If you’re thinking about getting your first MacBook or upgrading from an older model, now is a great time. With Apple Intelligence requiring at least an M1 chip, MacBooks are more affordable than ever, starting under $700. Holiday deals make it even better, allowing you to buy a new MacBook without breaking the bank.
M1 MacBook Air
Since Apple started using its own chips, we’ve seen three MacBook Air models: the M1, M2, and M3. The M1 MacBook Air keeps the familiar wedge shape from the Intel days, which many users still appreciate.
Even though it’s four years old, the M1 MacBook Air is still a great buy. It’s fast, has a beautiful retina display (though with thicker bezels), a solid keyboard, and offers up to 18 hours of battery life. Plus, it’s quiet. However, it’s harder to find new models with more than 256GB of storage. You can snag one for as low as $649 at Walmart in Silver, Space Gray, and Gold colors.
M2 MacBook Air
In 2022, Apple launched the M2 MacBook Air with a new design, a bigger display with thinner bezels, and brought back MagSafe. It comes in new Starlight and Midnight colors, along with Silver and Space Gray, but Gold is no longer available.
If you want a modern MacBook without spending too much, the M2 is a great choice. It’s often discounted, and while it’s a bit slower than the M3 models, it still offers top-notch performance. You can find deals starting at $749 for models with 256GB storage and 8GB of memory, and $799 for those with 16GB of memory.
M3 MacBook Air
Apple introduced the M3 MacBook Air earlier this year, which continues with the same design but has upgraded performance. It’s the latest model, with no M4 expected until next year. You can find deals with up to $250 off. Options include configurations with 512GB storage and discounts on the 15-inch version.
13-inch models with M3 chip:
- 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $899 at Amazon (requires on-page coupon)
- 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1099 at Amazon (requires on-page coupon)
- 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1299 at Amazon (requires on-page coupon)
15-inch models with M3 chip:
- 15-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1099 at Amazon (requires on-page coupon)
- 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1299 at Amazon (requires on-page coupon)
- 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1499 at Amazon (requires on-page coupon)
14-inch MacBook Pro
In 2021, Apple revamped the MacBook Pro with a new 14-inch miniLED display featuring ProMotion, more ports including HDMI and an SD card reader, as well as bigger batteries and improved cooling. It also got a 1080p webcam for the first time.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro isn’t as low-cost as other models but offers an outstanding display and additional ports. There are two main versions to consider: one with the M3 chip and another with the M4 series. The M3 model is cheaper but has fewer ports, while M4 models come with more memory, extra ports, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera for FaceTime. Discounts on both versions can save you up to $300.
While not the focus, if you’re interested in a 16-inch MacBook Pro, Best Buy has a clearance deal on M3 Pro models starting at $1999.
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