The MacBook Air has been a popular choice among Apple users since its introduction in 2008. However, with the rapid advancements in technology, it was due for a major upgrade. In 2018, Apple unveiled the new and improved MacBook Air that promised to be thinner, lighter, and more powerful than its predecessors. As a tech enthusiast, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the new MacBook Air 2018 and put it to the test. After using it for a few weeks, here is my comprehensive review of the MacBook Air 2018.
Design and Build Quality
One of the most noticeable changes in the MacBook Air 2018 is its design. The previous models had thick bezels around the screen which made it look outdated compared to other laptops in the market. However, with the new MacBook Air, Apple has managed to shrink the bezels, giving it a more modern and sleek look.
Slimmer and Lighter Body
The MacBook Air 2018 is 17% smaller in volume and 10% thinner than its predecessor. It weighs only 2.75 pounds, making it the lightest laptop in Apple’s lineup. This makes it incredibly easy to carry around and convenient for those who are constantly on the go. I found myself carrying the MacBook Air 2018 everywhere I went without feeling any strain on my shoulders.
Retina Display
The new MacBook Air comes with a 13.3-inch Retina display, a significant improvement from the previous models that had a lower resolution display. The Retina display provides stunning visuals with vibrant colors and sharp details. It also has four times as many pixels as the previous model, making it perfect for tasks that require high-quality graphics, such as photo and video editing.
To fully appreciate the Retina display, I watched some 4K videos on YouTube and was blown away by the clarity and color accuracy. I also noticed that the screen is much brighter than the previous model, making it easier to use in bright environments.
Touch ID
Another new addition to the MacBook Air 2018 is the Touch ID. This feature allows you to unlock your laptop, make purchases, and log in to certain apps with just a touch of your finger. It works seamlessly and is incredibly fast. I found this feature to be more convenient than typing in my password every time I wanted to access my laptop.
Performance and Processing Power
The MacBook Air 2018 comes with an 8th generation Intel Core processor, making it 60% faster than its predecessor. It also has the Intel UHD Graphics 617, which provides up to 1.5 times faster graphics performance. This makes it perfect for tasks such as gaming, video editing, and other graphic-intensive activities.
Multitasking Made Easy
I am impressed with how smoothly the MacBook Air 2018 handles multitasking. I was able to have multiple tabs open, along with different apps, without experiencing any lag or slowdown. This is an improvement from the previous models, which struggled with multitasking.
Fanless Design
One thing that caught my attention was the fact that the MacBook Air 2018 does not have a fan. This means that it operates silently, even during intense tasks. This is a significant improvement from the previous models, which were known for their loud fan noises when under heavy load.
FaceTime HD Camera
The MacBook Air 2018 also comes with a 720p FaceTime HD camera, which has improved from the previous models. The image quality is noticeably better, and I found it to be perfect for video calls and conferences. However, if you are planning to use the camera for high-quality video recordings, you might want to consider investing in an external camera.
Battery Life and Efficiency
Apple has always been known for their long-lasting batteries, and the MacBook Air 2018 is not an exception. It promises up to 12 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 13 hours of iTunes movie playback on a single charge. In my experience, I was able to get around 10-11 hours of use before needing to recharge.
Efficient Power Management
The MacBook Air 2018 comes with macOS Mojave, which has several features that help conserve battery life. For instance, the dark mode helps reduce strain on the eyes and conserves power. The laptop also has a standby mode that helps preserve battery life when it’s not in use.
Fast Charging
One feature that I truly appreciated was the fast charging capability of the MacBook Air 2018. With just 30 minutes of charging, I was able to get up to 4 hours of battery life. This is perfect for those moments when I needed a quick boost of power before heading out.
Long-Term Battery Health
Apple claims that the MacBook Air 2018 has a battery life of up to 1,000 charge cycles, which translates to roughly four years of use. This means that even after four years, your MacBook Air should have around 80% of its original battery capacity. This is impressive and ensures that you won’t have to replace the battery anytime soon.
Keyboard and Trackpad Improvements
The previous MacBook Air models were criticized for their unreliable keyboards, which had a tendency to break or malfunction. However, Apple has made some significant improvements to the keyboard on the MacBook Air 2018.
Butterfly Mechanism Keyboard
The new MacBook Air comes with Apple’s updated butterfly mechanism keyboard, which is designed to be more responsive and stable. After using it for a few weeks, I can confidently say that the keyboard is much more reliable and has a better tactile feel compared to the previous models.
Backlit Keyboard
The MacBook Air 2018 also comes with a backlit keyboard, making it easier to type in low light conditions. The brightness of the keys adjusts automatically based on the ambient light, providing the perfect amount of illumination.
Force Touch Trackpad
The trackpad on the MacBook Air 2018 is impressive. It is larger than the previous models, making it easier to navigate and perform various gestures. It also has the force touch technology, which allows you to press down harder for additional options and features. I found this feature to be quite useful when editing photos and videos.
Storage and Memory Options
The MacBook Air 2018 comes with up to 1.5TB of SSD storage, which is a massive upgrade from the 512GB maximum storage on the previous models. This means that you can store all your files, apps, and media without worrying about running out of space.
Faster Read and Write Speeds
The SSD storage on the MacBook Air 2018 has faster read and write speeds compared to the previous models. This means that your laptop will boot up faster, and apps will open quicker. In my experience, I noticed a significant improvement in speed when transferring large files.
Memory Options
The entry-level MacBook Air 2018 comes with 8GB of RAM, but you have the option to upgrade to 16GB of RAM for an additional cost. For most users, 8GB of RAM should be sufficient, but if you are planning to run multiple resource-intensive apps simultaneously, then upgrading to 16GB might be worth considering.
Connectivity and Ports
The MacBook Air 2018 comes with two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, which is a significant change from the previous models that had traditional USB 3.0 ports. This means that you will need an adapter if you want to connect any USB-A devices. However, the Thunderbolt 3 ports are more versatile and can be used for charging, data transfer, and connecting to external displays.
Versatile Charging Options
The Thunderbolt 3 ports on the MacBook Air 2018 also serve as charging ports, which means you can charge your laptop from either side. This is incredibly convenient, especially when working in tight spaces.
No More MagSafe Connector
One downside of the new design is the absence of the MagSafe connector, which was used in previous models to prevent accidental damage to the laptop’s charging port. With the USB-C ports, there’s a risk of tripping over the charging cable and damaging the ports. However, this can easily be avoided by using a protective case that covers the ports.
Price and Value for Money
The entry-level MacBook Air 2018 starts at $1,199, which is slightly higher than the previous models. However, considering all the improvements and upgrades, I believe it offers great value for money. It has a beautiful design, powerful performance, and impressive battery life, making it a worthy investment for tech enthusiasts and professionals.
Comparison to Other Laptops
When compared to other laptops in the market, the MacBook Air 2018 falls into the mid-range category in terms of price. However, with its premium build quality and top-notch features, it can compete with high-end laptops in terms of performance and functionality.
Is it Worth the Upgrade?
If you are a current MacBook Air user, then upgrading to the 2018 model might not be necessary unless you are looking for specific features such as the Retina display or Touch ID. However, if you are using an older MacBook model or a different laptop brand altogether, then the MacBook Air 2018 is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
The MacBook Air 2018 lives up to the hype and is a significant improvement from its predecessors. It has a sleek design, powerful performance, and impressive battery life, making it a versatile laptop for both personal and professional use. While there are some minor downsides, such as the absence of MagSafe and the need for adapters, they are overshadowed by all the great features that the MacBook Air 2018 offers. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or a professional looking for a reliable and efficient laptop, the MacBook Air 2018 is definitely worth considering.
