and battery life. On prior Intel-based machines, the CPU, GPU and other components would copy data between each other, spending energy while also requiring more resources. Now, everything is in the same spot, so copying is much less common which saves energy and maintains performance over long periods.\nWith an 8 core CPU, the M1 MacBook Air is three-and-a-half times faster than the prior Intel version, which opens up more opportunities for budding creatives, or even more accomplished ones, to use the laptop for image manipulation or video editing.\nThe M1 also offers impressive gaming performance. Sure, Macs will never play as hard as Windows PCs, but if you’re an Apple Arcade subscriber, a Football Manager addict, or even a League of Legends enthusiast, you’ll be more than catered for here.\n(Image credit: Future)\nOne of the most impressive advances is just how quickly the MacBook Air can wake and be ready to work. Because in many ways it’s inspired by the iPhone and iPad, you can leave it in a sleep state and it’ll be instantly ready when you open the lid or hit a key. Worried about battery life? Don’t be – in testing we were able to eke out an incredible 15-hours of work and play – streaming Spotify audio, listening to podcasts, editing Google Docs, and firing off emails.\nAs we noted in our M1 MacBook Pro review, Apple’s also got compatibility sussed when it comes to the M1. As your apps aren’t necessarily M1 optimized, the MacBook Air uses a translation layer called Rosetta 2 that kicks in the first time you open an app, in the background. You won’t notice it, but it recompiles your app to make it run on M1, and you’ll see no performance loss because of it. Of course, if your app has been updated to take advantage of the M1, you can expect even smoother performance.\nOn the subject of compatibility, the M1 Mac can run many iOS and iPadOS apps now. That makes it easier to access your bank without going through websites, or order food from a faster, easier-to-use system. We’re excited to find more apps that make use of the feature.\nSadly, as with the M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch, the camera really does let the side down. With so much of the world still relying on video calling, it’s disappointing to have to use a 720p camera.\nMacBook Air M1 review: Image editing\nPhotoshop optimized for M1\nNo fans means silent operating\nRetina screen showing its age perhaps\nIf you’re used to the fans in prior Mac models spinning up when trying to complete more demanding tasks, you’ll be pleased to know that the M1 MacBook Air doesn’t have fans. That means it’s silent when running, and while there is a question over how this will affect it in the long run, Apple is using an aluminum heat spreader that dissipates the heat internally. So, if you’re editing video in Final Cut Pro, you’ll be able to do so without cranking up the volume.\n(Image credit: Future)\nPhotographers have it even better, too. Adobe and Serif both jumped on board with M1 immediately, which means Photoshop and Affinity Photo are already native apps, seeing huge speed boosts on editing layer to layer, or making sweeping changes to a project. If you like to edit on location, that additional battery life will feel like a game-changer, but you will need a dongle to get your shots across.\nOur only small gripe is that, compared to the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, the Retina display on the M1 just feels\nflat.\nIt’s accurate, sure, but compared to the XDR display offered on those notebooks, it just feels like we’ve been spoiled when coming back.\nMacBook Air M1 Review: User reviews\nAmazon’s user reviews are pretty unanimous with praise for the M1, with a\n4.8 out of 5 star rating\nacross 13,823 reviews at time of writing. Positive reviews praise the MacBook Air M1 for its stylish design, small form factor, and great performance.\nThere are some complaints though, with some users stating that 8GB of RAM may be insufficient for more complex projects – and we’d tend to agree.  While the 8GB version we tested is breezy in the majority of tasks, anyone looking to take on larger scale edits of photos and video may want to look at the MacBook Pro instead. \nOthers have issues (understandably) with the webcam and shallow keyboard, while others would have preferred a few more ports.\nMacBook Air M1 Review: Price & Warranty\nThe entry level model of the MacBook Air M1 (256GB storage) costs $999. You can also upgrade to one of the higher tier models with 512GB storage, which also adds an extra core to the CPU for a little power boost.\nLaptops are difficult to upgrade once you've purchased them, and Apple laptops doubly so, so make sure you think about what you need before you purchase. If storage does turn out to be an issue later though, you can always buy an external hard drive.\nShould you buy the MacBook Air M1?\nThe MacBook Air finally has a processor that brings out the best parts of it, making it much more portable and much more powerful.\nThe M1 is a huge improvement over the Intel-based version, and while you’ll need to go for a MacBook Pro for more ports and higher headroom, the vast majority of laptop customers will have everything they need right here.\nThat said, it’s quite likely the design could be updated this year, so it may be worth holding out for a little longer.\nIf this product isn’t for you\nIf you want more ports, more power, and a better webcam, the\nMacBook Pro 13-inch\nis excellent – but it’s also significantly more expensive with prices starting at $1299.\nAs noted above, we’d consider holding out to see what 2022 brings, because the MacBook Air remains Apple’s lowest priced laptop, but it’s still not cheap.\nIf you'd rather look at a Windows laptop for your photo editing needs, then we'd recommend checking out the\nMicrosoft Surface Laptop 4\n. This stylish laptop from Microsoft is cheaper than the MacBook Air at its base price, and offers similar performance.\nYou can also consider the\nDell XPS 15\nif you're ok getting a slightly bigger laptop - it's not as light and portable, but the trade off is that it's more powerful and offers a bigger screen, which is ideal for photo editing and other creative tasks.\nShare your thoughts\n0\n0\n0\n0\nJoin the community\nJoin the Space.com Family! The best way to keep in touch and to be informed of our latest quizzes and competitions, as well as news and offers.\nAlready have an account?\nLog in\nLog In\nForgotten your password?\nReset it\nNot got an account?\nRegister\nMy Details\nUpdate your details below...\nKeep in the Know\nWould you like to be kept informed about new quizzes and offers from Future and its partners?\nValidate Your Mobile No.\nWe have sent a code to\n. Please enter it below to verify your account.\nUpdate mobile number\nResend code\nUpdate Your Mobile No.\nYou may enter a new mobile number below. You will be sent a verification code to the phone number you provide.\nCancel\nembed-reactions.hint_heading\nembed-reactions.hint_subheading\nValidate Your Email Address\nWe have sent a code to\n. Please enter it below to verify your account.\nUpdate email address\nResend code\nUpdate Your Email Address\nYou may enter a new email address below. You will be sent a verification code to the address you provide.\nCancel\nCreate a Username\nThis will be publicly viewable so make it something you like!\nReset your password\nEnter your email address below. If it is registered with us, we will email you a code that will allow you to reset your password.\nCheck your inbox\nIf your email address was found in our system, you should receive an email in the next few minutes containing a code. Enter that code below to reset your password.\nSet new password\nPlease enter your new password below.\nLeaderboard\nRank\nPlayer\nScore\nTime\nLloyd Coombes freelance tech and fitness writer. He's an expert in all things Apple as well as in computer and gaming tech, with previous works published on TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Live Science and more. You'll find him regularly testing the latest MacBook or iPhone, but he spends most of his time writing about video games as Gaming Editor for the Daily Star. He also covers board games and virtual reality, just to round out the nerdy pursuits.","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p\/?c1=2&c2=10055482&cv=4.4.0&cj=1)\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review#main)\n\nOpen menu\n\n[![Space](https:\/\/www.space.com\/media\/img\/spc-logo-w.svg) Space](https:\/\/www.space.com\/)\n\n[Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter](https:\/\/www.space.com\/newsletter)\n\n[RSS](https:\/\/www.space.com\/feeds.xml)\n\nSign in\n\n- View Profile\n- Sign out\n\nSearch\n\n- [Space Exploration](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration)\n  - [Launches & Spacecraft](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/launches-spacecraft)\n    - [Private spaceflight](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/private-spaceflight)\n    - [Human spaceflight](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/human-spaceflight)\n    - [SpaceX](https:\/\/www.space.com\/tag\/spacex)\n    - [Blue 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reviews](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review#section-macbook-air-m1-review-user-reviews)\n- [Price & Warranty](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review#section-macbook-air-m1-review-price-warranty)\n- [Verdict](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review#section-should-you-buy-the-macbook-air-m1)\n- [Related products](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review#section-if-this-product-isn-t-for-you)\n\nDon't miss these\n\n[![A MacBook and HP laptop placed side-by-side on a wooden table, showing their respective logos.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZApq7yDvx2dDeAKmkzgqDi.jpg) Skywatching Kit Is a MacBook or Windows laptop better for astrophotography?](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/skywatching-kit\/is-a-macbook-or-windows-laptop-better-for-astrophotography \"Is a MacBook or Windows laptop better for astrophotography?\")\n\n[![DJI Mini 5 Pro in flight against a cloudy sky](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3bmsbsAYa5dmrhGi7DiSiG.jpg) Drones DJI 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[Stargazing](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing)\n2. [Astrophotography](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/astrophotography)\n\n# MacBook Air M1 review\n## Apple’s MacBook Air M1 is the perfect mix of power and portability. Read our review to find out why.\n[Reviews](https:\/\/www.space.com\/reviews)\n\nBy [Lloyd Coombes](https:\/\/www.space.com\/author\/lloyd-coombes)\n\npublished\n\nApril 5, 2022\n\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Here’s how it works](https:\/\/www.space.com\/41418-about-us.html#section-affiliate-advertising-disclosure).\n\n![MacBook Air M1\\_open\\_Lloyd Coombes](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bh8krPBMdqVk2qsgPTfAsR.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: © Future)\n\n### Space Verdict\nApple’s M1 chip gives the MacBook Air new life, making its most portable laptop an even more powerful one too.