So, you’re eyeing the MacBook Air M1, a laptop that truly redefined expectations. You’ve heard about its incredible M1 chip, the impressive 8GB RAM (or even 8 gb if you prefer thinking in lowercase), and the speedy 256GB SSD storage. Perhaps the sleek space gray finish has caught your attention, or maybe it’s the promise of all-day battery life.
The big question on your mind, and rightly so, is the MacBook Air M1 price. Is the Apple MacBook Air M1, specifically the 2020 model with the groundbreaking Apple M1 chip and 8gb ram 256gb configuration, still the champion of value it was hailed to be?
This 13.3-inch wonder, often found as an m1 macbook air or simply macbook air 13, packs a punch with its 8-core CPU and often a 7-core GPU, making it a fantastic choice for everything from daily tasks to light video editing.
We’ll delve into why this Apple MacBook Air 13.3 inch device, often with 256 gb or even 256 gb of ssd storage, remains a compelling option, especially when you find best deals on a refurbish unit or a new one at a competitive starting price. It’s built for Apple intelligence, works seamlessly with iPhone and iPad apps, and runs the smooth macOS you know and love.
Let’s explore if this MacBook Air laptop, even with newer M2 models available, is the smart buy for you, promising up to 18 hours of battery life.
- Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max chip for a massive leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Up to 10-core CPU delivers up to 3.7x faster performance to fly through pro workflows quicker than ever
- Up to 32-core GPU with up to 13x faster performance for graphics-intensive apps and games...
Unpacking the MacOs M1 Magic: Why This Chip Changed Everything
The Apple M1 chip wasn’t just an upgrade; it was a revolution for Apple laptops. When Apple decided to move away from Intel processors for their MacBook Air line, they weren’t just aiming for a slight improvement.
They were aiming for a fundamental shift in performance and efficiency, and boy, did they deliver with the M1. This system-on-a-chip (SoC) integrates the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, I/O, and so much more onto a single tiny chip.
What this means for you, the user of an M1 MacBook Air, is a laptop experience that’s incredibly responsive. Apps launch almost instantly, macOS animations are fluid, and even demanding tasks feel smoother.
The 8-core CPU in the M1 chip provides the muscle, while the integrated GPU (often a 7-core version in the base model, or an 8-core option) handles graphics-intensive work with surprising ease for such a thin and light machine. This integration is key to the MacBook Air M1 price offering such great value; you’re getting a holistic performance package.
This performance leap is especially noticeable when compared to previous Intel-based MacBook Air models.
The M1 mac simply runs cooler and quieter thanks to its fanless design, a feature many users adore. No more whirring fans during your focused workspace sessions or while enjoying some light gaming. The efficiency of the M1 chip also directly contributes to that legendary battery life, often quoted at up to 18 hours, which we’ll dive into more. It truly makes the Apple MacBook Air 2020 feel like a new Mac even years after its debut.
Performance You Can Feel, Not Just Read About
It’s one thing to talk about an 8-core CPU and a powerful GPU; it’s another to experience what the M1 chip actually does for the MacBook Air.
Think about your daily tasks: browsing with multiple tabs open, streaming high-definition video, working on documents with Microsoft 365, or even dabbling in Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop for some light video editing.
The M1 MacBook Air, typically configured with 8GB RAM (though 16GB RAM options exist if you can find them or opt for a refurbish model), handles these with an elegance that belies its price.
The 256GB SSD storage on the base model is incredibly fast, contributing to quick boot times and rapid file access. While some power users might eventually want more storage (options for 512GB or even 1TB were available), for many, the 256 gb is perfectly adequate, especially with cloud storage solutions.
The combination of the M1 chip, fast SSD storage, and optimized macOS software makes this Apple MacBook Air 13.3 inch a joy to use. You’re not just buying a laptop; you’re investing in a smooth, efficient workflow.
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Charge less with up to 18 hours of battery life - 13.3-inch Retina display with P3 wide color
- 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance to tackle projects faster than ever before
- Up to eight GPU cores with up to 5x faster graphics - FaceTime HD camera for clearer, sharper video calls
- 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning - 8GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
The All-Day (And Then Some) Battery Life Phenomenon
One of the most consistently praised features of the M1 MacBook Air is its phenomenal battery life. Apple claims up to 18 hours of battery life for video playback, and real-world usage often gets impressively close to this, easily lasting a full workday and beyond for many users. This is a game-changer for anyone who needs a truly portable laptop.
