ZDNET Names M3 MacBook Air Product of the Year for 2022
After an impressive redesign of the (13-inch) M2 MacBook Air, ZDNET has named the M3 MacBook Air the Product of the Year for 2022. The M3 MacBook Air is a worthy successor, now available in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes. ZDNET has tested both models extensively over the past week and has found three major upgrades that make these new machines a recommended buy for professionals and enthusiasts seeking more AI power and the ability to use multiple external monitors.
Pros of the M3 MacBook Air include its pro-level capabilities, sleek form factor, and support for two external monitors with the lid closed. The upgraded neural engine provides faster performance for AI tasks. However, there are some cons to consider, such as the LCD display lagging behind OLED competitors, the limited 8GB of RAM on the base model, and the lack of built-in audio strength.
ZDNET offers buying advice, noting that the arrival of the M3 MacBook Air models has resulted in the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air starting at a lower price point. They recommend considering the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air carefully, especially when configuring it with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, as it may be more cost-effective to opt for the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro instead.
In testing, the M3 MacBook Air performed well in both qualitative and quantitative tests, showcasing its power and abilities. The ability to run two external monitors with the lid closed was one of the standout features, along with the neural engine’s performance in handling AI tasks.
Looking ahead, ZDNET suggests improvements for future models, such as adding a USB-C port on the right side for convenience and increasing the base model’s RAM and storage capacity to ensure longevity and performance. Overall, the M3 MacBook Air is a strong contender in the laptop market, offering power, style, and versatility for professionals and enthusiasts alike.