\n\n#### Pros\n- \\+\n  Incredible battery life\n- \\+\n  Slim notebook design\n- \\+\n  Can run iOS apps\n\n#### Cons\n- \\-\n  No design refresh\n- \\-\n  Camera still only 720p\n\nBest picks for you\n\n- [Best laptops for astronomers: Connect with telescopes and process photos with ease](https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-laptops-for-astronomers)\n- [Best power banks 2026: Portable charging for astronomers and stargazers](https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-power-banks)\n- [Best camera phones for astrophotography 2025](https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-camera-phone-astrophotography)\n\nWhy you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. [Find out more about how we test and review products.](https:\/\/www.space.com\/how-we-test)\n\nJump to:\n\n- [Design](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review#section-macbook-air-m1-review-design)\n- [Performance & features](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review#section-macbook-air-m1-review-performance-features)\n- [Image editing](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review#section-macbook-air-m1-review-image-editing)\n- [User reviews](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review#section-macbook-air-m1-review-user-reviews)\n- [Price & Warranty](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review#section-macbook-air-m1-review-price-warranty)\n- [Verdict](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review#section-should-you-buy-the-macbook-air-m1)\n- [Related products](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review#section-if-this-product-isn-t-for-you)\n\nApple’s MacBook Air is the company’s most popular laptop, and yet it felt like it had been forgotten about for a while. Aside from spec bumps every now and again, the MacBook Air, as light and portable as it is, was swept aside by the MacBook Pro on one side and the iPad Pro on the other.\n\nThe good news is that the M1 chip makes this latest 2020 model the best MacBook Air there’s ever been, with a wealth of performance improvements that extend the battery life, too.\n\nKey specs\n\n**Price:** Starting at \\$999\n\n**Screen size:** 13\\.3-inch\n\n**Weight:** 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg)\n\n**Memory:** 8GB as standard, configurable up to 16GB\n\n**Battery life:** up to 15 hours wireless web browsing\n\n**Storage:** 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB versions\n\n**Operating system:** macOS Big Sur\n\n**Display:** Retina display with 2560 x 1600 resolution, 227 pixels per inch. 400 nits brightness.\n\n**CPU:** Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU\n\n**Graphics:** M1 includes 7-core GPU\n\n**Ports:** two USC-C ports (USB 4 support)\n\nWhile we’d have liked a bit more pizazz on the outside, and a better built-in camera, it’s fair to say that the M1 helps the MacBook Air hit new heights – finally hitting its potential for a powerful notebook you take anywhere.\n\nLatest Videos From Space\n\n[Click here for more Space.com videos...](https:\/\/videos.space.com\/m\/388I5IFa\/whoa-see-spacex-starship-blast-off-from-beneath-in-launch-mount-view?list=9wzCTV4g)\n\nThere are some concerns about the longevity of its fan-less design, but that does help it remain silent during use – whether you’re touching up images, wrangling audio, or even editing video. You’ll no doubt want to splash out for the MacBook Pro for heavier workloads, but many creatives will still love what’s on offer here.\n\nApple has finally exorcised the demons from its laptops by reverting to scissor switch keyboards, but there are only two ports to be found here – that can make it a tougher prospect if you rely on connecting external displays as well as docking stations and the like. But for a laptop you can grab while sitting on the couch, the train, or at the coffee shop, there really is nothing better.\n\n### MacBook Air M1 review: Design\n![MacBook Air M1\\_closed\\_Lloyd Coombes](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pyLzCGGaYxCUpVfVR9aGiR.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\n- **Available in Gold, Silver, or Space Gray**\n- **Scissor switch keyboard**\n- **Thin design, but feels dated**\n\nThe M1 MacBook Air looks, well, just like the Intel-based MacBook Air. There’s an argument that the design of Apple’s laptops have a classic appeal to them, all aluminum casing and glossy logo (still no light-up logo, sadly), but the MacBook Air, for the most part, resembles what Steve Jobs pulled from an envelope all those years ago.\n\nThere’s still that contentious black bezel around the 13.3-inch display, with the MacBook Air logo proudly displayed beneath it, and a FaceTime camera that’s still, in 2022, 720p. The keyboard, now comprised of scissor switches, offers excellent travel, and the trackpad remains industry leading for control and gestures.\n\nWant updates on all the best skywatching events?\n\nDiscover this week’s must-see night sky events, moon phases, and stunning astrophotos. Sign up for our skywatching newsletter and explore the universe with us\\!\n\nBy submitting your information you agree to the [Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/terms-conditions\/) and [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/privacy-policy\/) and are aged 16 or over.\n\nAs before, the base of the laptop is a “wedge”, with the front considerably slimmer than the back, but balanced with small “feet” underneath. On the left side, you’ll find two USB-C ports that are USB 4.0 compatible, and on the right-hand side, you’ll find just a headphone jack.\n\nSpeakers flank the keyboard, too, and they offer impressive depth given the svelte chassis they’re in, and there’s a TouchID fingerprint sensor in the top-right corner of the keyboard for unlocking the device or using Apple Pay.\n\n### MacBook Air M1 review: Performance & features\n![MacBook Air M1\\_slightly open, front view\\_Lloyd Coombes](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sPxTX88GMd87bGr4fVd9BS.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\n- **M1 chip allows for iOS and iPadOS compatibility**\n- **Huge battery life improvements**\n- **Instant wake from sleep**\n\nOn the inside, it’s all change for the MacBook Air this time around. The M1 chip leans on Apple’s now decade-and-a-half knowledge of manufacturing its own iPhone processors.\n\nNot only does it replace multiple components at once to save space, but doing so increases both performance and battery life. On prior Intel-based machines, the CPU, GPU and other components would copy data between each other, spending energy while also requiring more resources. Now, everything is in the same spot, so copying is much less common which saves energy and maintains performance over long periods.\n\nWith an 8 core CPU, the M1 MacBook Air is three-and-a-half times faster than the prior Intel version, which opens up more opportunities for budding creatives, or even more accomplished ones, to use the laptop for image manipulation or video editing.\n\nThe M1 also offers impressive gaming performance. Sure, Macs will never play as hard as Windows PCs, but if you’re an Apple Arcade subscriber, a Football Manager addict, or even a League of Legends enthusiast, you’ll be more than catered for here.\n\n![MacBook Air M1\\_side view of ports\\_Lloyd Coombes](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WoPwZDWWk28zFV8Prqar4S.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nOne of the most impressive advances is just how quickly the MacBook Air can wake and be ready to work. Because in many ways it’s inspired by the iPhone and iPad, you can leave it in a sleep state and it’ll be instantly ready when you open the lid or hit a key. Worried about battery life? Don’t be – in testing we were able to eke out an incredible 15-hours of work and play – streaming Spotify audio, listening to podcasts, editing Google Docs, and firing off emails.\n\nAs we noted in our M1 MacBook Pro review, Apple’s also got compatibility sussed when it comes to the M1. As your apps aren’t necessarily M1 optimized, the MacBook Air uses a translation layer called Rosetta 2 that kicks in the first time you open an app, in the background. You won’t notice it, but it recompiles your app to make it run on M1, and you’ll see no performance loss because of it. Of course, if your app has been updated to take advantage of the M1, you can expect even smoother performance.\n\nOn the subject of compatibility, the M1 Mac can run many iOS and iPadOS apps now. That makes it easier to access your bank without going through websites, or order food from a faster, easier-to-use system. We’re excited to find more apps that make use of the feature.\n\nSadly, as with the M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch, the camera really does let the side down. With so much of the world still relying on video calling, it’s disappointing to have to use a 720p camera.\n\n### MacBook Air M1 review: Image editing\n- **Photoshop optimized for M1**\n- **No fans means silent operating**\n- **Retina screen showing its age perhaps**\n\nIf you’re used to the fans in prior Mac models spinning up when trying to complete more demanding tasks, you’ll be pleased to know that the M1 MacBook Air doesn’t have fans. That means it’s silent when running, and while there is a question over how this will affect it in the long run, Apple is using an aluminum heat spreader that dissipates the heat internally. So, if you’re editing video in Final Cut Pro, you’ll be able to do so without cranking up the volume.\n\n![MacBook Air M1\\_side view of headphone jack\\_Lloyd Coombes](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HuC8uS5DgSf3TKgXhuWByR.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nPhotographers have it even better, too. Adobe and Serif both jumped on board with M1 immediately, which means Photoshop and Affinity Photo are already native apps, seeing huge speed boosts on editing layer to layer, or making sweeping changes to a project. If you like to edit on location, that additional battery life will feel like a game-changer, but you will need a dongle to get your shots across.\n\nOur only small gripe is that, compared to the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, the Retina display on the M1 just feels *flat.* It’s accurate, sure, but compared to the XDR display offered on those notebooks, it just feels like we’ve been spoiled when coming back.\n\n### MacBook Air M1 Review: User reviews\nAmazon’s user reviews are pretty unanimous with praise for the M1, with a [4\\.8 out of 5 star rating](https:\/\/target.georiot.com\/Proxy.ashx?tsid=72128&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FApple-MacBook-13-inch-256GB-Storage%2Fdp%2FB08N5KWB9H%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dspace-us-7223426940818276055-20) across 13,823 reviews at time of writing. Positive reviews praise the MacBook Air M1 for its stylish design, small form factor, and great performance.\n\nThere are some complaints though, with some users stating that 8GB of RAM may be insufficient for more complex projects – and we’d tend to agree. While the 8GB version we tested is breezy in the majority of tasks, anyone looking to take on larger scale edits of photos and video may want to look at the MacBook Pro instead.\n\nOthers have issues (understandably) with the webcam and shallow keyboard, while others would have preferred a few more ports.\n\n### MacBook Air M1 Review: Price & Warranty\nThe entry level model of the MacBook Air M1 (256GB storage) costs \\$999. You can also upgrade to one of the higher tier models with 512GB storage, which also adds an extra core to the CPU for a little power boost.\n\nLaptops are difficult to upgrade once you've purchased them, and Apple laptops doubly so, so make sure you think about what you need before you purchase. If storage does turn out to be an issue later though, you can always buy an external hard drive.\n\n### Should you buy the MacBook Air M1?\nThe MacBook Air finally has a processor that brings out the best parts of it, making it much more portable and much more powerful.\n\nThe M1 is a huge improvement over the Intel-based version, and while you’ll need to go for a MacBook Pro for more ports and higher headroom, the vast majority of laptop customers will have everything they need right here.\n\nThat said, it’s quite likely the design could be updated this year, so it may be worth holding out for a little longer.\n\nToday's best Apple MacBook Air deals\n\n[![Apple Macbook Air (2019) 13\"...](https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/products\/25ef7b910b60d63411c7f0b596bcfd40ef0195af-100-80.jpg.webp)](https:\/\/stacksocial.