First Impressions of the M2 MacBook Air

This morning, I found myself clarifying in the comments section of my first impressions video for the M2 MacBook Air that, indeed, it can handle “regular office tasks.”

This is a notable shift. Typically, I’m affirming that hobbyist video editors will be pleasantly surprised by the performance of an 8GB M1 MacBook Air. Recent queries reflect a growing anxiety among users awaiting their pre-ordered laptops, concerned whether it can manage multiple Chrome tabs alongside various Excel spreadsheets.

The situation has escalated to an unnecessary level of alarm.

M2 MacBook Air vs 14-Inch MacBook Pro? The Choice is Clear!

Remember — it’s YOUR laptop!

Today, I’ll share my initial thoughts on the base model M2 MacBook Air. Contrary to the 99% of negative feedback I’ve encountered suggesting it’s subpar, my perspective is grounded in actual experience with the device.

Why I Opted for the Base Model

I want to clarify my rationale for choosing the entry-level MacBook Air, as some seem puzzled by my decision.

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There are two main reasons:

1. I’m interested in understanding the base performance for average users.
2. For the past two years, I’ve successfully run my entire business on an 8GB M1 MacBook Air, which has proven to be my best computer yet.

The M2 MacBook Air faced a challenging introduction. Following a typical launch fanfare at WWDC, reports of sluggish SSDs, overheating, and throttling issues (particularly with the M2 MacBook Pro) have overshadowed this highly anticipated update of the beloved Air model.

Unpacking the M2 MacBook Pro Controversy

The verdict is in: chaos has ensued.

Despite the more complex narrative revealed in my exclusive interview with Max Tech, the prevailing sentiment surrounding the M2 has become that it’s slower and runs hotter than the M1, making it less suitable for multitasking.

Undaunted, I ordered the base model M2 MacBook Air, equipped with the notorious 256GB SSD and a modest 8GB of unified memory.

Is it really as dreadful as the critics claim?

#### Hardware Impressions

Let’s shift to a more optimistic view for a moment. The M2 MacBook Air is aesthetically impressive. The box it comes in features a sleek side profile that highlights its remarkable thinness.

Surprisingly, while it isn't significantly lighter than its predecessor, the M2 MacBook Air feels like a fresh evolution of this laptop. Think of it as a compact MacBook Pro — and that’s a positive development.

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However, I do have some concerns about its thinness. Although I haven’t fully tested it in various environments, it may be prone to bending if crammed hastily into a backpack. I’ve even ordered a hard case in anticipation of an upcoming family trip. We’ll see how it holds up, but Apple’s laptops are generally quite durable.

Selecting the Right MacBook Air

Which model suits your needs: M1 or M2?

If you’re eagerly anticipating your M2 MacBook Air based solely on its appearance, you’re in for a delightful surprise. This marks a new chapter for Apple’s most beloved laptop, thanks to the design team’s vision.

I opted for the Midnight color, which is a deep blue that appears almost black. It’s puzzling why Apple didn’t release a matte black version, but this shade is lovely nonetheless. However, it quickly becomes a fingerprint magnet.

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This is unfortunate, as the initial stunning appearance fades rapidly — mere seconds after picking it up. You can clean it with a microfiber cloth, but frequent cleaning can become tiresome.

Performance of the M2 MacBook Air’s 256GB SSD

It might just be a placebo effect, or perhaps it's simply the excitement of a new laptop, but the M2 MacBook Air feels noticeably more responsive than its M1 counterpart while navigating macOS.

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Launching applications appears to be slightly quicker, and the entire interface feels even smoother than the already efficient M1 MacBook Air. Whatever optimizations Apple made in single-core performance seem to have had a tangible effect.

However, the pressing question remains: is the 256GB SSD in this base model M2 MacBook Air truly inadequate?

To investigate, I conducted a test using a 10-minute 4K, 10-bit, 4:2:2 video from my Sony FX3 camera. This footage is neither trivial nor particularly demanding.

