The Apple 13" MacBook Air features Apple's first chip designed specifically for Mac. The Apple M1 integrates the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, I/O, and more into a single system on a chip (SoC). Tackle your projects with the fast 8-Core CPU and take on graphics-intensive apps and games with the 8-core GPU. Accelerate machine learning tasks with the 16-core Neural Engine. Complete with a silent, fanless design and up to 18 hours of battery life, the MacBook Air is still portable, but now a lot more powerful. It also has 16GB of unified RAM and a 1TB SSD.
With over 4 million pixels, the 13.3" Retina Display features a 2560 x 1600 screen resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio for 227 pixels per inch (ppi). The display also features up to 48 percent more color than the previous generation. With True Tone technology, the white balance automatically adjusts to match the color temperature of the light around you for a more natural viewing experience.
Connect to the internet via Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and use compatible wireless peripherals and accessories with Bluetooth 5.0. The two Thunderbolt 3 ports provide USB4 support and can even connect to the Apple Pro Display XDR in full 6K resolution. Apple also included studio-quality mics for clear recordings and calls. There is also Apple's latest camera ISP in the M1 chip, which enables sharper images and more details in shadows and highlights in video calls. Keep your MacBook Air secure with Secure Enclave in M1 as well as Touch ID. The backlit Magic Keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, and the Force Touch trackpad allows for precise cursor control, pressure-sensing capabilities, and Multi-Touch gestures.
Please note that this MacBook Air can only output to a single external display with up to 6K resolution at 60 Hz.
This Mac comes preloaded with macOS. Updates can be downloaded for free via the Mac App Store. Please check Apple's website for upgrade eligibility.
Product SKU:
1604865
133_2560_x_1600_retina_ips_display:
8-Core GPU | 16-Core Neural Engine
apple_m1_8-core_cpu:
16GB Unified RAM | 1TB SSD
aspect_ratio:
16:10
color_gamut:
100% DCI-P3
finish:
Glossy
maximum_brightness:
400 nits / cd/m2
panel_type:
IPS-Type LCD
resolution:
2560 x 1600
size:
13.3"
touchscreen:
No
Community Notes
This collaborative space allows users to contribute additional information, tips, and insights to enhance the original deal post. Feel free to share your knowledge and help fellow shoppers make informed decisions.
I have this laptop from a previous B&H sale, from around Black Friday when both Gold and Space Gray were being offered at the same $1200 price point.
First and foremost, it's an excellent performing device. This $1200 machine absolutely beats the tar out of my $2400 late-2019 16" Macbook Pro Intel i7 + 16gb ram + 512gb ssd in terms of performance.
I've run the M1 Air as a daily driver since the beginning of December 2022 - admin tasks, software development, media creation, etc. I've been nothing but thrilled with it. Best dollar-to-weight-to-performance laptop I've ever owned. Sure, the M1/M2 Pro/Max/Ultra is faster -- but if you know you need that level of processing power, you probably already have one.
Comparing this to my not-so-old 16" MBP, the keyboard + trackpad + screen are exactly the same high quality and usability (albeit smaller for the screen size & trackpad). The machine is very lightweight, and it's nothing but an afterthought to carry around daily.
The M1 Air needs to be intentionally run long and hard to even get slightly warm, whereas the i7 MBP immediately becomes a space heater when on idle upon a fresh boot -- getting so warm that you can feel the heat on the underside of your desk. This also comes with a much better battery longevity -- the 16" Pro lasts 4-6 hours, the Air is 8+ hours. And I'm not changing my behavior to conserve battery life.
You can also charge it with a 30W USB-C adapter, whereas the 16" Pro should have a 100W adapter. 30W USB-C chargers are much cheaper and more widely available. Or you can use a single higher-capacity multi-port charger to run several devices -- something that you can't do with a Macbook Pro.
Unless you know you're not a heavy user, I think you're better off getting the 16gb ram version. Furthermore, the larger 1tb storage is a nice perk to have, but can easily be mitigated by external USB-C SSDs for general file storage.
Cons: As expected, the speakers and microphone in the M1 Air aren't as robust as they are in the 16" Macbook Pro line. And you do lose 2x USB-C ports. And you can only attach a single external monitor. Granted, when I plugged in an external monitor into the 16" pro, the fan kicks on as if I'm stressing the poor device -- the M1 Air handles it calmly. The webcam is below average, but that's the case with almost every laptop.
To combat the dip in audio fidelity, you can always plug in external speakers -- or use a wired/wireless headset. USB mics, such as the AT2020usb+ are available for $100 or less that give stellar performance. Though to be fair, the built-in mic is absolutely acceptable. Webcam? Nothing built-in is going to beat a $70-200 purpose-built external camera.
The M1 Air doesn't have a touchbar. Some people really liked that atrocious thing. More power to them, I suppose. No literally, they needed the power to run the obnoxious, glitchy feature.
Final note -- Get AppleCare. For $200 more, it covers you another 2 more years in case anything goes wrong. Given how highly integrated these machines are, you're taking a gamble otherwise.
Thank you for the response! Think apple care is worth it on this machine?
I'm personally a big fan of AppleCare+. Without it, if it dies on day 366 from a manufacturing defect, it's a brick. It also means you don't have to baby the device as there's drastically reduced costs for accidental damage. Consider that spilling a little bit of water could be a $800+ logic board replacement.
I've worked with AC+ a lot and I they are basically enterprise grade support, similar to Dell Business ProSupport (and the cost is about the same, too). Typically turn around is pretty quick and you get your device cleaned and wiped down pristine. Do keep in mind that Apple Support is very finnicky and strict. If they detect any amount of water damage they're going to write it up as accidental damage.