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/2806488\/14766?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-5550790608290820144&prodsku=327564&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stacksocial.com%2Fsales%2Fapple-macbook-air-13-3-2019-1-6ghz-i5-8gb-ram-1tb-ssd-gold-refurbished&intsrc=CATF_22147)\n\n[![StackSocial](https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/1mp4hxkrtxamufj7-17018825107662-100-80.png.webp)](https:\/\/stacksocial.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/2806488\/14766?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-5550790608290820144&prodsku=327564&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stacksocial.com%2Fsales%2Fapple-macbook-air-13-3-2019-1-6ghz-i5-8gb-ram-1tb-ssd-gold-refurbished&intsrc=CATF_22147)\n\n[\\$339.99](https:\/\/stacksocial.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/2806488\/14766?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-5550790608290820144&prodsku=327564&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stacksocial.com%2Fsales%2Fapple-macbook-air-13-3-2019-1-6ghz-i5-8gb-ram-1tb-ssd-gold-refurbished&intsrc=CATF_22147)\n\n[View](https:\/\/stacksocial.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/2806488\/14766?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-5550790608290820144&prodsku=327564&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stacksocial.com%2Fsales%2Fapple-macbook-air-13-3-2019-1-6ghz-i5-8gb-ram-1tb-ssd-gold-refurbished&intsrc=CATF_22147)\n\n[![Apple 2020 MacBook Air...](https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/products\/42a22fe6ff5c8ad0d4932b223cab572b0576ee62-100-80.jpg.webp)](https:\/\/target.georiot.com\/Proxy.ashx?tsid=72128&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB08G55B586%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dspace-us-9466274848928244115-20)\n\n[![Amazon](https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/amazon-us-15006529670367-100-80.png.webp)](https:\/\/target.georiot.com\/Proxy.ashx?tsid=72128&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB08G55B586%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dspace-us-9466274848928244115-20)\n\n[![Prime](https:\/\/search-api.fie.futurecdn.net\/img\/misc\/prime.png)](https:\/\/target.georiot.com\/Proxy.ashx?tsid=72128&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Ftryprimefree%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20)\n\n[\\$405.90](https:\/\/target.georiot.com\/Proxy.ashx?tsid=72128&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB08G55B586%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dspace-us-9466274848928244115-20)\n\n[View](https:\/\/target.georiot.com\/Proxy.ashx?tsid=72128&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB08G55B586%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dspace-us-9466274848928244115-20)\n\n[![13-inch MacBook Air - Silver](https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/products\/52d283602a015ad3e573ef727fd3a5a9e8bbcee8-100-80.jpg.webp)](https:\/\/apple.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/473657\/7613?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-4936391793461466701&prodsku=Z1CT0LL%2FA&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fus%2Fshop%2Fgo%2Fproduct%2FZ1CT0LL%2FA&intsrc=CATF_3652)\n\n[![Apple](https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/u4ayynivojc7m4oy-15475546717741-100-80.png.webp)](https:\/\/apple.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/473657\/7613?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-4936391793461466701&prodsku=Z1CT0LL%2FA&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fus%2Fshop%2Fgo%2Fproduct%2FZ1CT0LL%2FA&intsrc=CATF_3652)\n\n[\\$1,019](https:\/\/apple.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/473657\/7613?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-4936391793461466701&prodsku=Z1CT0LL%2FA&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fus%2Fshop%2Fgo%2Fproduct%2FZ1CT0LL%2FA&intsrc=CATF_3652)\n\n[View](https:\/\/apple.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/473657\/7613?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-4936391793461466701&prodsku=Z1CT0LL%2FA&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fus%2Fshop%2Fgo%2Fproduct%2FZ1CT0LL%2FA&intsrc=CATF_3652)\n\nShow more\n\nWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices\n### If this product isn’t for you\nIf you want more ports, more power, and a better webcam, the [MacBook Pro 13-inch](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-pro-m1-review) is excellent – but it’s also significantly more expensive with prices starting at \\$1299.\n\nAs noted above, we’d consider holding out to see what 2022 brings, because the MacBook Air remains Apple’s lowest priced laptop, but it’s still not cheap.\n\nIf you'd rather look at a Windows laptop for your photo editing needs, then we'd recommend checking out the [Microsoft Surface Laptop 4](https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/d\/surface-laptop-4\/946627fb12t1?activetab=pivot:overviewtab). This stylish laptop from Microsoft is cheaper than the MacBook Air at its base price, and offers similar performance.\n\nYou can also consider the [Dell XPS 15](https:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/click-100134081-12578053?sid=space-us-2545410161547113802&url=https:\/\/www.dell.com\/en-us\/shop\/dell-laptops\/new-xps-15-laptop\/spd\/xps-15-9520-laptop) if you're ok getting a slightly bigger laptop - it's not as light and portable, but the trade off is that it's more powerful and offers a bigger screen, which is ideal for photo editing and other creative tasks.\n\nToday's best alternative laptop deals\n\n[![Macbook Pro 13-inch (2020)](https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/hh3xtiyvqrmx3xkj-16681794209212.jpg)](https:\/\/apple.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/435031\/7613?subId1=space-us-3926331456300900048&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch)\n\n[Apple Macbook Pro 13\" (2020)](https:\/\/apple.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/435031\/7613?subId1=space-us-3926331456300900048&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch)\n\n[![Apple](https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/u4ayynivojc7m4oy-15475546717741-100-80.png.webp)](https:\/\/apple.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/435031\/7613?subId1=space-us-3926331456300900048&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch)\n\n[\\$1,299](https:\/\/apple.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/435031\/7613?subId1=space-us-3926331456300900048&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch)\n\n[View](https:\/\/apple.sjv.io\/c\/221109\/435031\/7613?subId1=space-us-3926331456300900048&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch)\n\n[See all prices](https:\/\/www.space.com\/deals\/compare?model_name=Apple%20Macbook%20Pro%2013%22%20\$2020\$&article_id=kgFgDmCeYJ3y35FgfBd3J5)\n\nLow Stock\n\n[![Microsoft Surface Laptop 4...](https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/models\/8274b0f82fb77655bdb0a1735edced2d8de00598.jpg)](https:\/\/goto.walmart.com\/c\/1943169\/568844\/9383?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-1160821346023329441&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F18379603628)\n\n[Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5\"](https:\/\/goto.walmart.com\/c\/1943169\/568844\/9383?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-1160821346023329441&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F18379603628)\n\n[![Walmart](https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/kg7rxut4dskeqa3e-15622498507436-100-80.png.webp)](https:\/\/goto.walmart.com\/c\/1943169\/568844\/9383?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-1160821346023329441&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F18379603628)\n\n[\\$229](https:\/\/goto.walmart.com\/c\/1943169\/568844\/9383?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-1160821346023329441&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F18379603628)\n\n[View](https:\/\/goto.walmart.com\/c\/1943169\/568844\/9383?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-1160821346023329441&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F18379603628)\n\n[See all prices](https:\/\/www.space.com\/deals\/compare?model_name=Microsoft%20Surface%20Laptop%204%2013.5%22&article_id=kgFgDmCeYJ3y35FgfBd3J5)\n\nLow Stock\n\n[![Dell XPS 15 7590 15.6\" FHD...](https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/models\/pfyqf2kkswaevbry-15619694031192-100-80.jpg.webp)](https:\/\/goto.walmart.com\/c\/1943169\/568844\/9383?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-4723441842557774203&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F15623264453)\n\n[Dell XPS 15 (7590)](https:\/\/goto.walmart.com\/c\/1943169\/568844\/9383?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-4723441842557774203&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F15623264453)\n\n[![Walmart](https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/kg7rxut4dskeqa3e-15622498507436-100-80.png.webp)](https:\/\/goto.walmart.com\/c\/1943169\/568844\/9383?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-4723441842557774203&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F15623264453)\n\n[\\$1,399.66](https:\/\/goto.walmart.com\/c\/1943169\/568844\/9383?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-4723441842557774203&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F15623264453)\n\n[View](https:\/\/goto.walmart.com\/c\/1943169\/568844\/9383?sharedId=space-us&subId1=space-us-4723441842557774203&veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F15623264453)\n\n[See all prices](https:\/\/www.space.com\/deals\/compare?model_name=Dell%20XPS%2015%20\$7590\$&article_id=kgFgDmCeYJ3y35FgfBd3J5)\n\nWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices\n\n**Share your thoughts**\n\n0\n\n0\n\n0\n\n0\n\nRandom QuizPlay a Random Quiz\n\nFilter by Category\n\nJoin the community\n\nJoin the Space.com Family! 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He's an expert in all things Apple as well as in computer and gaming tech, with previous works published on TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Live Science and more. You'll find him regularly testing the latest MacBook or iPhone, but he spends most of his time writing about video games as Gaming Editor for the Daily Star. He also covers board games and virtual reality, just to round out the nerdy pursuits.***\n\n[Back To Top](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-air-m1-review)\n\nRead more\n\n[![A MacBook and HP laptop placed side-by-side on a wooden table, showing their respective logos.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZApq7yDvx2dDeAKmkzgqDi.jpg) Skywatching Kit Is a MacBook or Windows laptop better for astrophotography?](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/skywatching-kit\/is-a-macbook-or-windows-laptop-better-for-astrophotography \"Is a MacBook or Windows laptop better for astrophotography?\")\n\n[![DJI Mini 5 Pro in flight against a cloudy sky](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3bmsbsAYa5dmrhGi7DiSiG.jpg) Drones DJI Mini 5 Pro drone review](https:\/\/www.space.com\/technology\/drones\/dji-mini-5-pro-drone-review \"DJI Mini 5 Pro drone review\")\n\n[![Antigravity A1 in flight](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zawKarGcSbJveAMvwGzWP.jpg) Technology Antigravity A1 drone review](https:\/\/www.space.com\/technology\/antigravity-a1-drone-review \"Antigravity A1 drone review\")\n\n[![DJI Neo 2 in flight over tarmnac](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/p7GLbFTCaZYcraPS9WcDJc.jpg) Drones DJI Neo 2 drone review](https:\/\/www.space.com\/technology\/drones\/dji-neo-2-drone-review \"DJI Neo 2 drone review\")\n\n[![The Canon Powershot V1 on a wooden table with shutter open.