I compared export times in Final Cut Pro between the M1 and M2 MacBook Air under two scenarios:

1. Multitasking Environment: Running Final Cut Pro alongside Safari (with two tabs), Spark, Fantastical, TickTick, Ulysses, Lightroom, Day One, Twitter, Discord, and Apple Notes.
2. Single Application Use: Only Final Cut Pro running.

Here are the export times for both scenarios:

• M1 MacBook Air (base model):
  • With apps open: 05:12
  • With apps closed: 05:11
• M2 MacBook Air (base model):
  • With apps open: 05:41
  • With apps closed: 05:12

Thus, the M2 MacBook Air takes an additional 29 seconds longer to export 4K footage when multitasking compared to the M1. However, when apps are closed, their performance is identical.

Importantly, both laptops remained responsive and usable throughout these tests, with no noticeable lag or interruptions.

Furthermore, my YouTube colleague, Pete Matheson, tested his M2 MacBook Air with a 512GB SSD using the same footage. His results were:

• M2 MacBook Air (8GB, 512GB SSD):
  • With apps open: 05:18
  • With apps closed: 05:12

Upgrading from the 256GB SSD to the 512GB SSD offers a time savings of 23 seconds during 4K exports when multitasking.

Confused? Frustrated? Indifferent?

I understand.

What Does This All Mean?

Our tests were far from rigorous. Pete and I simply exported footage in Final Cut Pro and attempted to track time accurately.

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This highlights the importance of proper benchmarking, which requires expertise, patience, and experience. I lack those attributes when it comes to laptop testing — and I’d rather undergo dental work than go through that process.

It’s crucial not to accept a single set of results at face value; we must remain cautious of overgeneralizations.

Insights on Apple's M2 Chip

After discussing with Max Tech, it’s clear the M2 chip may lag behind the M1 in certain scenarios. This isn’t necessarily a condemnation, but it’s evident that some compromises were made.

Apple has opted for a single NAND chip instead of two, likely to improve profit margins while slightly diminishing performance. They’ve made a calculated gamble, understanding their target customer base — they know who buys these machines and what their expectations are.

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Who honestly spends time testing 4K export times on two MacBooks to show minor differences? Mostly YouTubers. This is largely irrelevant compared to the everyday experience of using the laptop.

What truly matters is the overall user experience. As I mentioned earlier, many critics who have voiced their frustrations likely haven’t even laid eyes on an M2 MacBook Air, let alone used one.

My Experience Defending Apple

Yes, this is a recurring theme in discussions about the M2.

Apple has indeed made some questionable choices, compromising some multi-core performance. Max Tech’s analysis plays a vital role in holding Apple accountable. However, they’ve also delivered a laptop featuring a modern design, an improved display, MagSafe, and the prestige that accompanies owning the latest Apple device.

Whether we like it or not, this prestige holds more significance for the average buyer than NAND chip configurations or slight variations in export times. If I were running Apple, I’d likely make the same choices regarding the M2.

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Final Thoughts

Honestly, I believe these tests incite unnecessary panic among those eager for Apple’s misstep while overshadowing the reality that most buyers will thoroughly enjoy this laptop. For them — and for me — the enhancements Apple has introduced in this MacBook Air represent a significant upgrade over its predecessor.

I shouldn’t be addressing concerns about whether the M2 MacBook Air can manage spreadsheets. Clearly, something has gone awry.

What's Next?

This isn’t an exhaustive review of the M2 MacBook Air — it can’t be at this stage. However, this machine is set to replace the M1 as my primary work device, meaning it will be put through its paces in the coming months.

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I’m eager to see how it performs, and I will, of course, keep you updated — starting this Friday with a video review of my first full week using the laptop.

Expect plenty of additional insights.

This Little Mistake Kills M2 MacBooks! - A deeper look into common issues that users face with the M2 MacBook series and how to avoid them.

Almost Perfect - M2 MacBook Air Long Term Review - An in-depth review exploring the long-term usage of the M2 MacBook Air and its performance under various conditions.