The MacBook Air.
It’s arguably Apple’s most universally loved laptop, striking a balance between portability, performance, and (relatively) affordability.
And now, it’s getting a shot in the arm with the M4 chip.
But is it a revolution, or just a subtle evolution?
Let’s dive in, shall we?
A Fresh Coat of Paint (and Silicon)
Apple has unveiled the new MacBook Air, now supercharged with the M4 chip.
The big story isn’t just the silicon, though.
There’s a new “sky blue” color option that’s turning heads.
But that’s not all, so keep reading.
The 13-inch model now starts at a lower price point: $999.
It’s a welcome change in a world where tech prices often seem to be perpetually climbing.
Is the new color a game-changer?
Maybe not.
Some describe it as a “noncommittal blue,” almost mistakable for silver in certain lighting.
But a fresh aesthetic coupled with a performance boost?
That’s a compelling package.
M4: Powering the Air to New Heights
The M4 chip is the real star of the show here.
Apple claims some pretty impressive performance gains compared to previous models.
Here are a few highlights:
- Spreadsheet Calculations: Up to 4.7x faster in Microsoft Excel compared to the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air and up to 1.6x faster than the M1 MacBook Air.
- Video Editing: Up to 8x faster in iMovie versus the fastest Intel MacBook Air, and up to 2x faster than the M1 version.
- Photo Editing: Adobe Photoshop sees up to a 3.6x speed boost compared to Intel, and up to 2x versus the M1.
- Web Browsing: A reported 60% faster than PC laptops with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor.
These numbers are impressive on paper, but what do they mean for you?
If you’re a heavy user of these applications, the upgrade could translate to significant time savings and a smoother workflow.
Consider, for example, the video editor who can render projects in half the time—that’s more time for creative exploration or simply hitting deadlines.
Of course, these are Apple’s own benchmarks, and real-world performance will always vary.
However, it’s a strong indication that the M4 MacBook Air is a serious contender for creative professionals and power users.
What’s New?
- Sky blue color option, replacing Space Gray
- The M4 chip
- 12MP Center Stage webcam
- Supports two external monitors
- Starts at a lower price
So, how does all of this performance translate to real-world use?
Apple Intelligence is where the M4 really shines.
Being able to quickly pull data from disorganized documents and creating tables?
Pretty powerful.
Generating summaries from lengthy documents with writing tools?
Again, saves so much time.
The $999 Question: Is It Worth It?
The price drop to $999 for the 13-inch model is a significant move.
It makes the MacBook Air more accessible than ever before.
Is it enough to sway potential buyers?
For many, the answer will likely be yes.
Here’s why:
- Value Proposition: At $999, the M4 MacBook Air offers a compelling combination of performance, portability, and design.
- Ecosystem Integration: For those already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the seamless integration with other Apple devices and services is a major draw.
- Longevity: Apple products are known for their longevity, and the M4 chip ensures that the new MacBook Air will remain relevant for years to come.
But before you rush out and buy one, let’s consider some alternatives.
Beyond the Specs: What Else Matters?
Performance isn’t everything, of course.
The MacBook Air has always excelled in other areas.
Let’s take a look:
- Display: The Liquid Retina display boasts up to 500 nits of brightness and support for 1 billion colors.
- Connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, MagSafe charging, two Thunderbolt ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Audio: A three-mic array for clear audio and an immersive sound system with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support.
- Design: Durable aluminum unibody enclosure that’s less than half an inch thin.
Apple has a knack for sweating the small stuff.
The details make a big difference in the overall user experience.
The Competition: Is Apple Losing Ground?
While the M4 MacBook Air is undoubtedly a strong contender, it’s not without its rivals.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, for example, is emerging as a real threat.
One key difference is the display.
The Surface Laptop 7 boasts a 120Hz display, which many argue provides a smoother, more responsive experience compared to the MacBook Air’s 60Hz panel.
It’s not just about specs, but also the overall user experience.
While the M4 chip is powerful, the Surface Laptop 7 offers features like face unlock and a more varied port selection.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Making the Most of Your MacBook Air M4: Tips and Tricks
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and buy the new MacBook Air M4.
Congratulations!
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your new machine:
- Explore Apple Intelligence: Take advantage of the new AI features to boost your productivity.
- Customize Your Setup: Tailor your settings to optimize performance and battery life.
- Master Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn the shortcuts to speed up your workflow.
- Utilize iCloud: Seamlessly sync your data across all your Apple devices.
Final Thoughts: Is the M4 MacBook Air a Must-Buy?
The MacBook Air M4 is an impressive machine.
It offers a significant performance boost over previous models, a sleek design, and a more affordable price point.
While it faces stiff competition from the likes of the Surface Laptop 7, it remains a top contender in the ultraportable laptop category.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and preferences.
Are you a creative professional who needs raw processing power?
The M4 MacBook Air is a strong contender.
Are you a student or casual user who values portability and battery life?
The MacBook Air is still an excellent choice.
Are you heavily invested in the Windows ecosystem?
The Surface Laptop 7 might be a better fit.
Whatever you choose, do your research and make an informed decision.
After all, a laptop is an investment, and you want to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.
So, is the new MacBook Air with M4 worth the upgrade?
