Windows laptops have been making significant strides this year, especially with the introduction of Snapdragon X chips in the Copilot+ PC line and powerful AMD Ryzen 300 AI chips powering laptops like the Zenbook S 16. These advancements are pushing Windows laptops closer to the performance levels of MacBooks, making them highly competitive alternatives. However, one MacBook model continues to hold its own in this arena: the M2 MacBook Air.
Despite being a two-year-old model, the M2 MacBook Air remains a compelling choice, especially at its current discounted price. While its base configuration with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage might seem underwhelming compared to the Surface Laptop 7th Edition, which offers double the RAM at the same starting price, the M2 MacBook Air can now be found for as low as $799. This $200 discount, equivalent to the cost of doubling the RAM on the Apple device, makes it a very appealing offer, especially considering that even the cheapest Copilot+ PCs start at $999.
While the M2 MacBook Air may be an older model, it shares the same chassis and features as the newer M3 model. Although the M3 offers slightly better GPU performance, the difference is unlikely to be noticeable for everyday tasks. If you’re on a tighter budget, you can even consider the M1 MacBook Air, which is currently priced at $649. However, the M2 model offers a superior display, webcam, speakers, and port selection, making it worth the extra $150.
The affordability of the M2 MacBook Air makes even Chromebooks harder to recommend. While the prospect of cheaper Snapdragon X PCs in the future is exciting, for now, Apple has a firm grasp on the under-$1,000 laptop market, proving that the M2 MacBook Air remains a highly competitive choice despite the advancements in Windows laptops. With its impressive performance, features, and now, its appealing price point, the M2 MacBook Air continues to be a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a quality laptop.
