The newest MacBook Air just released on November 7, 2018. Before you rush out to get the latest and greatest, it’s a good idea to take a long look at not just the good, but the bad too.
The MacBook Air hasn’t changed much since it was originally released, but the newest release gives the system a major overhaul.
While it still keeps the thin, lightweight design, you’ll notice a few changes regarding performance and display among other things.
PRO: MacBook Goes Green
If you’re all about going green, you’ll probably love the new MacBook Air 2018. In fact, the iconic wedge design is built from 100% recycled aluminum. While it sounds like a simple thing, this is a major moment in tech. At the very least, you’ll feel good about keeping aluminum out of landfills.
CON: Slow Performance
One of the biggest cons Laptop Magazine reviewer, Henry T. Casey, found was slow performance. In testing the performance, it was well below average and was lower than that of several lower priced competitors. While this test involved maximum performance, this could be a major con for those looking to push the newest MacBook to the limits.
The MacBook Air 2018 is made more for casual computing versus resource intensive tasks. However, it easily handles average tasks and is powerful enough for most users.
PRO: Impressive Display
All is forgiven when you’re taken in by the impressive 2560 X 1600 resolution display with more than four million pixels. It’s the sharpest display for the MacBook Air ever and has 48% more colors than the previous version. The display now goes to the very edge of your enclosure, giving you 50% thinner borders and more overall screen to enjoy your experience.
Don’t forget if you choose to buy a MacBook Air 2018, you’ll want to protect that display. We have several ways to help you protect your MacBook and make it last much longer.
CON: Higher Priced
With great power comes great responsibility, or in this case, newer features mean a higher price. The newest version starts at $1,199 and goes to $1,399. This makes it one of the highest priced in its category. When Casey reviewed the MacBook Air, he stated the price for the performance was a negative for him.
PRO: Improved Keyboard And Touch
While some may hate the new keyboard, most love it. It’s quieter and removes the TouchBar, giving you more space for the keys. It may take some time to get used to the new layout, but you may appreciate keys that aren’t nearly as loud, especially if you use it while others are sleeping.
Some may consider this a con, but there isn’t a touch sensitive display on the MacBook Air 2018. Instead, the trackpad has been increased to 4.7” x 3”. This makes it much easier and more comfortable to use the device.
CON: Limited Storage
Despite costing more, you won’t get large amounts of storage. The base model only has a 128 GB SSD. If you work with many photos and videos, this space goes quickly. However, Apple is of the same mind as many other manufacturers – everyone stores their files in the cloud. While many do, it’s not true for all. If space is something you need, you’ll need an external drive for extra storage.
PRO: Security With TouchID
One thing that makes the new MacBook Air 2018 stand out is the TouchID feature. A small sensor turns your fingerprint into your password. Not only does it unlock your MacBook, but you can use TouchID to secure documents, access to system settings and more.
If you want to make shopping online easier, use Apple Pay as your preferred method. Now, instead of entering your payment details, just touch the sensor and use your fingerprint to confirm your payment. It’s a quicker way to buy the things you want and need.
Whether you buy a new MacBook Air 2018 depends on your needs. It’s a nice redesign and offers some great new features. While it may be lacking in some areas, it’s overall a robust option for any Mac lover.