2023 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 8GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID. Works with iPhone/iPad; Midnight

I bought this a week ago and finally accepted Amazon's offer for their own credit card, something I had stupidly ignored for years. My big point about Apple prices is that they are surprisingly "bouncy" at Amazon and everywhere. Today's price is very competitive with the market, still $50 less than pricing being advertised by another widely respected vendor. But a week ago, it was $250 less than today's price, which I combined with the $150 gift card promotion and so paid $400 less than today's fair and competitive price. Most notably, there was no particular promotion from Apple or Amazon and this was a couple of weeks outside Amazon's recent Prime Days. I often look at Apple prices on Amazon, and I am sure I checked them during Prime Days, although I don't remember exactly what that price was. It may have been as low, but temptation is a combination of price and my mood on any given day. Lucky for me that my endorphins were high a week ago, and I went for it! About M1 and M2: I have both models of the Mini. When the M2 was new, amazingly, it was available here and elsewhere at about a 10% discount on the M1 price. (Yes, the newer model was cheaper!). Meanwhile, reviewers where saying that the M2 advantage was minimal for ordinary users. Be careful what garbage you trust! It seemed solid, careful reviewers on Youtube NOT pushing the latest and greatest. But they were so wrong! The M2 is strikingly snappier than the M1, at least with 8 MB of memory. (Time was when I wouldn't think of less than 16 GB of memory, a habit born on Windows PCs when we were were talking ~mega~ instead of ~giga~ bytes. I am a "power user" but not a user of "power apps," i.e., no games, no video editing, etc. But I run a lot of simultaneous apps and keep a LOT of browser tabs open. On the modern Mac, I don't notice any performance difference between 8 and 16 GB. This is huge on the Mac given Apple's memory pricing and inability to upgrade.) Back to M1 v. M2, I notice that this listing from Amazon includes the claim (with Apple logo) that the M2 is 1.4x faster than the M1. Believe it! 1.4x is a huge performance boost and sure feels snappier to me (although the M1 is no slouch). Although this is my first M-series Macbook, I have owned several other Macbooks, all 13". Obviously, smaller is a bit more convenient, especially for students and other who lug them around a lot. And I have always felt that lighter laptops were more durable, because heavier ones tend to get banged around a lot more in daily use even if you don't drop them. But I had not realized how light this 15" Macbook is! A total joy that handles very easily. And, oh yea, obviously that bigger screen is great. One new feature that I considered trivial is the magic key that reads your fingerprint. It's not trivial! It is super convenient in an era when (Apple and Google) are constantly pestering you for passwords. Just love this new wrinkle. Mostly, I have written toward the Apple user, which I certainly am. But back in the day, I was in the Microsoft boat to the extent of having my ticket as a Microsoft Systems Engineer. I made the break strictly for the light and elegant Macbook and gradually got sucked into the AppleVerse. It is certainly not the cheapest way to go with laptops although the Mac minis are, imo, far the best value in desktops. As I mentioned above, you help yourself a lot on price if you are realistic about your memory needs. And external storage is so cheap and convenient that you should never consider upsizing your SSD spec on a new Macbook. Like I said, Apple prices are pretty bouncy, but it's not a day to day thing. And, to me, it seems rather unpredictable. Patience can definitely save you some money. Oh, and I am thrilled with this new Macbook! Did I say that?