Imagine not having to hunt for a power outlet constantly. Whether you’re a student moving between classes, a professional working on the go, or just someone who likes to use their MacBook Air on the couch, this extended battery life offers incredible freedom.
The efficiency of the Apple M1 chip is the hero here, consuming significantly less power than previous Intel chips while delivering superior performance. This focus on power efficiency means the MacBook Air M1 price includes the invaluable benefit of untethered productivity.
This long-lasting power makes the 13-inch MacBook a perfect travel companion. It’s lightweight, and knowing you have 18 hours of potential use means you can often leave the charger behind for short trips.
Even for heavier tasks like video editing or some light gaming, the M1 sips power compared to many competitors, extending your creative or recreational sessions. This aspect alone makes the starting price of the m1 macbook air incredibly attractive.
Real-World Endurance: More Than Just Numbers
Those 18 hours aren’t just a marketing claim; users consistently report exceptional endurance from their Apple MacBook Air M1. For typical mixed usage – web browsing, email, document editing, some streaming – you can realistically expect to power through an entire day without reaching for the charger. This reliability transforms how you use your laptop.
You become less anxious about your battery percentage and more focused on your tasks. The fanless design also plays a role here; without a fan constantly drawing power to cool an inefficient chip, more of that battery capacity goes directly into powering your workspace.
When considering the overall MacBook Air M1 price, this longevity and convenience are significant factors that add to its long-term value, especially compared to a Chromebook or other Apple laptops like the MacBook Pro which, while more powerful, might not always match this specific Air’s endurance at its price point.
Display and Design: Classic Apple Laptops, Modern Appeal
The MacBook Air M1 features a stunning 13.3-inch Retina display. This isn’t just any screen; it’s a high-resolution panel (2560 x 1600) that makes text sharp, images vibrant, and videos immersive.
With P3 wide color gamut support, colors are more true-to-life, which is a boon for anyone doing creative work, even light video editing, or simply appreciates a beautiful visual experience. The Liquid Retina Display quality ensures that everything looks crisp and clear.
The design of the Apple MacBook Air M1 is iconic: thin, light, and crafted from a recycled aluminum enclosure. It’s available in space gray, silver, and gold, with space gray being a perennial favorite. The slim profile and weight of around 2.8 pounds make it incredibly portable.
This 13-inch MacBook easily slips into a bag, making it an ideal laptop for those on the move.
Despite its svelte build, it feels remarkably solid and durable. The Magic Keyboard provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience, and the large Force Touch trackpad is precise and intuitive to use.
These design elements, combined with the performance of the M1 chip and the beauty of macOS, contribute to the premium feel that justifies the MacBook Air M1 price. It’s a device that’s as pleasant to look at and touch as it is to use, with groundbreaking privacy protections built in.
- Retina display; 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology (2560x1600 native resolution)
- Apple M1 chip with 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 7-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB memory | 128GB SSD
- Backlit Magic Keyboard | Touch ID sensor | 720p FaceTime HD camera
- 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible | Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
More Than Just Looks: A Practical and Beautiful Machine
The Apple MacBook Air 13.3 inch isn’t just about aesthetics; its design is highly functional. The fanless design means it operates silently, which is a huge plus in quiet environments like libraries or shared workspaces.
The built for Apple intelligence philosophy shines through in how hardware and macOS software work together.
Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports (which are USB-C), allowing for fast data transfer, charging, and connecting external displays. While some might wish for more ports, the versatility of USB-C is undeniable. Features like Touch ID for secure login and Apple Pay make everyday interactions seamless and secure.
When you look at the best deals for an M1 MacBook Air, remember you’re getting a complete package of thoughtful design and powerful internals. It’s remarkably easy to learn and integrates beautifully with other Apple products.
Configurations and Price: Finding Your Sweet Spot
The most common configuration for the MacBook Air M1, and often the one with the most attractive price, features the Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU, a 7-core GPU, 8GB RAM (or 8gb memory), and a 256GB SSD storage.
This base model, often found in space gray, is a powerhouse for the vast majority of users. It delivers that fantastic battery life and handles everyday tasks, and even some more demanding ones like light video editing or casual gaming, with aplas.
