Apple’s M5 MacBook Air is out and the predictable side effect is that the M4 15-inch is down to $1,299 on Amazon, a savings of $300 off the list price of $1,599. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get a MacBook Air, this is it. The M4 chip is still one of the most powerful processors in any laptop in this price range, and 24GB of unified storage for $1,299 is truly unusual.
What you get
The M4 chip remains an exceptional piece of hardware. Apple’s silicon architecture continues to outperform most x86 competitors in terms of performance per watt, and in everyday tasks like browsing, productivity and creative work, the M4 is indistinguishable from the M5 in real-world use. The performance difference between chip generations at this level matters in benchmarks, but far less so in everyday life.
What is more important here is the memory specification. 24GB of unified storage in a MacBook Air is the configuration I would recommend to anyone who takes their laptop seriously. It gives you comfortable scope for demanding workflows, multiple browser tabs, video editing and running creative applications simultaneously without the machine slowing down under pressure. Most competing Windows laptops charge a significant premium for equivalent storage capacity.
The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display remains one of the best screens of any laptop in this category: sharp, color accurate, and large enough to make the MacBook Air a truly comfortable everyday driver without a monitor. The 12-megapixel center stage camera is a useful upgrade for video calls and Touch ID ensures fast and secure work. The M4 Air’s battery life is exceptional, regularly lasting a full day of work without a charger within reach.
Why it’s worth it
The launch of the M5 is the only reason this price exists, and that’s actually the best reason to buy. The M4 hasn’t gotten slower, the display hasn’t changed, and 24GB of unified storage for $1,299 is a spec that Windows laptops in this price range rarely match. For most users, the M4 will feel completely current for years to come.
The end result
The $1,299 M4 MacBook Air 15-inch is a timely opportunity to own one of the best laptops available at a price that reflects the launch of the M5 rather than the actual performance of the M4. The 24GB storage configuration, Liquid Retina display, and exceptional battery life make this an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a premium 15-inch laptop.