All that being said, I pretty much get it on every Apple device I buy; it's good piece of mind and has saved my a-- a few times. I'm sure someone else will say "no, just be careful", but life isn't always that fair.
I think the only issue with these is the external dual monitor capabilities. I use an m1 MBP 2020 and it doesn't support dual monitors, so unfortunately although it is an amazing laptop I just can't get enough use for it on desktop. Portability it is second to none, amazing battery and performance
You can bypass the external display limit by getting a Mac-compatible Displaylink adapter!
I am new to Apple laptops but my daughter wants one for college. How is a MacBook air different than a mbp if both have m1 processor?
The 13-inch MBP is similar to MBA except for having fans. The 14 and 16-in ones have noticeable differences. Unless your daughter's school asks for a particular machine, this MBA is more than sufficient to survive for the next 4 years.
How about an additional $200 discount for the gold color option? You'll love it so much, you won't even realize you have a Falcon heavy in your pants. Flaunt your bling and appreciate the gold. Just keep in mind that it's the driver, not the car, that truly matters.
I think the only issue with these is the external dual monitor capabilities. I use an m1 MBP 2020 and it doesn't support dual monitors, so unfortunately although it is an amazing laptop I just can't get enough use for it on desktop. Portability it is second to none, amazing battery and performance
Agree, if it didnt have the dual ext monitor limitation, this would be the perfect laptop hands down
This is a fantastic deal. But I'm struggling to justify even that extra $200-$300 for 16GB and 1 TB for my wife. She only does simple web browsing and emailing. Her current MBA is a 2015, 8GB of RAM, and 256 GB drive. She's about filled it up with just photos and videos but that's taken 7 hrs to fill.
So looking to save the $200-$300 and get an 8GB/512GB. Be awesome to get sub $900-$1,000.
How about an additional $200 discount for the gold color option? You'll love it so much, you won't even realize you have a Falcon heavy in your pants. Flaunt your bling and appreciate the gold. Just keep in mind that it's the driver, not the car, that truly matters.
I've switched back to PC, no more apple product!
2
Like
Helpful
Funny
Not helpful
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!
Top Comments
This isn't my wife's computer, it's mine. Compiling millions of lines of code and processing hundreds of gigs of data silently and without choking.
you're just incompetent
First and foremost, it's an excellent performing device. This $1200 machine absolutely beats the tar out of my $2400 late-2019 16" Macbook Pro Intel i7 + 16gb ram + 512gb ssd in terms of performance.
I've run the M1 Air as a daily driver since the beginning of December 2022 - admin tasks, software development, media creation, etc. I've been nothing but thrilled with it. Best dollar-to-weight-to-performance laptop I've ever owned. Sure, the M1/M2 Pro/Max/Ultra is faster -- but if you know you need that level of processing power, you probably already have one.
Comparing this to my not-so-old 16" MBP, the keyboard + trackpad + screen are exactly the same high quality and usability (albeit smaller for the screen size & trackpad). The machine is very lightweight, and it's nothing but an afterthought to carry around daily.
The M1 Air needs to be intentionally run long and hard to even get slightly warm, whereas the i7 MBP immediately becomes a space heater when on idle upon a fresh boot -- getting so warm that you can feel the heat on the underside of your desk. This also comes with a much better battery longevity -- the 16" Pro lasts 4-6 hours, the Air is 8+ hours. And I'm not changing my behavior to conserve battery life.
You can also charge it with a 30W USB-C adapter, whereas the 16" Pro should have a 100W adapter. 30W USB-C chargers are much cheaper and more widely available. Or you can use a single higher-capacity multi-port charger to run several devices -- something that you can't do with a Macbook Pro.
Unless you know you're not a heavy user, I think you're better off getting the 16gb ram version. Furthermore, the larger 1tb storage is a nice perk to have, but can easily be mitigated by external USB-C SSDs for general file storage.
Cons: As expected, the speakers and microphone in the M1 Air aren't as robust as they are in the 16" Macbook Pro line. And you do lose 2x USB-C ports. And you can only attach a single external monitor. Granted, when I plugged in an external monitor into the 16" pro, the fan kicks on as if I'm stressing the poor device -- the M1 Air handles it calmly. The webcam is below average, but that's the case with almost every laptop.
To combat the dip in audio fidelity, you can always plug in external speakers -- or use a wired/wireless headset. USB mics, such as the AT2020usb+ are available for $100 or less that give stellar performance. Though to be fair, the built-in mic is absolutely acceptable. Webcam? Nothing built-in is going to beat a $70-200 purpose-built external camera.
The M1 Air doesn't have a touchbar. Some people really liked that atrocious thing. More power to them, I suppose. No literally, they needed the power to run the obnoxious, glitchy feature.
Final note -- Get AppleCare. For $200 more, it covers you another 2 more years in case anything goes wrong. Given how highly integrated these machines are, you're taking a gamble otherwise.
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!
125 Comments
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
This isn't my wife's computer, it's mine. Compiling millions of lines of code and processing hundreds of gigs of data silently and without choking.
I've worked with AC+ a lot and I they are basically enterprise grade support, similar to Dell Business ProSupport (and the cost is about the same, too). Typically turn around is pretty quick and you get your device cleaned and wiped down pristine. Do keep in mind that Apple Support is very finnicky and strict. If they detect any amount of water damage they're going to write it up as accidental damage.
All that being said, I pretty much get it on every Apple device I buy; it's good piece of mind and has saved my a-- a few times. I'm sure someone else will say "no, just be careful", but life isn't always that fair.
https://www.microcenter
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
https://www.microcenter
So looking to save the $200-$300 and get an 8GB/512GB. Be awesome to get sub $900-$1,000.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!