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zg2KxKowJwn5B9mkpXVG3P.jpg) Skywatching Kit Canon PowerShot V1 review](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/skywatching-kit\/canon-powershot-v1-review \"Canon PowerShot V1 review\")\n\n[![Hand reaches out for one of the best drones](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNrKSgq2fS9tezqJ73o6CS.jpg) Drones Best Drones 2026: Take your pick of the very best](https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-drones \"Best Drones 2026: Take your pick of the very best\")\n\nLatest in Astrophotography\n\n[![A pink-hued deep space nebula scene is shown peppered with bright blue, orange and white stars. The expanding shell of a supernova remnant is visible as a bright brain-like mass to the upper right.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FCeiVe8w9qgKqtpTDxKkik.jpg) Astrophotography A jellyfish or a brain? Tell us what you see in this gorgeous deep-space nebula photo](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/astrophotography\/a-jellyfish-or-a-brain-tell-us-what-you-see-in-this-gorgeous-deep-space-nebula-photo \"A jellyfish or a brain? Tell us what you see in this gorgeous deep-space nebula photo\")\n\n[![image of the night sky with planets stretching across almost the entire sky. they are labelled with white circles. the bright moon is in the center.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f7AiFJAaFMAJGtoTG4Coa9.jpg) Astrophotography Astrophotographer captures rare 6-planet parade spanning nearly 180 degrees of sky](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/astrophotography\/astrophotographer-captures-rare-6-planet-parade-spanning-nearly-180-degrees-of-sky \"Astrophotographer captures rare 6-planet parade spanning nearly 180 degrees of sky\")\n\n[![A pink rose-shaped nebula is shown glowing against a background of multicolored stars.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/faekz8iB5BctaRBeCfKgHL.jpg) Astrophotography Single this Valentine's Day? Don't worry, the universe has a rose just for you (photo)](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/astrophotography\/single-this-valentines-day-dont-worry-the-universe-has-a-rose-just-for-you-photo \"Single this Valentine's Day? Don't worry, the universe has a rose just for you (photo)\")\n\n[![A silvery full moon is pictured flooding the black night sky with moonlight, as snowdrop flowers are silhouetted in the foreground.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zaBYCK5TWfE4axodQffRwh.jpg) Astrophotography February's full Snow Moon glows behind snowdrops in ethereal winter photo](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/astrophotography\/februarys-full-snow-moon-glows-behind-snowdrops-in-ethereal-winter-photo \"February's full Snow Moon glows behind snowdrops in ethereal winter photo\")\n\n[![Swirls of red and orange gas fill a deep space starry background](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ByaQtCqSFyUdA2cWceWEQX.jpg) Astrophotography Astrophotographer captures the 'Flaming Star Nebula' ablaze in deep-space (photo)](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/astrophotography\/astrophotographer-captures-the-flaming-star-nebula-ablaze-in-deep-space-photo \"Astrophotographer captures the 'Flaming Star Nebula' ablaze in deep-space (photo)\")\n\n[![A full moon is pictured rising in a blue sky above snow capped mountains threaded with clouds.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/om78FQuPqToTroCnTz9nXN.jpg) Astrophotography February's full moon dazzles skywatchers worldwide with a glistening 'Snow Moon'](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/astrophotography\/februarys-full-moon-dazzles-skywatchers-worldwide-with-a-glistening-snow-moon \"February's full moon dazzles skywatchers worldwide with a glistening 'Snow Moon'\")\n\nLatest in Reviews\n\n[![A YACHANCE Night Light Star Projector, with box and remote. ](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Gvkqajf5kSonGeVP97WMVX.jpg) Technology Yachance Night Light star projector review](https:\/\/www.space.com\/technology\/yachance-night-light-star-projector-review \"Yachance Night Light star projector review\")\n\n[![An image of space enhanced using Siril software.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WquN5dTUDeKfaaTTCdUxLj.jpg) Skywatching Kit Siril astrophotography software review](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/skywatching-kit\/siril-astrophotography-software-review \"Siril astrophotography software review\")\n\n[![A white spherical projector is placed next to a multicolor remote control and a white box, all on a brown wooden surface.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiRv7UNpQ4FyLPEhVfhxrD.jpg) Technology Herhoter Galaxy star projector review](https:\/\/www.space.com\/technology\/herhoter-galaxy-star-projector-review \"Herhoter Galaxy star projector review\")\n\n[![A dome-shaped projector on a white star-shaped stand, in front of a blue box, on a brown wooden surface.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BCKmRRMMCMpbvGcYYuqSTG.jpg) Technology One Fire star projector review: A great projector for kids](https:\/\/www.space.com\/technology\/one-fire-star-projector-review \"One Fire star projector review: A great projector for kids\")\n\n[![Lego Star Wars BB-8](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2bJApBnUDRKTeANP3zdYFH.jpg) Space Toys & Lego Lego Star Wars BB-8 review](https:\/\/www.space.com\/entertainment\/space-toys-lego\/lego-star-wars-bb-8-review \"Lego Star Wars BB-8 review\")\n\n[![Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w2nVAJQPLxB8PAckJCjWPT.jpg) Space Toys & Lego Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket review](https:\/\/www.space.com\/entertainment\/space-toys-lego\/lego-technic-nasa-artemis-space-launch-system-rocket-review \"Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket review\")\n\nMORE FROM SPACE...\n\n1. 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How AI is revolutionizing our study of the cosmos](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/what-if-the-next-great-astronomer-isnt-human-how-ai-is-revolutionizing-our-study-of-the-cosmos)\n4. 4\n   \n   ['This is really intolerable': Astronomers protest giant orbiting mirror project and SpaceX's million AI satellites](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/satellites\/this-is-really-intolerable-astronomers-protest-giant-orbiting-mirror-project-and-spacexs-million-ai-satellites)\n5. 5\n   \n   [Russian cargo spacecraft suffers glitch after launching toward International Space Station](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/launches-spacecraft\/russia-progress-94-cargo-launch-iss-soyuz-rocket)\n\nSpace is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.\n\nClose\n\nPlease login or signup to comment\n\nPlease wait...\n\nLogin\n\nSign Up","attrs_readable_markdown":"Apple’s M1 chip gives the MacBook Air new life, making its most portable laptop an even more powerful one too.\n\n#### Pros\n- \\+\n  Incredible battery life\n- \\+\n  Slim notebook design\n- \\+\n  Can run iOS apps\n\n#### Cons\n- \\-\n  No design refresh\n- \\-\n  Camera still only 720p\n\nWhy you can trust Space.com   Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. [Find out more about how we test and review products.](https:\/\/www.space.com\/how-we-test)\n\nApple’s MacBook Air is the company’s most popular laptop, and yet it felt like it had been forgotten about for a while. Aside from spec bumps every now and again, the MacBook Air, as light and portable as it is, was swept aside by the MacBook Pro on one side and the iPad Pro on the other.\n\nThe good news is that the M1 chip makes this latest 2020 model the best MacBook Air there’s ever been, with a wealth of performance improvements that extend the battery life, too.\n\nKey specs\n\n**Price:** Starting at \\$999\n\n**Screen size:** 13\\.3-inch\n\n**Weight:** 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg)\n\n**Memory:** 8GB as standard, configurable up to 16GB\n\n**Battery life:** up to 15 hours wireless web browsing\n\n**Storage:** 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB versions\n\n**Operating system:** macOS Big Sur\n\n**Display:** Retina display with 2560 x 1600 resolution, 227 pixels per inch. 400 nits brightness.\n\n**CPU:** Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU\n\n**Graphics:** M1 includes 7-core GPU\n\n**Ports:** two USC-C ports (USB 4 support)\n\nWhile we’d have liked a bit more pizazz on the outside, and a better built-in camera, it’s fair to say that the M1 helps the MacBook Air hit new heights – finally hitting its potential for a powerful notebook you take anywhere.\n\nLatest Videos From Space\n\nThere are some concerns about the longevity of its fan-less design, but that does help it remain silent during use – whether you’re touching up images, wrangling audio, or even editing video. You’ll no doubt want to splash out for the MacBook Pro for heavier workloads, but many creatives will still love what’s on offer here.\n\nApple has finally exorcised the demons from its laptops by reverting to scissor switch keyboards, but there are only two ports to be found here – that can make it a tougher prospect if you rely on connecting external displays as well as docking stations and the like. But for a laptop you can grab while sitting on the couch, the train, or at the coffee shop, there really is nothing better.\n\n### MacBook Air M1 review: Design\n![MacBook Air M1\\_closed\\_Lloyd Coombes](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pyLzCGGaYxCUpVfVR9aGiR.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\n- **Available in Gold, Silver, or Space Gray**\n- **Scissor switch keyboard**\n- **Thin design, but feels dated**\n\nThe M1 MacBook Air looks, well, just like the Intel-based MacBook Air. There’s an argument that the design of Apple’s laptops have a classic appeal to them, all aluminum casing and glossy logo (still no light-up logo, sadly), but the MacBook Air, for the most part, resembles what Steve Jobs pulled from an envelope all those years ago.\n\nThere’s still that contentious black bezel around the 13.3-inch display, with the MacBook Air logo proudly displayed beneath it, and a FaceTime camera that’s still, in 2022, 720p. The keyboard, now comprised of scissor switches, offers excellent travel, and the trackpad remains industry leading for control and gestures.\n\nDiscover this week’s must-see night sky events, moon phases, and stunning astrophotos. Sign up for our skywatching newsletter and explore the universe with us\\!\n\nAs before, the base of the laptop is a “wedge”, with the front considerably slimmer than the back, but balanced with small “feet” underneath. On the left side, you’ll find two USB-C ports that are USB 4.0 compatible, and on the right-hand side, you’ll find just a headphone jack.\n\nSpeakers flank the keyboard, too, and they offer impressive depth given the svelte chassis they’re in, and there’s a TouchID fingerprint sensor in the top-right corner of the keyboard for unlocking the device or using Apple Pay.\n\n### MacBook Air M1 review: Performance & features\n![MacBook Air M1\\_slightly open, front view\\_Lloyd Coombes](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sPxTX88GMd87bGr4fVd9BS.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\n- **M1 chip allows for iOS and iPadOS compatibility**\n- **Huge battery life improvements**\n- **Instant wake from sleep**\n\nOn the inside, it’s all change for the MacBook Air this time around. The M1 chip leans on Apple’s now decade-and-a-half knowledge of manufacturing its own iPhone processors.\n\nNot only does it replace multiple components at once to save space, but doing so increases both performance and battery life. On prior Intel-based machines, the CPU, GPU and other components would copy data between each other, spending energy while also requiring more resources. Now, everything is in the same spot, so copying is much less common which saves energy and maintains performance over long periods.