# The Present Landscape of MacBooks in the Apple Silicon Era
During the Apple Silicon period, MacBooks have become more budget-friendly than ever, with brand new models starting at just $599. With potential global tariffs on the horizon, these appealing prices might be short-lived. If you’re looking to buy a new MacBook, now could be an ideal moment to do so.
Apple’s recent macOS Tahoe update has also ceased support for nearly all Intel Macs, with a few exceptions. If you want to take advantage of the latest Apple software, this is an opportune moment to upgrade.
## M1 MacBook Air
Apple has released four MacBook Air models since the start of the Apple Silicon period: M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips. The M1 MacBook Air continues to feature a recognizable wedge design from the Intel days, which many users may favor.
Even though it’s four years old, the M1 MacBook Air is still a fantastic laptop for its cost. It offers speedy performance due to the M1 chip, an impressive retina display (albeit with thicker bezels than newer models), an excellent keyboard, and up to 18 hours of battery life. It operates quietly, making it ideal for use in public spaces.
The M1 MacBook Air is the most affordable choice on this list, though finding new ones with more than 256GB of storage may prove more challenging. Still, it is the only Apple Silicon MacBook available in a classic Gold color.
You can acquire the M1 MacBook Air for as little as $599 at Walmart in all three colors: Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.
– **13-inch MacBook Air (M1) with 256GB of storage, 8GB of memory:** $599 at Walmart
## M3 MacBook Air
In 2022, Apple unveiled a revamped MacBook Air featuring a slimmer design, a larger screen with narrower bezels, and the return of MagSafe. It became available in new Starlight and Midnight hues, along with Silver and Space Gray, although Gold was phased out. This new design debuted with the M2 chip and has carried on with the M3.
M2 MacBook Air models have largely sold out, and a similar trend is occurring with M3 models, though a few remain in stock, especially the 15-inch MacBook Air.
– **15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip, 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory:** $1199 at Amazon ($500 off!)
This MacBook is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking additional unified memory, which is advantageous for multitasking.
## M4 MacBook Air
In March, Apple introduced an updated MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip. This version resembles the previous model but includes a new Center Stage webcam and a fresh Sky Blue color that replaces Space Gray.
At the moment, you can save at least $100 on the newest MacBook Air models. Apple is said to be developing a new entry-level MacBook with an A18 Pro chip expected to be released in the upcoming year, but at these prices, the MacBook Air remains an excellent option.
– **13-inch MacBook Air with M4 chip:**
– 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $899 at Amazon
– 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1065 at Amazon
– 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1199 at Amazon
– **15-inch MacBook Air with M4 chip:**
– 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $999 at Amazon
– 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1199 at Amazon
– 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1429 at Amazon
Even as the latest model, there are amazing offers available for the M4 MacBook Air, thanks to its more accessible starting price.
## M4 MacBook Pro
Apple revamped the MacBook Pro in 2021, incorporating a miniLED display with ProMotion, increased ports (including HDMI and an SD card reader), larger batteries, and improved thermals. It now also includes a 1080p webcam.
While the MacBook Pro isn’t as economically priced as the MacBook Airs listed, good deals can still be found. All models listed below feature M4 and M4 Pro chips, delivering the latest performance and features.
Inventory for baseline M4 models will likely reduce in the coming months due to the impending release of the new M5 MacBook Pro.
– **14-inch models:** (Pricing varies)
– **16-inch models:**
– M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $2216 on Amazon
– M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage, 48GB of
