# The Top MacBooks to Purchase in the Age of Apple Silicon
Following the launch of Apple’s M1 chip and its successors, the M2 and M3, the MacBook range has experienced a remarkable evolution. The shift to Apple’s proprietary silicon has not only enhanced performance but has also made MacBooks more affordable. With seasonal promotions and prices starting below $700, it’s a fantastic moment to buy your first MacBook or upgrade from an older version. Let’s take a closer look at the different MacBook choices available today.
## M1 MacBook Air
The M1 MacBook Air, introduced in late 2020, signified the start of Apple’s journey into its own silicon. Even after four years, it continues to be an excellent option for budget-minded shoppers.
### Key Features:
– **Performance**: The M1 chip provides remarkable speed and efficiency, making it ideal for daily tasks and more intensive applications.
– **Display**: Equipped with a Retina display that, despite thicker bezels compared to newer models, still presents vibrant colors and clear text.
– **Battery Life**: Users benefit from up to 18 hours of battery life, perfect for extended periods without access to electricity.
– **Design**: The classic wedge shape is well-liked and familiar to many users.
### Pricing:
The M1 MacBook Air comes at an appealing price, with discounts available as low as **$649** for the 256GB edition at retailers like Walmart.
### Storage Note:
Although the M1 MacBook Air is budget-friendly, locating models with over 256GB of storage may be difficult, so evaluate your storage requirements before buying.
## M2 MacBook Air
Launched in 2022, the M2 MacBook Air features a refreshed design that is slimmer and lighter, coupled with a larger display and enhanced battery life.
### Key Features:
– **Design**: The updated design showcases slimmer bezels and the comeback of MagSafe charging.
– **Colors**: Offered in Starlight and Midnight, alongside Silver and Space Gray.
– **Performance**: Though slightly less potent than the M3, it still delivers excellent performance for most users.
### Pricing:
The M2 MacBook Air is frequently available at reduced prices, starting around **$749** for the 256GB version. For those in need of extra memory, configurations with 16GB of RAM start at around **$799**.
## M3 MacBook Air
The newest member of the MacBook Air family, the M3 MacBook Air, was released in 2023 and features the most sophisticated chip to date.
### Key Features:
– **Performance**: The M3 chip provides even quicker processing speeds and superior graphics performance.
– **Design**: Retains the elegant design of its predecessor while boosting performance.
### Pricing:
Current offers for the M3 MacBook Air include reductions of up to **$250** off the original price. The available configurations are:
– **13-inch MacBook Air with M3**: Starting at **$899** for the 256GB model with 16GB of memory.
– **15-inch MacBook Air with M3**: Starting at **$1099** for the 256GB model with 16GB of memory.
## 14-inch MacBook Pro
For those who desire a more powerful device, the 14-inch MacBook Pro stands out as an outstanding choice. Redesigned in 2021, it features a miniLED display and multiple ports.
### Key Features:
– **Display**: The miniLED display with ProMotion technology delivers breathtaking visuals.
– **Ports**: Equipped with an HDMI port and an SD card reader, appealing to professionals needing connectivity.
– **Performance**: Available with both M3 and M4 chips, catering to various performance requirements.
### Pricing:
Although the 14-inch MacBook Pro is on the pricier side, there are still discounts available, particularly on the M3 variants, offering savings of up to **$300**.
## Conclusion
With the arrival of Apple Silicon, MacBooks have become stronger and more cost-effective than ever before. Whether you choose the economical M1 MacBook Air or the high-performance 14-inch MacBook Pro, there’s a variety of options to meet your preferences. With holiday discounts making these laptops even more affordable, now is the ideal time to purchase a new MacBook.
For more details on specific models and current offers, be sure to explore retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Happy shopping!