\n\nWith an 8 core CPU, the M1 MacBook Air is three-and-a-half times faster than the prior Intel version, which opens up more opportunities for budding creatives, or even more accomplished ones, to use the laptop for image manipulation or video editing.\n\nThe M1 also offers impressive gaming performance. Sure, Macs will never play as hard as Windows PCs, but if you’re an Apple Arcade subscriber, a Football Manager addict, or even a League of Legends enthusiast, you’ll be more than catered for here.\n\n![MacBook Air M1\\_side view of ports\\_Lloyd Coombes](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WoPwZDWWk28zFV8Prqar4S.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nOne of the most impressive advances is just how quickly the MacBook Air can wake and be ready to work. Because in many ways it’s inspired by the iPhone and iPad, you can leave it in a sleep state and it’ll be instantly ready when you open the lid or hit a key. Worried about battery life? Don’t be – in testing we were able to eke out an incredible 15-hours of work and play – streaming Spotify audio, listening to podcasts, editing Google Docs, and firing off emails.\n\nAs we noted in our M1 MacBook Pro review, Apple’s also got compatibility sussed when it comes to the M1. As your apps aren’t necessarily M1 optimized, the MacBook Air uses a translation layer called Rosetta 2 that kicks in the first time you open an app, in the background. You won’t notice it, but it recompiles your app to make it run on M1, and you’ll see no performance loss because of it. Of course, if your app has been updated to take advantage of the M1, you can expect even smoother performance.\n\nOn the subject of compatibility, the M1 Mac can run many iOS and iPadOS apps now. That makes it easier to access your bank without going through websites, or order food from a faster, easier-to-use system. We’re excited to find more apps that make use of the feature.\n\nSadly, as with the M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch, the camera really does let the side down. With so much of the world still relying on video calling, it’s disappointing to have to use a 720p camera.\n\n### MacBook Air M1 review: Image editing\n- **Photoshop optimized for M1**\n- **No fans means silent operating**\n- **Retina screen showing its age perhaps**\n\nIf you’re used to the fans in prior Mac models spinning up when trying to complete more demanding tasks, you’ll be pleased to know that the M1 MacBook Air doesn’t have fans. That means it’s silent when running, and while there is a question over how this will affect it in the long run, Apple is using an aluminum heat spreader that dissipates the heat internally. So, if you’re editing video in Final Cut Pro, you’ll be able to do so without cranking up the volume.\n\n![MacBook Air M1\\_side view of headphone jack\\_Lloyd Coombes](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HuC8uS5DgSf3TKgXhuWByR.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Future)\n\nPhotographers have it even better, too. Adobe and Serif both jumped on board with M1 immediately, which means Photoshop and Affinity Photo are already native apps, seeing huge speed boosts on editing layer to layer, or making sweeping changes to a project. If you like to edit on location, that additional battery life will feel like a game-changer, but you will need a dongle to get your shots across.\n\nOur only small gripe is that, compared to the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, the Retina display on the M1 just feels *flat.* It’s accurate, sure, but compared to the XDR display offered on those notebooks, it just feels like we’ve been spoiled when coming back.\n\n### MacBook Air M1 Review: User reviews\nAmazon’s user reviews are pretty unanimous with praise for the M1, with a [4\\.8 out of 5 star rating](https:\/\/target.georiot.com\/Proxy.ashx?tsid=72128&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FApple-MacBook-13-inch-256GB-Storage%2Fdp%2FB08N5KWB9H%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dspace-us-7223426940818276055-20) across 13,823 reviews at time of writing. Positive reviews praise the MacBook Air M1 for its stylish design, small form factor, and great performance.\n\nThere are some complaints though, with some users stating that 8GB of RAM may be insufficient for more complex projects – and we’d tend to agree. While the 8GB version we tested is breezy in the majority of tasks, anyone looking to take on larger scale edits of photos and video may want to look at the MacBook Pro instead.\n\nOthers have issues (understandably) with the webcam and shallow keyboard, while others would have preferred a few more ports.\n\n### MacBook Air M1 Review: Price & Warranty\nThe entry level model of the MacBook Air M1 (256GB storage) costs \\$999. You can also upgrade to one of the higher tier models with 512GB storage, which also adds an extra core to the CPU for a little power boost.\n\nLaptops are difficult to upgrade once you've purchased them, and Apple laptops doubly so, so make sure you think about what you need before you purchase. If storage does turn out to be an issue later though, you can always buy an external hard drive.\n\n### Should you buy the MacBook Air M1?\nThe MacBook Air finally has a processor that brings out the best parts of it, making it much more portable and much more powerful.\n\nThe M1 is a huge improvement over the Intel-based version, and while you’ll need to go for a MacBook Pro for more ports and higher headroom, the vast majority of laptop customers will have everything they need right here.\n\nThat said, it’s quite likely the design could be updated this year, so it may be worth holding out for a little longer.\n\n### If this product isn’t for you\nIf you want more ports, more power, and a better webcam, the [MacBook Pro 13-inch](https:\/\/www.space.com\/macbook-pro-m1-review) is excellent – but it’s also significantly more expensive with prices starting at \\$1299.\n\nAs noted above, we’d consider holding out to see what 2022 brings, because the MacBook Air remains Apple’s lowest priced laptop, but it’s still not cheap.\n\nIf you'd rather look at a Windows laptop for your photo editing needs, then we'd recommend checking out the [Microsoft Surface Laptop 4](https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/d\/surface-laptop-4\/946627fb12t1?activetab=pivot:overviewtab). This stylish laptop from Microsoft is cheaper than the MacBook Air at its base price, and offers similar performance.\n\nYou can also consider the [Dell XPS 15](https:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/click-100134081-12578053?sid=space-us-2545410161547113802&url=https:\/\/www.dell.com\/en-us\/shop\/dell-laptops\/new-xps-15-laptop\/spd\/xps-15-9520-laptop) if you're ok getting a slightly bigger laptop - it's not as light and portable, but the trade off is that it's more powerful and offers a bigger screen, which is ideal for photo editing and other creative tasks.\n\n**Share your thoughts**\n\n0\n\n0\n\n0\n\n0\n\nJoin the community\n\nJoin the Space.com Family! The best way to keep in touch and to be informed of our latest quizzes and competitions, as well as news and offers.\n\nAlready have an account? Log in\n\nMy Details\n\nUpdate your details below...\n\nKeep in the Know\n\nWould you like to be kept informed about new quizzes and offers from Future and its partners?\n\nValidate Your Mobile No.\n\nWe have sent a code to . Please enter it below to verify your account.\n\nUpdate Your Mobile No.\n\nYou may enter a new mobile number below. You will be sent a verification code to the phone number you provide.\n\nembed-reactions.hint\\_heading\n\nembed-reactions.hint\\_subheading\n\nValidate Your Email Address\n\nWe have sent a code to . Please enter it below to verify your account.\n\nUpdate Your Email Address\n\nYou may enter a new email address below. You will be sent a verification code to the address you provide.\n\nCreate a Username\n\nThis will be publicly viewable so make it something you like\\!\n\nReset your password\n\nEnter your email address below. If it is registered with us, we will email you a code that will allow you to reset your password.\n\nCheck your inbox\n\nIf your email address was found in our system, you should receive an email in the next few minutes containing a code. Enter that code below to reset your password.\n\nSet new password\n\nPlease enter your new password below.\n\nLeaderboard\n\n| Rank | Player | Score | Time |\n|---|---|---|---|\n\n***Lloyd Coombes freelance tech and fitness writer. He's an expert in all things Apple as well as in computer and gaming tech, with previous works published on TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Live Science and more. You'll find him regularly testing the latest MacBook or iPhone, but he spends most of his time writing about video games as Gaming Editor for the Daily Star. He also covers board games and virtual reality, just to round out the nerdy pursuits.***","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Apple’s M1 chip gives the MacBook Air new life, making its most portable laptop an even more powerful one too. Pros + Incredible battery life + Slim notebook design + Can run iOS apps Cons - No design refresh - Camera still only 720p Why you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test and review products. Apple’s MacBook Air is the company’s most popular laptop, and yet it felt like it had been forgotten about for a while. Aside from spec bumps every now and again, the MacBook Air, as light and portable as it is, was swept aside by the MacBook Pro on one side and the iPad Pro on the other. The good news is that the M1 chip makes this latest 2020 model the best MacBook Air there’s ever been, with a wealth of performance improvements that extend the battery life, too. Key specs Price: Starting at $999 Screen size: 13.3-inch Weight: 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg) Memory: 8GB as standard, configurable up to 16GB Battery life: up to 15 hours wireless web browsing Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB versions Operating system: macOS Big Sur Display: Retina display with 2560 x 1600 resolution, 227 pixels per inch. 400 nits brightness. CPU: Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU Graphics: M1 includes 7-core GPU Ports: two USC-C ports (USB 4 support) While we’d have liked a bit more pizazz on the outside, and a better built-in camera, it’s fair to say that the M1 helps the MacBook Air hit new heights – finally hitting its potential for a powerful notebook you take anywhere. Latest Videos From Space There are some concerns about the longevity of its fan-less design, but that does help it remain silent during use – whether you’re touching up images, wrangling audio, or even editing video. You’ll no doubt want to splash out for the MacBook Pro for heavier workloads, but many creatives will still love what’s on offer here. Apple has finally exorcised the demons from its laptops by reverting to scissor switch keyboards, but there are only two ports to be found here – that can make it a tougher prospect if you rely on connecting external displays as well as docking stations and the like. But for a laptop you can grab while sitting on the couch, the train, or at the coffee shop, there really is nothing better. MacBook Air M1 review: Design (Image credit: Future) Available in Gold, Silver, or Space Gray Scissor switch keyboard Thin design, but feels dated The M1 MacBook Air looks, well, just like the Intel-based MacBook Air. There’s an argument that the design of Apple’s laptops have a classic appeal to them, all aluminum casing and glossy logo (still no light-up logo, sadly), but the MacBook Air, for the most part, resembles what Steve Jobs pulled from an envelope all those years ago. There’s still that contentious black bezel around the 13.3-inch display, with the MacBook Air logo