MacBooks used to have a fame for being costly, however not a lot anymore. Today, they’re among the most inexpensive laptops you will get for the value. Working example: the 13-inch MacBook Air M1 with 8GB of reminiscence is down to only $599 at Walmart, one of many lowest costs we have seen for any MacBook.
Additionally: Is a refurbished MacBook worth it? I did the math, and here’s my buying advice
The MacBook Air M1 was first launched in 2020, but it surely’s nonetheless related in the present day for a number of causes. First, it might improve to MacOS 26 “Tahoe” — the identical working system as the latest Macs.
Secondly, Apple’s {hardware} on board remains to be aggressive with laptops being produced in the present day. The MacBook Air set the usual for skinny and lightweight gadgets, and by the numbers, is without doubt one of the lightest laptops you will get at simply 2.8 kilos. So must you spring for an M1 MacBook? Let’s break it down.
When MacOS 26 “Tahoe” is launched within the fall of 2025, eligible MacBooks will have the ability to improve and benefit from the brand new options, together with an improved Spotlight feature, iPhone mirroring, and the brand new liquid glass interface design overhaul.
The MacBook Air M1 is eligible for the improve, which grants it entry to those recent options and places it on par with the newest MacBooks. This alone makes the MacBook Air M1 aggressive, even when it is not probably the most highly effective laptop computer available on the market.
The MacBook Air M1 chip, paired with 8GB of unified reminiscence, makes for a light-weight laptop computer designed for on a regular basis duties — good for hybrid employees who commute to the workplace and need one thing that may deal with productiveness workflows whereas multitasking throughout Apple’s suite of apps.
Additionally: Your MacBook is getting a significant upgrade for free – 5 MacOS 26 features I’m trying right now
Walmart is without doubt one of the few retailers that also has inventory of brand-new MacBook Air M1 laptops, as Apple has since discontinued the system from its shops. The ensuing value of $599 is especially aggressive, since different retailers resembling Amazon are promoting the identical system, however refurbished — for just a little greater than $100 much less.
A refurbished MacBook Air M1 from Again Market.
Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET
When you want a laptop computer for demanding workflows like 4K video modifying, animation, the MacBook Air M1 can maintain its personal, however you may seemingly get higher efficiency from the MacBook Professional M1 or later. In that sense, this Mac is designed to be a flexible on a regular basis machine for work and play, effectively dealing with most customers’ wants.
Additionally: The MacOS 26 public beta is here – How to install (and which models support it)
I nonetheless assume MacBooks supply among the best video conferencing experiences of any laptop computer available on the market, which applies to this system. The FaceTime HD webcam paired with the good 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA) retina show makes for a pointy and color-accurate image, whether or not on a piece name or FaceTime with family and friends.
Lastly, we’ve to say the battery right here, because the MacBook Air M1 runs cool and effectively, lasting as much as 18 hours on one cost. If you do hook up with an outlet, you’ve gotten three USB-C ports (two on one aspect, one on the opposite), with Thunderbolt assist on two ports for fast charging.
In search of the subsequent greatest product? Get knowledgeable critiques and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.
How I rated this deal
This is a wonderful supply if you wish to spend lower than $600 on a laptop computer for on a regular basis duties, leisure, and extra. The MacBook Air M1 is probably not the latest within the lineup. Nonetheless, it is nonetheless set to inherit the newest software program and options from Apple’s upcoming launch, making it a reasonably aggressive laptop computer possibility regardless of being 5 years previous. And $50 financial savings are a pleasant contact, too. That is why I gave this a 4/5 Editor’s deal ranking.
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