While Apple officially discontinued selling the M1 MacBook Air directly when the M2 and subsequent models like the MacBook Air laptop with M2 chip (or air laptop with m2 chip) were released, it’s still widely available through third-party retailers and as refurbish units from Apple itself.
This is where the MacBook Air M1 price becomes particularly compelling. You can often find best deals that make it significantly cheaper than the new MacBook Air models, while still offering a huge portion of the performance and features.
For example, Walmart and Best Buy have been known to offer the M1 MacBook Air at prices like $699 or even $649. A refurbish model directly from Apple also offers great value and comes with the same warranty as a new product.
When considering options, you might occasionally find configurations with 16GB RAM or larger SSDs like 512GB or 1TB (e.g., ram 512gb ssd or ram 1tb ssd). If your workflow involves heavy multitasking or large files, opting for 16gb of ram can be beneficial, but the 8GB RAM 256GB model with its 8gb of ram is surprisingly capable due to the M1’s unified memory architecture. The starting price for the M1 Air was originally $999, but current best deals are often much lower.
Navigating the Options: New, Used, or Refurbished?
When searching for the best MacBook Air M1 price, you’ll encounter new old stock, used, and refurbish options. New old stock from retailers can offer significant discounts.
A refurbish Apple MacBook Air M1 from Apple is an excellent choice, as these units are thoroughly tested, come with a full warranty (AppleCare eligible), and are often indistinguishable from new, providing great savings on the 256gb ssd or 512gb models.
Used models can offer even lower prices, but it’s crucial to buy from reputable sellers and understand the condition and any remaining warranty. For many, the 8gb ram 256gb ssd storage configuration of the M1 MacBook Air hits the sweet spot of performance and price, especially when found at a discount. Remember, even the base m1 mac delivers that incredible 18 hours of battery life and runs macOS smoothly.
Is the MacBook Air M1 Still Worth It in 2024 and Beyond?
Absolutely. Even with the arrival of the M2 (and newer chips like the M3 appearing in the MacBook Air with Apple M2 chip or Air with Apple M2 chip, and even M4 in some 2025 projections for other models), the MacBook Air M1 remains an incredibly compelling laptop, especially when you factor in its current price.
The performance leap provided by the M1 chip was so significant that it still feels fast and responsive for the vast majority of tasks people use a MacBook Air for.
For students, writers, professionals needing a reliable machine for office tasks and presentations, or anyone looking for a premium-feeling laptop with outstanding battery life without breaking the bank, the M1 MacBook Air is a fantastic choice.
The 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD configuration is more than enough for these users. The macOS ecosystem, with its seamless integration with iPhone and iPad apps, regular software updates, and user-friendly interface, further enhances its value. You’re not just getting a piece of hardware; you’re getting into the Apple products ecosystem, known for its quality and support.
When you compare the MacBook Air M1 price to its capabilities – the speed of the Apple M1 chip, the quality of the 13.3-inch Retina display, the incredible battery life (up to 18 hours), the silent fanless design, and the premium build – it’s clear that this Apple MacBook Air 2020 model offers exceptional value. It’s a testament to how revolutionary the M1 chip was that this laptop continues to be a top recommendation.
Unless you have very specific needs for the absolute latest processing power for intensive tasks like heavy video editing or professional 3D rendering (where a MacBook Pro with more GPU cores and perhaps 16GB RAM or even 32gb ram would be more appropriate), the M1 MacBook Air is likely more than enough laptop for you, and at a price that’s hard to beat.
Look for those best deals on the 8 gb / 256 gb space gray model, and you’ll have a machine that serves you well for years to come.
Ready to Make the Right Choice?
Save time and money! Our comprehensive MacBook Air vs Pro comparison guide brings together everything you need to know in one place: detailed specs, current prices, pros and cons of each model, and expert recommendations.
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance - Get up to 20 hours of battery life
- 8-core CPU delivers up to 2.8x faster performance - 8-core GPU with up to 5x faster graphics
- 13.3-inch Retina display with 500 nits of brightness for vibrant colors and incredible image detail
- 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning - 8GB of unified memory so everything is fast and fluid
- Superfast SSD storage launches apps and opens files quickly - Active cooling system sustains incredible performance