proudly displayed beneath it, and a FaceTime camera that’s still, in 2022, 720p. The keyboard, now comprised of scissor switches, offers excellent travel, and the trackpad remains industry leading for control and gestures. Discover this week’s must-see night sky events, moon phases, and stunning astrophotos. Sign up for our skywatching newsletter and explore the universe with us! As before, the base of the laptop is a “wedge”, with the front considerably slimmer than the back, but balanced with small “feet” underneath. On the left side, you’ll find two USB-C ports that are USB 4.0 compatible, and on the right-hand side, you’ll find just a headphone jack. Speakers flank the keyboard, too, and they offer impressive depth given the svelte chassis they’re in, and there’s a TouchID fingerprint sensor in the top-right corner of the keyboard for unlocking the device or using Apple Pay. MacBook Air M1 review: Performance & features (Image credit: Future) M1 chip allows for iOS and iPadOS compatibility Huge battery life improvements Instant wake from sleep On the inside, it’s all change for the MacBook Air this time around. The M1 chip leans on Apple’s now decade-and-a-half knowledge of manufacturing its own iPhone processors. Not only does it replace multiple components at once to save space, but doing so increases both performance and battery life. On prior Intel-based machines, the CPU, GPU and other components would copy data between each other, spending energy while also requiring more resources. Now, everything is in the same spot, so copying is much less common which saves energy and maintains performance over long periods. With an 8 core CPU, the M1 MacBook Air is three-and-a-half times faster than the prior Intel version, which opens up more opportunities for budding creatives, or even more accomplished ones, to use the laptop for image manipulation or video editing. The M1 also offers impressive gaming performance. Sure, Macs will never play as hard as Windows PCs, but if you’re an Apple Arcade subscriber, a Football Manager addict, or even a League of Legends enthusiast, you’ll be more than catered for here. (Image credit: Future) One of the most impressive advances is just how quickly the MacBook Air can wake and be ready to work. Because in many ways it’s inspired by the iPhone and iPad, you can leave it in a sleep state and it’ll be instantly ready when you open the lid or hit a key. Worried about battery life? Don’t be – in testing we were able to eke out an incredible 15-hours of work and play – streaming Spotify audio, listening to podcasts, editing Google Docs, and firing off emails. As we noted in our M1 MacBook Pro review, Apple’s also got compatibility sussed when it comes to the M1. As your apps aren’t necessarily M1 optimized, the MacBook Air uses a translation layer called Rosetta 2 that kicks in the first time you open an app, in the background. You won’t notice it, but it recompiles your app to make it run on M1, and you’ll see no performance loss because of it. Of course, if your app has been updated to take advantage of the M1, you can expect even smoother performance. On the subject of compatibility, the M1 Mac can run many iOS and iPadOS apps now. That makes it easier to access your bank without going through websites, or order food from a faster, easier-to-use system. We’re excited to find more apps that make use of the feature. Sadly, as with the M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch, the camera really does let the side down. With so much of the world still relying on video calling, it’s disappointing to have to use a 720p camera. MacBook Air M1 review: Image editing Photoshop optimized for M1 No fans means silent operating Retina screen showing its age perhaps If you’re used to the fans in prior Mac models spinning up when trying to complete more demanding tasks, you’ll be pleased to know that the M1 MacBook Air doesn’t have fans. That means it’s silent when running, and while there is a question over how this will affect it in the long run, Apple is using an aluminum heat spreader that dissipates the heat internally. So, if you’re editing video in Final Cut Pro, you’ll be able to do so without cranking up the volume. (Image credit: Future) Photographers have it even better, too. Adobe and Serif both jumped on board with M1 immediately, which means Photoshop and Affinity Photo are already native apps, seeing huge speed boosts on editing layer to layer, or making sweeping changes to a project. If you like to edit on location, that additional battery life will feel like a game-changer, but you will need a dongle to get your shots across. Our only small gripe is that, compared to the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, the Retina display on the M1 just feels flat. It’s accurate, sure, but compared to the XDR display offered on those notebooks, it just feels like we’ve been spoiled when coming back. MacBook Air M1 Review: User reviews Amazon’s user reviews are pretty unanimous with praise for the M1, with a 4.8 out of 5 star rating across 13,823 reviews at time of writing. Positive reviews praise the MacBook Air M1 for its stylish design, small form factor, and great performance. There are some complaints though, with some users stating that 8GB of RAM may be insufficient for more complex projects – and we’d tend to agree. While the 8GB version we tested is breezy in the majority of tasks, anyone looking to take on larger scale edits of photos and video may want to look at the MacBook Pro instead. Others have issues (understandably) with the webcam and shallow keyboard, while others would have preferred a few more ports. MacBook Air M1 Review: Price & Warranty The entry level model of the MacBook Air M1 (256GB storage) costs $999. You can also upgrade to one of the higher tier models with 512GB storage, which also adds an extra core to the CPU for a little power boost. Laptops are difficult to upgrade once you've purchased them, and Apple laptops doubly so, so make sure you think about what you need before you purchase. If storage does turn out to be an issue later though, you can always buy an external hard drive. Should you buy the MacBook Air M1? The MacBook Air finally has a processor that brings out the best parts of it, making it much more portable and much more powerful. The M1 is a huge improvement over the Intel-based version, and while you’ll need to go for a MacBook Pro for more ports and higher headroom, the vast majority of laptop customers will have everything they need right here. That said, it’s quite likely the design could be updated this year, so it may be worth holding out for a little longer. If this product isn’t for you If you want more ports, more power, and a better webcam, the MacBook Pro 13-inch is excellent – but it’s also significantly more expensive with prices starting at $1299. As noted above, we’d consider holding out to see what 2022 brings, because the MacBook Air remains Apple’s lowest priced laptop, but it’s still not cheap. If you'd rather look at a Windows laptop for your photo editing needs, then we'd recommend checking out the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 . This stylish laptop from Microsoft is cheaper than the MacBook Air at its base price, and offers similar performance. You can also consider the Dell XPS 15 if you're ok getting a slightly bigger laptop - it's not as light and portable, but the trade off is that it's more powerful and offers a bigger screen, which is ideal for photo editing and other creative tasks. Share your thoughts 0 0 0 0 Join the community Join the Space.com Family! The best way to keep in touch and to be informed of our latest quizzes and competitions, as well as news and offers. Already have an account? Log in Log In Forgotten your password? Reset it Not got an account? Register My Details Update your details below... Keep in the Know Would you like to be kept informed about new quizzes and offers from Future and its partners? Validate Your Mobile No. We have sent a code to . Please enter it below to verify your account. 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Leaderboard Rank Player Score Time Lloyd Coombes freelance tech and fitness writer. He's an expert in all things Apple as well as in computer and gaming tech, with previous works published on TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Live Science and more. You'll find him regularly testing the latest MacBook or iPhone, but he spends most of his time writing about video games as Gaming Editor for the Daily Star. He also covers board games and virtual reality, just to round out the nerdy pursuits.
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[Stargazing](https://www.space.com/stargazing) 2. [Astrophotography](https://www.space.com/stargazing/astrophotography) # MacBook Air M1 review ## Apple’s MacBook Air M1 is the perfect mix of power and portability. Read our review to find out why. [Reviews](https://www.space.com/reviews) By [Lloyd Coombes](https://www.space.com/author/lloyd-coombes) published April 5, 2022 When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Here’s how it works](https://www.space.com/41418-about-us.html#section-affiliate-advertising-disclosure). ![MacBook Air M1\_open\_Lloyd Coombes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Bh8krPBMdqVk2qsgPTfAsR.jpg) (Image credit: © Future) ### Space Verdict Apple’s M1 chip gives the MacBook Air new life, making its most portable laptop an even more powerful one too. #### Pros - \+ Incredible battery life - \+ Slim notebook design - \+ Can run iOS apps #### Cons - \- No design refresh - \- Camera still only 720p Best picks for you - [Best laptops for astronomers: Connect with telescopes and process photos with ease](https://www.space.com/best-laptops-for-astronomers) - [Best power banks 2026: Portable charging for astronomers and stargazers](https://www.space.com/best-power-banks) - [Best camera phones for astrophotography 2025](https://www.space.com/best-camera-phone-astrophotography) Why you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. [Find out more about how we test and review products.](https://www.space.com/how-we-test) Jump to: - [Design](https://www.space.com/macbook-air-m1-review#section-macbook-air-m1-review-design) - [Performance & features](https://www.space.com/macbook-air-m1-review#section-macbook-air-m1-review-performance-features) - [Image editing](https://www.space.com/macbook-air-m1-review#section-macbook-air-m1-review-image-editing) - [User reviews](https://www.space.com/macbook-air-m1-review#section-macbook-air-m1-review-user-reviews) - [Price & Warranty](https://www.space.com/macbook-air-m1-review#section-macbook-air-m1-review-price-warranty) - [Verdict](https://www.space.com/macbook-air-m1-review#section-should-you-buy-the-macbook-air-m1) - [Related products](https://www.space.com/macbook-air-m1-review#section-if-this-product-isn-t-for-you) Apple’s MacBook Air is the company’s most popular laptop, and yet it felt like it had been forgotten about for a while. Aside from spec bumps every now and again, the MacBook Air, as light and portable as it is, was swept aside by the MacBook Pro on one side and the iPad Pro on the other. The good news is that the M1 chip makes this latest 2020 model the best MacBook Air there’s ever been, with a wealth of performance improvements that extend the battery life, too. Key specs Price: Starting at \$999 Screen size: 13\.3-inch Weight: 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg) Memory: 8GB as standard, configurable up to 16GB Battery life: up to 15 hours wireless web browsing Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB versions Operating system: macOS Big Sur Display: Retina display with 2560 x 1600 resolution, 227 pixels per inch. 400 nits brightness. CPU: Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU Graphics: M1 includes 7-core GPU Ports: two USC-C ports (USB 4 support) While we’d have liked a bit more pizazz on the outside, and a better built-in camera, it’s