This computer is pretty much perfect. It's light, it's sleek. Its fast. It's actually made me enjoy using a computer again. I got the midnight color and honestly, fingerprints aren't any worse with this color vs any other color. Yes, they are present, but a quick wipe erases them. And then you've got the best looking computer in the coffee shop. Looking at you, you young professional at the coffee shop. Looking so cool. If you've read any reviews on these computers you'll hear all of them conclude with this: If you're like 90% of people and use their computer for normal things like checking email, writing, using regular apps, basic movie / music editing. Then this is the best computer for you. Why look anywhere else? The screen is huge. The laptop is light. It looks legit. The keyboard is great. The speakers are reasonable. The FaceTime camera is great. If you're life is editing movies then you probably already know that this M2 processor will do the job for you, but it'll come at a cost. The MacBook Air m2 processor is meant for efficiency, but it's not going to export as fast as a pro m2. In saying that..this processor is so much faster than anything in the past 5 years that even if you're used to having a pro computer, and its a few years old, you'll still find yourself with a very capable machine. I was between this and an iPadPro. I went with this because until apple gets its act together an iPad is still an iPad. Anybody who tells you they use it for their daily driver has done a lot work to learn how to navigate the iPad OS to make it work like a MacBook. If you want something cool to look at pictures, browse the internet, do some writing, maybe some call of duty mobile - then get an iPad. If you want a computer. Get a MacBook Air. If you're a heavy gamer, or do a ton of video editing (like your whole workflow) Then get a MacBook Pro 14 air 16 inch. They are incredible, but not something most people will need. For what it's worth, I do video editing with this M2 machine and for me it works great. I don't mind waiting an extra 10min on an hour long project to export. The experience while I edit is still super smooth, I just need to wait a bit once I'm done to view my finished product. To conclude. If you're 90% of the world. Just get the MacBook Air. If you can - get the 512gb hard drive. They're faster than their 256gb base counterpart. However, if you're upgrading both your hard driver AND the ram. I think I would just go for a 14inch MacBook Pro. The price difference isn't too much and that 120hz refresh rate on the 14inch pros is noice. But, coming from somebody who notices that sort of stuff, you won't miss the refresh rate on the air. Like you would between an iPad Air vs iPad Pro. Ask questions! I've got answers!

First off, I'm not a student, and I don't use a computer for work; I mostly use this for writing in word and looking things up on the Internet (but I plan on doing some photo editing/video editing). So, until now, I never wanted to spend much for a laptop. Now, I'm an Apple guy--iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad etc.--but all my computers have been PC's. I'm not at all computer savvy but feel I at least understand PC's, was "raised" on them. I didn't want to completely relearn how to use a computer! My last HP Stream was VERY slow, almost right out of the box. So for a while now I've used my iPad to do what I needed to do, set up like a laptop with bluetooth keyboard and mouse. But recently I wanted something with a little more capability. So I thought, I've used Apple products for YEARS now and am essentially using my iPad as a laptop too...why not get a MacBook?!? So I went to Amazon and started to obsessively search. Initially I almost went with the 2020 13" M1 MacBook Air, because it was less than $1000 and seemed to be enough for what I needed. Now, I do not AT ALL understand what the M1 is or the M2, but I learned that before that, Intel chips were used, which I knew was also in HP computers, so I rightly or wrongly associate them with "slow". (My apologies to people who actually understand computers, because this review and my thought process probably seems really primitive and simple!) So my reasoning was, for only a couple hundred more, it would be better to just get the M2, because things become obsolete SO FAST! Having the latest technology at least assures me that I'll have some time before the next new thing comes out, and/or will be slowed down by updates. I can now honestly say I'm glad I made the switch! The Set-up kind of took a while and needed to update right after, so I was nervous that everything would be slow. But once set-up was done--ZOOM! This is easily the fastest computer I've ever had. When the computer is asleep and I wake it up, I simply put my finger on the fingerprint reader and it INSTANTLY opens to wherever I left off at. No loading or that awkward first-wake-up slowness all of my other computers have had--when I say it instantly starts I mean it! The display is crystal-clear, battery life so far has been great, and the "control area" (where you move the mouse and click) is huge (shown in picture)! And physically, the computer feels very premium, with a metal body instead of plastic. That leads to my one and only gripe with this computer. Because the body is made of metal, the edges are hard and "sharp", rather than rounded. So when I'm typing for a while, my wrists start to hurt from the edge digging into my skin. I've tried to show what I mean in the picture. That being said, it's a very minor issue, more of an irritant. Does it make me regret my decision or want to return it? Not at all! But it's something I haven't seen anyone else mention, so it's just something to be aware of if you plan on typing a lot. Anyway, if you're like me and considering to switch from a PC, I HIGHLY recommend that you do; you won't regret it. Are there things to learn? Yes, as with anything new. But if you're even a little familiar with apple products, you should be fine as they all work pretty much the same.

