
I never imagined I'd find myself using and being satisfied with a MacBook Air, let alone sitting down to write these lines of contentment, much like I've written many similar things over the past 8 months. Since I began using Apple laptops, I've only used the Pro models, mostly the larger-screened, high-performance Pro models - machines that embody the best and finest qualities.
The Beginning of Change
I started experimenting with Apple's M1 machines at the beginning of the year. At that time, only the 8GB versions were available, and the operating system along with the primary applications were mostly running on emulation for the M1. I advised against transitioning to the M1 Macs during that period because they were underperforming and unable to handle tasks efficiently.
About 2 months later, at this point, the 16GB versions of Mac M1 had arrived. Apple had updated macOS several times, and Adobe, Google, Microsoft, and many other software companies had begun updating their software versions to run on the M1 architecture instead of relying on virtual machines. And after a few days of trial, I decided to switch from my powerful MacBook Pro 16' i9 with 64GB RAM to a MacBook Air M1.
Disappointment with MacBook Pro i9
It's the noise it makes while working. I used two 5K and 6K monitors to extend my MacBook workspace, and the workload wasn't excessively demanding, mainly dealing with high-resolution RAW photos in Lightroom, around 50MP or 100MP. But sometimes, just plugging in, opening Facebook, or some lightweight app would send the fans into overdrive, creating a racket. I found out that even users of the i9 2018 model had to accept this noise.
And when the fans were spinning at maximum speed and the machine was still overheating, its performance would suffer. The machine would start lagging, and work efficiency would significantly decrease. At times, I thought if I had bought an i7 or i5, maybe this wouldn't have happened, but by then, I was ready to upgrade anyway. Being someone who enjoys embracing innovation, I was determined to switch to a new platform.
The Outstanding Performance of an Affordable Laptop
I use the MacBook Air M1 just like I did with my previous MacBook Pro i9, connecting it to 5K, 6K, and 4K monitors for work. Due to the pandemic, I no longer take it to cafes or events like I used to. I'm completely surprised by how smoothly the machine operates, handling tasks effortlessly even without fans while comfortably driving a 6K or 5K display. I never thought a low-end laptop could handle such tasks so comfortably.
My other tasks are also smoothly handled with ease. Processing raw files from the GFX 100S with 100MP resolution, sometimes over 200MB each, is a breeze. Occasionally, it may strain a bit, but it still manages without performance degradation like my old machine. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the relationship between temperature and performance.
Feedback from other MacBook M1 users. I swapped my MacBook M1 for my wife, and she also really likes it because it handles heavy office work effortlessly. Then another colleague said I was too mean for not introducing that machine to her earlier, a machine that can last all day without running out of battery…The Most Worthwhile MacBook to Buy Not Only This Year but Compared to Previous Years
With just over 20 million VND, you can already purchase a MacBook Air M1 that smoothly handles your tasks while the battery lasts all day, and it's thin and light. Clearly, there's no other laptop that can compare to it.
I always confidently recommend getting the MacBook M1, whether it's the 8GB or 16GB version. It's like my confidence when people ask if they should buy an iPhone or not.Now I'm back on familiar ground, having purchased the MacBook Pro 16' M1 Max. I'll report to you all soon; it's also part of my job.
The keyboard is slim but very comfortable to type on. The trackpad is among the best in the laptop world.
High-speed connectivity ports like Thunderbolt 3, USB 4...
Lightweight and comfortable for going to cafes, attending classes...
Above are my personal opinions based on my experiences. If you think there's a laptop that deserves more recognition, feel free to share it in the comments or in a new post. Thank you all.