fair to say that the M1 helps the MacBook Air hit new heights – finally hitting its potential for a powerful notebook you take anywhere. Latest Videos From Space [Click here for more Space.com videos...](https://videos.space.com/m/388I5IFa/whoa-see-spacex-starship-blast-off-from-beneath-in-launch-mount-view?list=9wzCTV4g) There are some concerns about the longevity of its fan-less design, but that does help it remain silent during use – whether you’re touching up images, wrangling audio, or even editing video. You’ll no doubt want to splash out for the MacBook Pro for heavier workloads, but many creatives will still love what’s on offer here. Apple has finally exorcised the demons from its laptops by reverting to scissor switch keyboards, but there are only two ports to be found here – that can make it a tougher prospect if you rely on connecting external displays as well as docking stations and the like. But for a laptop you can grab while sitting on the couch, the train, or at the coffee shop, there really is nothing better. ### MacBook Air M1 review: Design ![MacBook Air M1\_closed\_Lloyd Coombes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pyLzCGGaYxCUpVfVR9aGiR.jpg) (Image credit: Future) - Available in Gold, Silver, or Space Gray - Scissor switch keyboard - Thin design, but feels dated The M1 MacBook Air looks, well, just like the Intel-based MacBook Air. There’s an argument that the design of Apple’s laptops have a classic appeal to them, all aluminum casing and glossy logo (still no light-up logo, sadly), but the MacBook Air, for the most part, resembles what Steve Jobs pulled from an envelope all those years ago. There’s still that contentious black bezel around the 13.3-inch display, with the MacBook Air logo proudly displayed beneath it, and a FaceTime camera that’s still, in 2022, 720p. The keyboard, now comprised of scissor switches, offers excellent travel, and the trackpad remains industry leading for control and gestures. Want updates on all the best skywatching events? Discover this week’s must-see night sky events, moon phases, and stunning astrophotos. Sign up for our skywatching newsletter and explore the universe with us\! By submitting your information you agree to the [Terms & Conditions](https://futureplc.com/terms-conditions/) and [Privacy Policy](https://futureplc.com/privacy-policy/) and are aged 16 or over. As before, the base of the laptop is a “wedge”, with the front considerably slimmer than the back, but balanced with small “feet” underneath. On the left side, you’ll find two USB-C ports that are USB 4.0 compatible, and on the right-hand side, you’ll find just a headphone jack. Speakers flank the keyboard, too, and they offer impressive depth given the svelte chassis they’re in, and there’s a TouchID fingerprint sensor in the top-right corner of the keyboard for unlocking the device or using Apple Pay. ### MacBook Air M1 review: Performance & features ![MacBook Air M1\_slightly open, front view\_Lloyd Coombes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sPxTX88GMd87bGr4fVd9BS.jpg) (Image credit: Future) - M1 chip allows for iOS and iPadOS compatibility - Huge battery life improvements - Instant wake from sleep On the inside, it’s all change for the MacBook Air this time around. The M1 chip leans on Apple’s now decade-and-a-half knowledge of manufacturing its own iPhone processors. Not only does it replace multiple components at once to save space, but doing so increases both performance and battery life. On prior Intel-based machines, the CPU, GPU and other components would copy data between each other, spending energy while also requiring more resources. Now, everything is in the same spot, so copying is much less common which saves energy and maintains performance over long periods. With an 8 core CPU, the M1 MacBook Air is three-and-a-half times faster than the prior Intel version, which opens up more opportunities for budding creatives, or even more accomplished ones, to use the laptop for image manipulation or video editing. The M1 also offers impressive gaming performance. Sure, Macs will never play as hard as Windows PCs, but if you’re an Apple Arcade subscriber, a Football Manager addict, or even a League of Legends enthusiast, you’ll be more than catered for here. ![MacBook Air M1\_side view of ports\_Lloyd Coombes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WoPwZDWWk28zFV8Prqar4S.jpg) (Image credit: Future) One of the most impressive advances is just how quickly the MacBook Air can wake and be ready to work. Because in many ways it’s inspired by the iPhone and iPad, you can leave it in a sleep state and it’ll be instantly ready when you open the lid or hit a key. Worried about battery life? Don’t be – in testing we were able to eke out an incredible 15-hours of work and play – streaming Spotify audio, listening to podcasts, editing Google Docs, and firing off emails. As we noted in our M1 MacBook Pro review, Apple’s also got compatibility sussed when it comes to the M1. As your apps aren’t necessarily M1 optimized, the MacBook Air uses a translation layer called Rosetta 2 that kicks in the first time you open an app, in the background. You won’t notice it, but it recompiles your app to make it run on M1, and you’ll see no performance loss because of it. Of course, if your app has been updated to take advantage of the M1, you can expect even smoother performance. On the subject of compatibility, the M1 Mac can run many iOS and iPadOS apps now. That makes it easier to access your bank without going through websites, or order food from a faster, easier-to-use system. We’re excited to find more apps that make use of the feature. Sadly, as with the M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch, the camera really does let the side down. With so much of the world still relying on video calling, it’s disappointing to have to use a 720p camera. ### MacBook Air M1 review: Image editing - Photoshop optimized for M1 - No fans means silent operating - Retina screen showing its age perhaps If you’re used to the fans in prior Mac models spinning up when trying to complete more demanding tasks, you’ll be pleased to know that the M1 MacBook Air doesn’t have fans. That means it’s silent when running, and while there is a question over how this will affect it in the long run, Apple is using an aluminum heat spreader that dissipates the heat internally. So, if you’re editing video in Final Cut Pro, you’ll be able to do so without cranking up the volume. ![MacBook Air M1\_side view of headphone jack\_Lloyd Coombes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HuC8uS5DgSf3TKgXhuWByR.jpg) (Image credit: Future) Photographers have it even better, too. Adobe and Serif both jumped on board with M1 immediately, which means Photoshop and Affinity Photo are already native apps, seeing huge speed boosts on editing layer to layer, or making sweeping changes to a project. If you like to edit on location, that additional battery life will feel like a game-changer, but you will need a dongle to get your shots across. Our only small gripe is that, compared to the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, the Retina display on the M1 just feels flat. It’s accurate, sure, but compared to the XDR display offered on those notebooks, it just feels like we’ve been spoiled when coming back. ### MacBook Air M1 Review: User reviews Amazon’s user reviews are pretty unanimous with praise for the M1, with a [4\.8 out of 5 star rating](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=72128&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FApple-MacBook-13-inch-256GB-Storage%2Fdp%2FB08N5KWB9H%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dspace-us-7223426940818276055-20) across 13,823 reviews at time of writing. Positive reviews praise the MacBook Air M1 for its stylish design, small form factor, and great performance. There are some complaints though, with some users stating that 8GB of RAM may be insufficient for more complex projects – and we’d tend to agree. While the 8GB version we tested is breezy in the majority of tasks, anyone looking to take on larger scale edits of photos and video may want to look at the MacBook Pro instead. Others have issues (understandably) with the webcam and shallow keyboard, while others would have preferred a few more ports. ### MacBook Air M1 Review: Price & Warranty The entry level model of the MacBook Air M1 (256GB storage) costs \$999. You can also upgrade to one of the higher tier models with 512GB storage, which also adds an extra core to the CPU for a little power boost. Laptops are difficult to upgrade once you've purchased them, and Apple laptops doubly so, so make sure you think about what you need before you purchase. If storage does turn out to be an issue later though, you can always buy an external hard drive. ### Should you buy the MacBook Air M1? The MacBook Air finally has a processor that brings out the best parts of it, making it much more portable and much more powerful. The M1 is a huge improvement over the Intel-based version, and while you’ll need to go for a MacBook Pro for more ports and higher headroom, the vast majority of laptop customers will have everything they need right here. That said, it’s quite likely the design could be updated this year, so it may be worth holding out for a little longer. 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As noted above, we’d consider holding out to see what 2022 brings, because the MacBook Air remains Apple’s lowest priced laptop, but it’s still not cheap. If you'd rather look at a Windows laptop for your photo editing needs, then we'd recommend checking out the [Microsoft Surface Laptop 4](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/surface-laptop-4/946627fb12t1?activetab=pivot:overviewtab). This stylish laptop from Microsoft is cheaper than the MacBook Air at its base price, and offers similar performance. You can also consider the [Dell XPS 15](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100134081-12578053?sid=space-us-2545410161547113802&url=https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/new-xps-15-laptop/spd/xps-15-9520-laptop) if you're ok getting a slightly bigger laptop - it's not as light and portable, but the trade off is that it's more powerful and offers a bigger screen, which is ideal for photo editing and other creative tasks. 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You'll find him regularly testing the latest MacBook or iPhone, but he spends most of his time writing about video games as Gaming Editor for the Daily Star. He also covers board games and virtual reality, just to round out the nerdy pursuits.* [Back To Top](https://www.space.com/macbook-air-m1-review) Read more [![A MacBook and HP laptop placed side-by-side on a wooden table, showing their respective logos.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZApq7yDvx2dDeAKmkzgqDi.jpg) Skywatching Kit Is a MacBook or Windows laptop better for astrophotography?](https://www.space.com/stargazing/skywatching-kit/is-a-macbook-or-windows-laptop-better-for-astrophotography "Is a MacBook or Windows laptop better for astrophotography?") 