Apple launched new iPad Pro and MacBook Air models earlier this week presentedThe first reviews from major media companies are now available.
The MacBook Air 2020 is equipped with Intel's latest 10th generation Core processors, including a quad-core Core i7 that is up to 1.2 GHz faster with Turbo Boost speeds of up to 3.8 GHz, resulting in up to twice the performance of the previous generation. Intel's Iris Plus graphics card provides up to 80 percent faster graphics performance. The new MacBook Air starts at 1,119.00 euros and can cost up to 2,579.00 euros depending on the equipment. In addition to the performance increase, the keyboard has also been fundamentally redesigned. From now on, the small notebook is also available with Apple's latest Magic Keyboard, based on scissor technology. But what does the press say about it? Engadget Journalist Dana Wollman:
I love this keyboard. I won't go back to my company-issued MacBook Pro unless I need to use the VPN. Just know that the slight trade-off to this new and improved typing experience is that it's a bit noisy. It's not a problem when I'm working alone in my apartment, but if I were in an office or co-working space, I might feel a little unsafe.
SixColors Journalist Jason Snell notes that Apple should have introduced the starting price of $999 two years ago, so that offering more powerful configuration options would be a viable choice for everyone.
This 2020 MacBook Air finally sets the bar in the right place: $999. For that price, you only get a dual-core i3 processor, but you get 256GB of storage, which is double what you got with the old $1099 MacBook Air. (You can also upgrade to 512GB for $200, 1TB for $400, and 2TB for $800). I wish Apple had matched that price two years ago, but I'm glad it's here today. At $999 (and $899 for education), this Air is much easier to recommend to budget-conscious Mac laptop buyers. Thankfully, if you were hoping for more power than a dual-core i3, Apple has options for you too.
While Snell highlights the performance, Todd Haselton of CNBC the new MacBook Air keyboard and display. He writes:
Many people have asked me over the past few months whether they should "buy the MacBook Air or wait." And I've always said, "Just wait." The old model desperately needed a new keyboard. Now it's finally here. That means people who have the 2018 MacBook Air, or even the 2019 model with the older keyboard, should seriously consider getting the new keyboard. The processor upgrade alone is worth it, and then there's the new 256GB entry-level storage and a keyboard you can actually type on. Between the good speakers, the solid display, and the lightweight design, you have the complete package.
Also TechCrunch has a clear message – buy the i5 processor version. Brian Heater writes:
But even for casual users, I'd recommend spending an extra $100 to upgrade to an i5. The system scored 5244 and 14672 on Geekbench 4's single- and multi-core tests, respectively, representing a significant upgrade over the last model we tested in 2018.
On the whole, the first reviews are very positive. However, things could get tricky when it comes to the battery. The MacBook Air is not supposed to offer the battery life that Apple promised. But the bottom line is that it is a clear recommendation to buy. Have you pre-ordered the new MacBook Air? Let us know in the comments below. (Image: Apple)