Arguably, it could be for you, but only you can make the final decision.
Unleash Your Productivity: A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Stage Manager on Your M4 MacBook Air
One of the most useful features on the new MacBook Air M4 is Stage Manager.
It’s a game-changer for multitasking and keeping your desktop organized.
If you’re new to Stage Manager, don’t worry!
This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become a Stage Manager pro.
Step 1: Enabling Stage Manager
First, let’s turn on Stage Manager.
There are a couple of ways to do this:
- From Control Center: Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar (it looks like two toggle switches).
Then, click the Stage Manager icon to toggle it on or off.
When Stage Manager is active, the icon will be highlighted. - From System Settings: Go to the Apple menu and choose “System Settings.” Click on “Desktop & Dock” in the sidebar.
Scroll down to “Stage Manager” and toggle the switch to turn it on.
Once enabled, you’ll see your active app in the center of the screen, and other open apps grouped as thumbnails on the left side.
This is your new, organized workspace!
Step 2: Understanding the Basics
Now that Stage Manager is active, let’s understand how it works:
- Switching Apps: Simply click on a thumbnail on the left to switch to that app.
The current app will move to the center, and the previously active app will join the thumbnail group. - Grouping Apps: Drag thumbnails together to create groups.
This is super useful for projects where you need multiple apps open simultaneously.
For example, you can group Safari, Pages, and Numbers together when working on a research paper. - Hiding Apps: Want to clear the stage?
Press Command-H (⌘H) to hide the active app.
It will disappear from the center and remain as a thumbnail on the left.
You can also right-click an app in Stage Manager and choose Hide. - Accessing the Desktop: Need to grab a file from your desktop?
Click anywhere on the desktop to bring it forward.
Your apps will temporarily move to the background, allowing you to access your files.
Step 3: Customizing Stage Manager to Your Liking
Stage Manager is all about personalization.
Here’s how to customize it to fit your workflow:
- Adjusting the Thumbnail Size: In “System Settings” > “Desktop & Dock” > “Stage Manager,” you can adjust the size of the thumbnails.
Choose a larger size if you want to see more of each app, or a smaller size if you want to maximize screen space. - Showing or Hiding Recent Apps: In the same settings panel, you can choose whether to automatically show or hide recent apps on the left side.
If you prefer a cleaner look, hide them until you need them. - Desktop Items: Choose whether to show items on the desktop
Step 4: Advanced Tips and Tricks
Ready to take your Stage Manager skills to the next level?
Here are a few advanced tips:
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn the keyboard shortcuts for switching apps (Command-Tab), hiding apps (Command-H), and accessing the desktop (Click on Desktop).
This will significantly speed up your workflow. - Drag and Drop: Drag files and images directly from one app to another within Stage Manager.
This is a quick and easy way to transfer data between applications. - Full-Screen Apps: Stage Manager works seamlessly with full-screen apps.
When you enter full-screen mode, the thumbnails will automatically hide, giving you an immersive experience.
Simply swipe with three fingers to the left or right to switch between full-screen apps. - Pair with Multiple Desktops: Using Multiple Desktops alongside Stage Manager is an excellent way to organize your workflow by project type.
Swipe up with three fingers on the trackpad to enter Mission Control and add more desktops at the top right corner.
Then select your preferred app layout, and you can begin organizing apps in Stage Manager on your separate desktops!
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned.
Here are a few common Stage Manager issues and how to fix them:
- Stage Manager Not Working: Ensure that Stage Manager is enabled in “System Settings” > “Desktop & Dock.” If it’s already enabled, try restarting your MacBook Air.
- Thumbnails Disappearing: Make sure that the “Show Recent Applications in Stage Manager” option is enabled in the settings.
If the thumbnails are still disappearing, check for any conflicting apps or system processes.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Stage Manager on your new M4 MacBook Air.
Enjoy your organized and efficient workspace!
Frequently Asked Questions About the MacBook Air M4
Is the M4 MacBook Air worth upgrading to from an older model?
If you are using an Intel-based MacBook Air or even an M1 MacBook Air and your workflow involves tasks like video editing, photo editing, or heavy spreadsheet calculations, the M4 MacBook Air provides a significant performance boost that may justify the upgrade.
What are the key differences between the M4 MacBook Air and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7?
The key differences include the display (the Surface Laptop 7 has a 120Hz display compared to the MacBook Air’s 60Hz), and the operating system (macOS vs.
Windows).
The Surface Laptop 7 also offers features like face unlock and a varied port selection.
What is Apple Intelligence and how does it improve the user experience?
Apple Intelligence allows the M4 MacBook Air to quickly pull data from disorganized documents, create tables, and generate summaries from lengthy documents with writing tools, which significantly saves time and boosts productivity.
Final Verdict: Is the M4 MacBook Air Right for You?
The M4 MacBook Air stands out as a compelling choice for users seeking a blend of performance, portability, and design.
With a lower starting price and significant performance enhancements, it offers excellent value, especially for those already within the Apple ecosystem.
While alternatives like the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 offer competitive features, the M4 MacBook Air remains a top contender in the ultraportable laptop category.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities, but the M4 MacBook Air offers a strong case for being your next laptop.