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Readable Markdown	Apple’s M1 chip gives the MacBook Air new life, making its most portable laptop an even more powerful one too. #### Pros - \+ Incredible battery life - \+ Slim notebook design - \+ Can run iOS apps #### Cons - \- No design refresh - \- Camera still only 720p Why you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. [Find out more about how we test and review products.](https://www.space.com/how-we-test) Apple’s MacBook Air is the company’s most popular laptop, and yet it felt like it had been forgotten about for a while. Aside from spec bumps every now and again, the MacBook Air, as light and portable as it is, was swept aside by the MacBook Pro on one side and the iPad Pro on the other. The good news is that the M1 chip makes this latest 2020 model the best MacBook Air there’s ever been, with a wealth of performance improvements that extend the battery life, too. Key specs Price: Starting at \$999 Screen size: 13\.3-inch Weight: 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg) Memory: 8GB as standard, configurable up to 16GB Battery life: up to 15 hours wireless web browsing Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB versions Operating system: macOS Big Sur Display: Retina display with 2560 x 1600 resolution, 227 pixels per inch. 400 nits brightness. CPU: Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU Graphics: M1 includes 7-core GPU Ports: two USC-C ports (USB 4 support) While we’d have liked a bit more pizazz on the outside, and a better built-in camera, it’s fair to say that the M1 helps the MacBook Air hit new heights – finally hitting its potential for a powerful notebook you take anywhere. Latest Videos From Space There are some concerns about the longevity of its fan-less design, but that does help it remain silent during use – whether you’re touching up images, wrangling audio, or even editing video. You’ll no doubt want to splash out for the MacBook Pro for heavier workloads, but many creatives will still love what’s on offer here. Apple has finally exorcised the demons from its laptops by reverting to scissor switch keyboards, but there are only two ports to be found here – that can make it a tougher prospect if you rely on connecting external displays as well as docking stations and the like. But for a laptop you can grab while sitting on the couch, the train, or at the coffee shop, there really is nothing better. ### MacBook Air M1 review: Design ![MacBook Air M1\_closed\_Lloyd Coombes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pyLzCGGaYxCUpVfVR9aGiR.jpg) (Image credit: Future) - Available in Gold, Silver, or Space Gray - Scissor switch keyboard - Thin design, but feels dated The M1 MacBook Air looks, well, just like the Intel-based MacBook Air. There’s an argument that the design of Apple’s laptops have a classic appeal to them, all aluminum casing and glossy logo (still no light-up logo, sadly), but the MacBook Air, for the most part, resembles what Steve Jobs pulled from an envelope all those years ago. There’s still that contentious black bezel around the 13.3-inch display, with the MacBook Air logo proudly displayed beneath it, and a FaceTime camera that’s still, in 2022, 720p. The keyboard, now comprised of scissor switches, offers excellent travel, and the trackpad remains industry leading for control and gestures. Discover this week’s must-see night sky events, moon phases, and stunning astrophotos. Sign up for our skywatching newsletter and explore the universe with us\! As before, the base of the laptop is a “wedge”, with the front considerably slimmer than the back, but balanced with small “feet” underneath. On the left side, you’ll find two USB-C ports that are USB 4.0 compatible, and on the right-hand side, you’ll find just a headphone jack. Speakers flank the keyboard, too, and they offer impressive depth given the svelte chassis they’re in, and there’s a TouchID fingerprint sensor in the top-right corner of the keyboard for unlocking the device or using Apple Pay. ### MacBook Air M1 review: Performance & features ![MacBook Air M1\_slightly open, front view\_Lloyd Coombes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sPxTX88GMd87bGr4fVd9BS.jpg) (Image credit: Future) - M1 chip allows for iOS and iPadOS compatibility - Huge battery life improvements - Instant wake from sleep On the inside, it’s all change for the MacBook Air this time around. The M1 chip leans on Apple’s now decade-and-a-half knowledge of manufacturing its own iPhone processors. Not only does it replace multiple components at once to save space, but doing so increases both performance and battery life. On prior Intel-based machines, the CPU, GPU and other components would copy data between each other, spending energy while also requiring more resources. Now, everything is in the same spot, so copying is much less common which saves energy and maintains performance over long periods. With an 8 core CPU, the M1 MacBook Air is three-and-a-half times faster than the prior Intel version, which opens up more opportunities for budding creatives, or even more accomplished ones, to use the laptop for image manipulation or video editing. The M1 also offers impressive gaming performance. Sure, Macs will never play as hard as Windows PCs, but if you’re an Apple Arcade subscriber, a Football Manager addict, or even a League of Legends enthusiast, you’ll be more than catered for here. ![MacBook Air M1\_side view of ports\_Lloyd Coombes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WoPwZDWWk28zFV8Prqar4S.jpg) (Image credit: Future) One of the most impressive advances is just how quickly the MacBook Air can wake and be ready to work. Because in many ways it’s inspired by the iPhone and iPad, you can leave it in a sleep state and it’ll be instantly ready when you open the lid or hit a key. Worried about battery life? Don’t be – in testing we were able to eke out an incredible 15-hours of work and play – streaming Spotify audio, listening to podcasts, editing Google Docs, and firing off emails. As we noted in our M1 MacBook Pro review, Apple’s also got compatibility sussed when it comes to the M1. As your apps aren’t necessarily M1 optimized, the MacBook Air uses a translation layer called Rosetta 2 that kicks in the first time you open an app, in the background. You won’t notice it, but it recompiles your app to make it run on M1, and you’ll see no performance loss because of it. Of course, if your app has been updated to take advantage of the M1, you can expect even smoother performance. On the subject of compatibility, the M1 Mac can run many iOS and iPadOS apps now. That makes it easier to access your bank without going through websites, or order food from a faster, easier-to-use system. We’re excited to find more apps that make use of the feature. Sadly, as with the M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch, the camera really does let the side down. With so much of the world still relying on video calling, it’s disappointing to have to use a 720p camera. ### MacBook Air M1 review: Image editing - Photoshop optimized for M1 - No fans means silent operating - Retina screen showing its age perhaps If you’re used to the fans in prior Mac models spinning up when trying to complete more demanding tasks, you’ll be pleased to know that the M1 MacBook Air doesn’t have fans. That means it’s silent when running, and while there is a question over how this will affect it in the long run, Apple is using an aluminum heat spreader that dissipates the heat internally. So, if you’re editing video in Final Cut Pro, you’ll be able to do so without cranking up the volume. ![MacBook Air M1\_side view of headphone jack\_Lloyd Coombes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HuC8uS5DgSf3TKgXhuWByR.jpg) (Image credit: Future) Photographers have it even better, too. Adobe and Serif both jumped on board with M1 immediately, which means Photoshop and Affinity Photo are already native apps, seeing huge speed boosts on editing layer to layer, or making sweeping changes to a project. If you like to edit on location, that additional battery life will feel like a game-changer, but you will need a dongle to get your shots across. Our only small gripe is that, compared to the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, the Retina display on the M1 just feels flat. It’s accurate, sure, but compared to the XDR display offered on those notebooks, it just feels like we’ve been spoiled when coming back. ### MacBook Air M1 Review: User reviews Amazon’s user reviews are pretty unanimous with praise for the M1, with a [4\.8 out of 5 star rating](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=72128&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FApple-MacBook-13-inch-256GB-Storage%2Fdp%2FB08N5KWB9H%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dspace-us-7223426940818276055-20) across 13,823 reviews at time of writing. Positive reviews praise the MacBook Air M1 for its stylish design, small form factor, and great performance. There are some complaints though, with some users stating that 8GB of RAM may be insufficient for more complex projects – and we’d tend to agree. While the 8GB version we tested is breezy in the majority of tasks, anyone looking to take on larger scale edits of photos and video may want to look at the MacBook Pro instead. Others have issues (understandably) with the webcam and shallow keyboard, while others would have preferred a few more ports. ### MacBook Air M1 Review: Price & Warranty The entry level model of the MacBook Air M1 (256GB storage) costs \$999. You can also upgrade to one of the higher tier models with 512GB storage, which also adds an extra core to the CPU for a little power boost. Laptops are difficult to upgrade once you've purchased them, and Apple laptops doubly so, so make sure you think about what you need before you purchase. If storage does turn out to be an issue later though, you can always buy an external hard drive. ### Should you buy the MacBook Air M1? The MacBook Air finally has a processor that brings out the best parts of it, making it much more portable and much more powerful. The M1 is a huge improvement over the Intel-based version, and while you’ll need to go for a MacBook Pro for more ports and higher headroom, the vast majority of laptop customers will have everything they need right here. That said, it’s quite likely the design could be updated this year, so it may be worth holding out for a little longer. ### If this product isn’t for you If you want more ports, more power, and a better webcam, the [MacBook Pro 13-inch](https://www.space.com/macbook-pro-m1-review) is excellent – but it’s also significantly more expensive with prices starting at \$1299. As noted above, we’d consider holding out to see what 2022 brings, because the MacBook Air remains Apple’s lowest priced laptop, but it’s still not cheap. If you'd rather look at a Windows laptop for your photo editing needs, then we'd recommend checking out the [Microsoft Surface Laptop 4](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/surface-laptop-4/946627fb12t1?activetab=pivot:overviewtab). This stylish laptop from Microsoft is cheaper than the MacBook Air at its base price, and offers similar performance. You can also consider the [Dell XPS 15](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100134081-12578053?sid=space-us-2545410161547113802&url=https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/new-xps-15-laptop/spd/xps-15-9520-laptop) if you're ok getting a slightly bigger laptop - it's not as light and portable, but the trade off is that it's more powerful and offers a bigger screen, which is ideal for photo editing and other creative tasks. Share your thoughts 0 0 0 0 Join the community Join the Space.com Family! The best way to keep in touch and to be informed of our latest quizzes and competitions, as well as news and offers. Already have an account? Log in My Details Update your details below... Keep in the Know Would you like to be kept informed about new quizzes and offers from Future and its partners? Validate Your Mobile No. We have sent a code to . 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Leaderboard \| Rank \| Player \| Score \| Time \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\| *Lloyd Coombes freelance tech and fitness writer. He's an expert in all things Apple as well as in computer and gaming tech, with previous works published on TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Live Science and more. You'll find him regularly testing the latest MacBook or iPhone, but he spends most of his time writing about video games as Gaming Editor for the Daily Star. He also covers board games and virtual reality, just to round out the nerdy pursuits.*
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