In December 2024, I made a decision that might seem unusual to some—I bought a brand new computer but one that was introduced by Apple four-year-ago and is still being produced. The MacBook Air M1 (2020). The piece I got was actually manufactured in mid 2024.
Here’s why.
The M1 Chip: Silent Powerhouse
The biggest reason to buy the MacBook Air M1 in 2024 is Apple’s M1 chip. Even though it’s not the latest, it still delivers excellent performance. Unlike the Intel-based 2019 MacBook Air I had before, the M1 model is completely fanless—which means it runs silent even under load. Despite that, it never feels sluggish, handling my everyday tasks smoothly, including web browsing, document editing, and even some light video editing.
Battery Life That Still Beats New Laptops
The battery life of the MacBook Air M1 remains unmatched, even in 2024. Apple promised up to 15-18 hours of usage when it launched, and that absolutely holds true. Compared to my old Intel MacBook Air (2019), which barely lasted 4-5 hours, the M1 gives me a full workday without needing a charger.
Keyboard & SSD: Fast and Reliable
Apple’s Magic Keyboard on this model is miles ahead of the older butterfly keyboard that plagued earlier MacBooks. It’s comfortable, tactile, and reliable.
Another key upgrade from my 2019 model was the blazing-fast SSD. Apple uses high-speed NVMe storage in the M1 MacBook Air, making boot times, app launches, and file transfers incredibly snappy.
Not to Forget: it has Apple Intelligence also.
With the release of macOS Sequoia, Apple has confirmed that Apple Intelligence is supported on M1 Macs and later. This means my MacBook Air M1 (2020) can take advantage of new AI-powered features like enhanced writing tools, smarter Siri, and image generation. Features like Genmoji, AI-powered email summaries, and context-aware suggestions make everyday tasks smoother and more efficient. Making this purchase even more future-proof than I initially thought.
The Best Part? The Price
New MacBooks are expensive, but I found a great deal on Amazon for the M1 MacBook Air during a sale in December 2024. The final price breakdown:
• MacBook Air M1 (2020) sale price: ₹57,000
• Sold my old 2019 MacBook Air: ₹17,000
• Final cost: ₹40,000
For ₹40K, I got a new laptop that’s still powerful, efficient, and reliable, with Apple’s legendary software support for years to come.
Final Verdict
Even in 2024, the MacBook Air M1 remains a fantastic purchase. The performance, battery life, AI and build quality make it a great deal. If you find one at a good price, don’t hesitate—it’s still worth it. Let me know if you need any further info or help.
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