I just bought an M3 MacBook Air in Starlight with 16gb RAM and 512gb SSD and I returned it back a few days after.

I initially thought that 16gb RAM would be a big improvement over 8gb RAM in my M1 MacBook Air due to many apps requiring decent amount of memory nowadays but when I got the machine and tested it, it didn’t feel any different compared to my M1 MacBook Air. As a result, I regret wasting over 1000 dollars on a machine that is barely faster compared to my old MacBook… I think all the macs since M1 haven’t been really different despite newer M2 and M3 chips having marginally better performance. Similarly iPhones since iPhone 13 has barely been any different compared to the previous model which is why I am still using a 13 Pro Max.

On the other hand, I’ve seen people switching from intel Macs or even Windows laptops being really impressed by the new M3 MacBook Air’s performance, power efficiency battery life and cooling. The only thing that really felt different for me on M3 MacBook Air over the M1 is the webcam quality but that isn’t really the most primary thing to consider when buying a new laptop.

In conclusion, M3 MacBook Air is worth buying if you don’t have an Apple silicon Mac yet. If you have an M1 or M2 MacBook Air just like me, don’t upgrade to the M3 MacBook Air even with 16gb RAM. It isn’t really different compared to the older M1 and M2 MacBooks.

Hi all,

I don't know much about computers so bear with me.

I currently have a MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016) - 2.6 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7. The screen is damaged with a huge black line down the middle (it still works). I am looking to buy the M2 Macbook Air 15-inch as they currently have a student discount that ends in March. The discount is 20% off on the device and apple care plus $240 gift card.

So the question is; is it worth it to wait for the M3 Macbook Air, not knowing if the rumoured March release date is true, as I might miss out on the discount?

Thanks in advance

Hi everyone,

I'm currently debating whether to buy a MacBook Air M3 right now or wait for the M4, which is expected to launch soon. I know the M4 is just around the corner, but I’m wondering if the M3 still offers great value at this point or if it's better to wait for the latest version.

Does anyone else find themselves in the same situation? Any insights on whether the M3 is still a solid choice considering the imminent release of the M4? I'm mainly using it for general productivity, occasional light video editing, and some coding projects here and there, so performance and battery life are key factors for me.

Thanks for your advice!

Having been an Apple products user for a decade and specifically a MacBook Air user for five years, my insights are from my user experience.

Launched on March 8, 2024, the MacBook Air M3 has created a significant buzz among both casual users and professionals alike, promising enhanced performance, sleek design, and an improved user experience. As Apple continues to innovate with its M-series chips, let's explore whether the MacBook Air M3 lives up to expectations and whether it's a worthwhile investment.

Design and Build Quality: The MacBook Air M3 retains Apple's signature sleek and minimalist design, available in Silver, Space Gray, and Gold colour options. Its aluminium unibody construction not only looks premium but also feels durable in hand. Weighing just under 3 pounds, the 13-inch model is incredibly portable, and ideal for users on the go. Despite its larger 15-inch variant, it maintains a slim profile, ensuring practicality for everyday use.

I particularly appreciate its lightweight and portability, perfect for carrying around campus, a café, or for outdoor work, whether you're a student, journalist, or digital nomad.

However, it's worth noting that it can get warm during intensive tasks like video editing, which is a limitation to consider.

Performance: Powered by the latest M3 chip, the MacBook Air M3 delivers impressive performance suitable for various tasks, including web browsing, document editing, light photo editing, and coding. Apple's custom silicon ensures smooth operation and energy efficiency, resulting in longer battery life and quieter performance.

For my everyday activities like web browsing, email checking, and light photo editing, the MacBook Air M3 excels. It's quick and responsive, handling multitasking efficiently with minimal lag. Occasionally, I do experience minor lag when I have numerous Chrome tabs open alongside large spreadsheets, an area where smoother performance would be appreciated.

Display: Featuring a vibrant 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology, the MacBook Air M3 ensures accurate colours and sharp details whether you're viewing photos, watching videos, or working on documents. True Tone adjusts the display's colour temperature based on ambient lighting, providing a comfortable viewing experience.

As a photography enthusiast and editor, I find the Retina display on the MacBook Air M3 stunning. The colours are vibrant, and the details are crisp, making it perfect for photo editing and movie-watching. However, I've noticed that the display can be somewhat reflective in bright sunlight, occasionally hindering visibility.

Charging port: However, it's important to note the MacBook Air M3's minimal ports, featuring only a few USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. While this maintains a sleek design, it can be frustrating for those who heavily rely on external devices. An additional USB-C port or an SD card slot would have been beneficial. Moreover, since the USB-C ports also serve for charging, managing peripherals while charging can be inconvenient.

Price and Value: In terms of performance and features compared to other models in the MacBook lineup, the MacBook Air M3 provides good value for its price. Starting at a relatively affordable point compared to MacBook Pro models, it offers accessibility to a broader range of users without compromising on Apple's renowned quality and reliability.

Conclusion: The MacBook Air M3 stands out as a compelling choice for users seeking a lightweight, powerful, and stylish laptop that excels in daily tasks while offering excellent battery life. Its sleek design, vibrant Retina display, and efficient M3 chip make it a solid contender in the MacBook lineup. However, potential buyers should consider their specific needs, such as performance demands and budget constraints, when deciding if it's the right MacBook for them.

Whether you're a student, journalist, professional, or creative individual, the MacBook Air M3 blends portability, performance, and value effectively, making it a worthy companion for everyday use.

Just remember, your decision should align closely with your unique needs and priorities.

Hi!

I’m looking to buy a new macbook air and I was wondering if I should buy the macbook air with the M3 chip or if I should just purchase the one with the M2 chip. I would like to know if the extra money is worth spending on the M3 chip. 😁

Thanks!

Hi guys,

I just want to know your thoughts on this. Is it worth it to upgrade from a M1 macbook air to a M3 Macbook air?

Thank you!

Hello guys! I have been looking to buy a Macbook, mainly for university and coding stuff.

The one which I like the most, is the M3 one with 16 gigs of RAM and 512gb SSD. That is the most I can afford to pay for a Macbook. It would be quite a big help for me now, because it is light to carry around, and not to mention, it would be a huge increase in battery life compared to my current laptop, which only has. 2-3 hours with one charge.

My question is, that for 1100 euro, which is the price for it currently in my country, does it worth the investment, or should I wait until the M4 MacBook Air is released a bit later this year?