With Apple’s latest technologies relying on M1 chips or newer, now is the perfect time to purchase your first MacBook or to upgrade from an older model. The Apple Silicon era has made MacBooks more affordable than ever, with base models available for less than $600. With Black Friday deals, it’s a fantastic opportunity to acquire a new MacBook without overspending.
M1 MacBook Air
Apple has released three versions of the MacBook Air since the rollout of Apple Silicon: the M1, M2, and M3. The M1 MacBook Air maintains a familiar wedge design reminiscent of the Intel era, which many users might still prefer.
Despite being four years old, the M1 MacBook Air is still an outstanding option for its price. It features impressive performance powered by the M1 chip, a gorgeous retina display (though with thicker bezels in comparison to newer models), a fantastic keyboard, up to 18 hours of battery life, and operates quietly, even in public settings.
As the oldest choice on this list, the M1 MacBook Air is also the most affordable. However, finding new versions with over 256GB of storage can be challenging, so if you require significant storage space, consider opting for a more recent model. On the plus side, it remains the only Apple Silicon MacBook offered in a true Gold color.
The M1 MacBook Air can be purchased for as low as $599 at Walmart, and it’s available in all three colors: Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.
- 13-inch MacBook Air (M1) with 256GB of storage, 8GB of memory: $599 at Walmart
M2 MacBook Air
In 2022, Apple unveiled a redesigned MacBook Air featuring a slimmer profile, a larger display with reduced bezels, and the return of MagSafe. New color options, Starlight and Midnight, were introduced alongside Silver and Space Gray, while Gold was discontinued.
If you’re seeking a contemporary MacBook while also being budget-conscious, this is your best option. Since it is no longer the latest model, it tends to be on sale regularly. While it may be slightly slower than M3 versions, it remains a top contender. Buyers can also choose a configuration with 16GB of unified memory.
Deals for the M2 MacBook Air start at $749 for the version with 256GB of storage and 16GB of Unified Memory from various retailers—offering savings of up to $250!
M3 MacBook Air
This year, Apple updated the MacBook Air with the M3 chip, making it the latest iteration. It retains the design of its predecessor but offers enhanced performance. An M4 refresh isn’t expected until next year, yet there are still excellent deals available for the newest model.
Currently, you can find discounts of up to $250 off, with configurations also available featuring 512GB of storage. There are deals on the 15-inch version of the M3 MacBook Air as well.
13-inch models with M3 chip:
15-inch models with M3 chip:
14-inch MacBook Pro
Apple revamped the MacBook Pro in 2021, introducing a new 14-inch miniLED display with ProMotion technology, additional ports including an HDMI port and an SD card reader, along with larger batteries and improved thermal management. It also features a 1080p webcam for the first time.
Even though the 14-inch MacBook Pro lacks the affordability of the other models discussed, those yearning for an exceptional display and extra ports will still find worthwhile deals.
We’ll highlight two primary versions of the 14-inch MacBook Pro: one equipped with the M3 chip and another featuring the M4 lineup of chips.
The entry-level M3 model starts with 8GB of memory and forgoes an extra USB-C port on the right side. While this is a decent compromise, it is the most economical gateway to Apple’s remarkable miniLED display in a laptop.
M4 models come standard with at least 16GB of memory and provide the complete array of ports. Additionally, they include a 12MP ultra-wide camera for Center Stage, enhancing FaceTime calls significantly.
As the M3 model is no longer the latest release, attractive deals can be found, with savings up to $300. New M4 models are also currently discounted.
M3 chip models:
M4 chip models:
While not the main focus here, for those interested in a 16-inch MacBook Pro, Best Buy has an appealing clearance sale on M3 Pro models starting at $1999.
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