Apple’s highly anticipated 15-inch MacBook Air has finally arrived, marking the company’s re-entry into this market segment and offering a larger screen size. Starting at £1,399 ($1,299/A$2,199), the 15-inch model is £250 more expensive than the excellent 13-inch version, which has received a £100 price reduction since its launch. While competitors like the 15-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and Dell’s popular XPS 15 offer similar screen sizes, the MacBook Air stands out by retaining all the selling points of the original 13-inch version, just on a larger scale.
Weighing 1.51kg and measuring 11.5mm thick, the new MacBook Air is one of the most compact 15-inch laptops available. It is able to fit into most backpacks, although it may not fit well in small briefcase-style laptop bags. The Air features the same super-thin metal body, a no-fan cooling system for silent operation, and the M2 chip. It offers fast and power-efficient performance, lasting up to twice as long as competitors on battery life. However, this means it lacks a discrete graphics card or the more powerful processors found in bulky 15-inch PCs from rival brands.
The MacBook Air caters to consumers who desire a larger screen without the need for gaming or high-powered workstation performance. The display is top-notch, with high brightness, crispness, and vivid colors. It boasts a higher resolution than most full-HD laptops, although it does not offer the expensive 4K-screen options found in rival brands. The 15.3-inch screen provides significantly more space compared to 13-inch laptops, allowing for easy multitasking with multiple windows and improved productivity in image and video editing applications.
The laptop excels in multimedia experiences, with the capability to display HDR content and a six-speaker system that surpasses expectations. It produces excellent sound quality, easily filling a small room with music and avoiding the typical tinny sound associated with most laptops. The keyboard provides a firm yet responsive typing experience and includes a Touch ID fingerprint reader in the power button. Additionally, the trackpad is best-in-class and offers a generous size without interfering with typing.
The MacBook Air runs on macOS 13.4 Ventura software, similar to Apple’s recent Macs. It performs well on the laptop and includes useful screen-sharing and proximity features for other Apple devices. For instance, users can utilize a recent iPad as a second screen or control the MacBook Air remotely. The laptop also supports using an iPhone as a wireless webcam, although the built-in FaceTime HD camera is already of good quality.
In terms of specifications, the MacBook Air features a 15.3-inch LCD display with a True Tone resolution of 2880×1864 and 224 ppi. It is powered by the Apple M2 chip with a 10-core GPU and offers various RAM and storage options. The operating system is macOS 13.4 Ventura, and the laptop includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera and connectivity options such as wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. The laptop’s dimensions are 237.6 x 340.4 x 11.5mm, and it weighs 1.51kg.
With an extremely long battery life, the MacBook Air comes with a dual-port 35W USB-C power adapter that fully charges the laptop in around 2.5 hours. The laptop can also charge a phone simultaneously. Using a 70W or greater adapter enables fast charging. The MacBook Air offers the same selection of ports as the 13-inch version, including two Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports, a headphone socket, and a separate MagSafe charging connection. It lacks a memory card reader and could benefit from additional ports but compensates with expansive expansion options through the USB-C ports.
The MacBook Air maintains its position as a sustainability-focused device, using recycled materials in its construction. Apple provides detailed information about the computer’s environmental impact in its report. The laptop is generally repairable, and the battery can be replaced by Apple for a fee. The company also offers trade-in and free recycling programs for non-Apple products.
Priced at £1,399 ($1,299/A$2,199) for the base model, the 15-inch MacBook Air offers a premium laptop experience. In comparison, the 13-inch MacBook Air starts at £1,149, the 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at £2,149, the 15-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 begins at £1,299, and the 15-inch Dell XPS starts at £1,399.
In conclusion, the 15-inch MacBook Air builds upon the success of its 13-inch counterpart by delivering a bigger screen for those who desire more display space. It retains the winning combination of silent operation, powerful M2 chip, and impressive battery life. While it may not provide gaming or workstation-level performance, its outstanding screen, excellent sound, and overall portability make it an ideal choice for consumers seeking a high-quality laptop with a larger screen.