Apple is launching the redesigned version of its entry-level MacBook Air notebook tomorrow (July 15). BILD has already been able to test the device for a few days.
Fans of the iconic design of the Macbook Air have to be brave… With the new model, which will be available from July 15th, the case that gradually narrowed like a bird’s wing is gone. At its thinnest point it was just 41 millimeters.
So, now wipe away the tears – because the new design of the Air is also an excellent success. The super-slim aluminum housing (1.24 kilograms) has extremely high quality workmanship and is just 1.1 centimeters high when folded. The edge of the Air is square at the top, but gently rounded at the bottom.
“Midnight” is the name of the new color of the test device that was made available to BILD. Only in bright light can you tell that the hue is a very deep blue and not black. Unfortunately, the beautiful color is very susceptible to fingerprints – one would prefer to only touch the Air with kid gloves.
Alternatively, the MacBook Air is also available in classic gray and silver, as well as the new Polar Star (a shade of white).
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The MacBook Air has a headphone jack on the right side
Return of MagSafe
Typing is done on the MacBook Air on the Magic Keyboard, whose keys – for example when writing this text – had a very pleasant pressure point. Apple has installed full-height function keys (Esc, F1 to F12) in the top row of keys. Next to it is the power button with an integrated Touch ID fingerprint sensor, which reliably and quickly unlocks the notebook.
There are four ports on the narrow sides of the Air: a headphone jack on the right, two USB-C ports (Thunderbolt, USB 4) on the left and – finally again – a MagSafe connection for charging. This magnetic connection comes loose if you accidentally get caught in the charging cable. Apple abolished them in the Air in 2017. Now Apple ships them with a fabric-covered MagSafe charging cable and a 30-watt charger.
When folded, the MacBook Air is 1.1 centimeters high
If you forgot the MagSafe cable, you can also charge the Air via one of the USB-C ports. It can also be used to connect accessories such as an external screen or hard drive.
Bigger screen, better camera
The frame around the screen of the MacBook Air measures about half a centimeter. With a screen diagonal of 13.6 inches (about 35 centimeters), it is slightly larger than the previous model from autumn 2020. The picture is crisp and sharp (2560 x 1664 pixels) and somewhat brighter than the previous model (500 nits).
The deep blue case of the MacBook Air is quite prone to fingerprints
The new FaceTime camera for video calls is in a recess at the top of the screen. For the first time, it has a Full HD resolution (1080p). The image quality in the video call was sharper and brighter than before. It’s just a shame that Apple doesn’t add the follow mode to the Air’s camera like the iPad Pro donated. This means that the camera pans automatically during the call if the user moves in front of the camera. At least it will be possible to pair the iPhone with the Macbook Air in the future so that it can be used as an Internet camera.
The improved camera for video calls is built into a recess at the top edge of the display
After this MacBook Pro with a 13-inch display, the new MacBook Air is the second Apple computer to come onto the market with the M2 chip. The processor proved to be just as powerful in the Air as in the Pro model, achieving almost identical Geekbench test values (single core 1910/multi-core 8731). That put the new Air about 13 percent ahead of his predecessor with Apple’s M1 chip.
The notebook worked absolutely smoothly in everyday tasks. The M2 chip was then able to demonstrate its power in complex calculations. He created a minute of 4K video in the highest quality (ProRes) in 17 seconds. For comparison: the previous model with the M1 chip needed 31 seconds in the test.
With the MacBook Air, Apple supplies a fabric-covered charging cable with a MagSafe connector
However, the Air’s battery only lasted around six hours during everyday work. There it was MacBook Pro mit M2-Chip proven to be significantly more durable. However, that was the only plus point that the Pro model, which is 100 euros more expensive, compared to the first two Computer could collect with M2 chip. Otherwise, the Air is a much smarter choice: new design, new video camera, slightly larger, improved screen, and the MagSafe connector.
The MacBook Air in the test had 256 gigabytes of memory installed, of which 245 gigabytes were available for data. With this equipment, the device costs 1499 euros.
The MacBook Air keyboard has full-height function keys
BILD conclusion: small, light, beautiful
The small, light MacBook Air is a beautiful notebook with very high computing power and an excellent screen. Internet camera and keyboard have been optimized and the MagSafe connector is making a comeback. Only the battery life was a bit short. And with a price starting at 1499 euros, the new Air is a whopping 300 euros more expensive than the previous model (from 1199 euros). But this is still available – of course with the classic swing arm design of the MacBook Air.