I have had a base model M1 Air ever since it came out. It’s been great, but the battery is pretty bad at the moment (around 77% at best). Also, because it’s only the 8GB model, I’m starting to notice some slowdowns.
Do you think it would be worth it to invest in the new M3 Air? I’m planning to get the 16 or 24GB model this time.
I don’t want a Pro because it’s too big, and refurbished isn’t an option either (no refurbished store).
@davidbures I haven't noticed any significant performance improvements in terms of CPU.
Power consumption has been like night and day though. I get noticeably more battery life than I ever did on my M1 to the point where I don't think I've used my travel charger once.
@davidbures Have you priced a battery replacement for your Air? Unless the memory shortage is really pinching, it should be more cost effective than buying a new machine.
@davidbures@wellschmaltz that probably answers your own question then. if money allows I think I'd go for it. the jump to 16GB does make all the difference; on my M1Pro MBP I've never wanted for more except in virtualisation, and even then it works but i've appreciated the headroom in a 32GB Studio. For all else, and that includes a lot of Java dev, 16GB is fine. and the fact it's now a standard config means you may find it discounted somewhere.
@davidbures@wellschmaltz think if i could have got an MBA with 16/512GB, and a media engine, and the new design, and able to drive two monitors at the time, i would have done so instead of getting the MBP. Mini-LED and pro-motion are nice but wasted on me, i've never even used the HDMI or SD ports, nor all three tbolt ports at once (but then, that's because docks are a thing)
also i'd totally go for Starlight... :-) envious now.
@StrangeNoises@wellschmaltz I’m really considering the dark blue… I know it’s a fingerprint magnet, but that color looks so elegant 😂 Thanks for the input 😉
@davidbures Dunno about the M3, but I have an M2 Air and while it's great I kinda regret not getting a Pro. The difference between the Air and the Pro in weight and size isn't as significant in this generation.
@anji Price is, of course, another big hurdle. Even the base Pro is 2300€ here, while a 16GB/512 Air is 1700€, so to put it lightly, I can’t afford even the base Pro 😅
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