Best value for the money - large display and no annoying fan noises from Intel days. Runs everything perfectly without spinning beach balls. So far after 2 years of use - it's been perfect. Beautiful color, design, durable and touch ID works perfectly.

I do like Apple laptops, but I'm going to keep this review very unbiased. I also bought a PC gaming laptop around this same time, so I can also compare the two! This laptop costs a little more than most comparable PCs. The build quality is spectacular. It's like a thin, smooth, block of aluminum. Light and rigid. It opens beautifully and let's move onto the important parts: An entry-level macbook air might not help you much with 'gaming' or extremely compute-intensive activities (might need the Macbook Pro)... but this baby has it where it counts! BATTERY LIFE! I did regular web-browsing and emailing heavily for almost 6 hours straight....and the battery dropped from 100% to 98%. No joke. Apple has some serious technological advantage here...compare it to your current laptop and it'll beat it. I promise. THE SCREEN! The quality, contrast, colors, and resolution of this macbook air screen beats every PC computer I've ever owned. It's just beautiful. THE SOUND. I bought a low-end gaming laptop that advertises amazing Dolby DTS sound etc.....it's garbage compared to this macbook pro. This thing is so thin and pretty, I honestly can't even find the speakers on it-- but the sound is bigger and richer than anything I've had. I don't understand how Apple does it, but it's worth every penny. This review has gone on longer than I expected....let me just say this thing is fast, pretty, and has the best features that really MATTER for a daily laptop. Gaming/extra power isn't what this is for, but it's perfect for absolutely all daily usage! Cheers

Ended up not opening the model I bought on Amazon, and the version I ultimately ended up with was the 16 GB unified memory (FKA RAM) 512 GB SSD version, which Amazon unfortunately does not offer and has to be custom built since Apple makes computers virtually unupgradable by design. This is a very quick, powerful computer, especially when you consider it does not have a fan to displace the heat that most PCs end up putting out. I have never had this computer feel warm to the touch. My main use for this is web-based freelance work. I have another, slightly older business Dell laptop that simply can't handle this type of task, especially on a 4K monitor. This MacBook Air handles 4K with USB (can also charge the laptop) perfectly. The screen is big enough with enough resolution that I can do my work on the road effectively as well. It's not necessarily the computer for everyone. If you need more processing power for high-res video editing, you'd want the MacBook Pro with its slightly larger or slightly smaller screen. For most people, especially those who want to use a Mac specifically, this is the best model they offer at the current time. Pros: Computer runs cool MagSafe provided but you can use any USB-C to charge it (and connect to a USB-C compatible monitor, if desired) The screen size, obviously. Colors are vibrant and the contrast (darks) look great on here. The bezels are very thin too, minus the notch at the top where the webcam is located (see cons). Sound is very crisp and clear with the 6-speaker setup Cons: The notch at the top of the screen where the webcam is at can be annoying to look at and takes away from the "true" screen size. It's less of an issue if you mostly use a second monitor like I do.

The Apple 2023 15.3-Inch MacBook Air with M2 Chip, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD in Midnight is a technological masterpiece that exceeds expectations. 💨 Blazing Performance: Powered by the M2 chip, this MacBook Air takes performance to new heights. Every task, from heavy multitasking to resource-intensive applications, is handled with remarkable speed and efficiency. 🖥️ Stunning Display: The 15.3-inch Retina display is a visual feast, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details. Whether editing photos, watching videos, or working on documents, the larger screen enhances the overall experience. 💻 Sleek and Lightweight: The iconic MacBook Air design remains sleek and lightweight, making it a joy to carry. The portability factor, combined with the powerful internals, makes this laptop an ideal companion for on-the-go professionals. 🚀 M2 Chip Magic: The M2 chip's integration brings a new level of responsiveness and energy efficiency. This MacBook Air not only performs like a powerhouse but does so while maintaining impressive battery life. 🔒 Advanced Security: The latest biometric authentication features provide robust security, ensuring that your data is protected. It's reassuring to know that Apple continues to prioritize user privacy and security. 💻 Ample Storage and Memory: The 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM configuration strike a perfect balance, offering ample storage for your files and smooth multitasking capabilities. 🌌 Midnight Elegance: The Midnight color adds a touch of sophistication, turning heads wherever you go. It's not just a laptop; it's a statement piece. 🌐 Future-Ready Connectivity: With advanced connectivity options, including Thunderbolt ports, this MacBook Air is ready for the future. Fast data transfer and seamless connections make it a versatile device for various needs. In conclusion, the Apple 2023 15.3-Inch MacBook Air in Midnight is a triumph of design, power, and innovation. It seamlessly combines style and performance, making it a standout choice for those who demand the best from their devices. An investment that is well worth every penny.

Why I ordered this item: I own an IT contracting business. I used to do a lot of onsite work, however at this point in my career I am more involved in managing employees and developing software for our customer and internal use. I mention this because I want to review this laptop through the lens of a professional using it for technical purposes. Here's a list of things I use this laptop to do: * Web browsing (I typically have 40-60 browser tabs open) * Vibe coding via Claude CLI * Occasional IT management via a web-based RMM tool * Game design on a roguelike I've been building for a year * Electronic music production via Ableton and a few VST plugins Likes: * The 15" form factor is excellent. This is the thinnest, lightest, best looking laptop Apple has ever made. They are still using this form factor on the M5 which is crazy. * The screen is large, the resolution is 2880x1864. The screen is gorgeous. * Audio quality coming out of this is really great for a laptop. It's loud, clear, and the bass is substantial. I listen to a lot of music while I work and the audio on this really pops. * The M2 CPU in this is powerful. It's nowhere near as powerful as the newer Apple silicon, but for my purposes it's great. Compared to an equivalent Intel processor, this is a much faster CPU. * The 250GB SSD is fine. I use mostly cloud storage, but if you have a lot of files you want to store locally, you probably need an upgraded version of this which costs $$$. * The backlit keyboard is very nice. it's easy to type on it and I can hit close to my maximum words per minute (120-ish) on this keyboard. * Trackpads are hit or miss on some laptop models. I say this as someone who has physically deployed thousands of laptops over a 20+ year career. This is the best trackpad I have ever used in terms of responsiveness and touch sensitivity. It's also massive and has a ton of usable area and gesture controls. * MacOS is a great operating system. it has its flaws, but it's been very reliable and I love the Unix subsystem. * This laptop has the best battery life I have ever seen on a laptop (~14 hours with heavy use). * I have replaced this laptop with an M4, but I gave it to my wife and she uses it every day for graphic design. No likes: * Non-upgradable components is a a staple of Apple products, but I cannot give a laptop five stars without being able to add more RAM to it. I realize that you can upgrade RAM directly from Apple at the time you purchase, but I fundamentally have an issue with being locked into an ecosystem that does not allow component upgrades. * 8GB of RAM is a crime on a laptop sold in 2023. This is the biggest issue I have with this laptop. It constantly fills up and the computer slows down as virtual memory is used to compensate. * If you want to dock this laptop and use multiple monitors, you will need a DisplayLink dock. They are a little more expensive than a non-DisplayLink dock and they require drivers. Not really a huge negative, but worth mentioning if you already own a dock you used with a Windows laptop. Would I pay full price for this product: I would get a 16GB model if I had to do it over again. Final thoughts: It's too bad Apple chose to only put 8GB of RAM on this laptop. If you can get it for around $700, go for it. Otherwise, spend a little more and get an M4 or M5.

I never thought I would buy a Macbook but let me tell you, it is the best laptop I've ever had. What I love about it is that it's light/thin, can hold a charge for many days and it's just the most beautiful laptop. You do not have to shut the laptop down ever! It boots up in 2 seconds... this is just so much better than anything else. Highly recommend.

Great product. Wife loves it

Fantastic, exactly what I was looking for!

Gorgeous laptop ,Perfection BUT !!! Please keep in mind that if you return any computer purchase through Amazon. Your refund will not be issued to you no earlier then 30 days and usually up to 60 or longer . This means you will be paying interest on that very expensive return. Amazon does not anywhere on their website inform this policy. Good luck

I compared the top three electronic stores and Amazon had the best price. Way to go Amazon!