Why You Should Buy the Base Model M2 MacBook Air...

[@SimonsTechChannel]

What other videos do you guys want to see? lmk 👇

[@johnnybod2]

now you need to do a m2 air setup, cool accessors, best apps for mac

[@afterdarkprod3489]

Love seeing people reviewing tech based on different use cases. Not everyone is "eDiTiNg 4K fOoTaGe" all the time

[@SimonsTechChannel]

You’re right, not everyone is.

[@hartsz6643]

agree, like bro even 2k is not for everyone

[@hiddenpk1]

Not everyone is editing at all. Some people just watch KZbin and talk on discord. I’d venture to say most people aren’t producing media at all on their Macs

[@Ashishyejjala_vlogs]

I was researching about this topic online since I’m going to buy a MacBook in a month for my masters degree. But I have only found that people just merely look at benchmarks and judge the device without properly using it. Thanks for this video! This has definitely helped me in making my decision.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@prajitsengupta751]

smae wanted one for Masters. Which one are u going for finally??

[@nilcamprubi]

I am a Software Engineering student, have a base Air M2 & had 0 problems. I would really recommend it.

[@Ashishyejjala_vlogs]

@@prajitsengupta751 I’m going for a 15 inch base M3

[@Wano_9]

@@nilcamprubithank you bro I’m going to be a comp sci student starting September so I have been on the fence about buying this because people tell me to get the 16gb ram version but I could barely afford it as is I’m only getting it because it’s on sale which is only available for the base on Costco

[@qscope_]

i was looking for a video thats right to the point as well as coming from a person who uses just like everyone else does and this really helped me. no crazy complications or anything just simple. thanks so much!

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Thanks, qscope!

[@Givenofficial]

I just picked the base model m2 air up a few days ago on a Black Friday deal at Best Buy. Apple announced all base model MacBooks were upgraded to 16gb of ram and I got that model for $800! Im a college student on a budget but still like premium tech so this was an absolute steal.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Nice! It’s always fun getting a good value out of it!

[@nathankennedy8787]

I was struggling between getting the m2 air the m3 MacBook Air base model. I ended up finding a great deal on a 15 inch m2 base model and I couldn't be happier. for basic content consumption and keeping up with my online classes, it flys through everything just like you said. It's crazy how much faster it is than my old 2017 intel MacBook Pro! Thanks!

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Yeah, no problem!

[@ethansteiner]

got mine in from amazon yesterday and it's truly amazing!

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Congrats! How do you like it so far?

[@ethansteiner]

@@SimonsTechChannel I absolutely love how fast it is and the amazing battery life, so I am definitely loving it for sure!

[@swagkidm10]

Just got one midnight m2 air for 699 plus tax on amazon a few days ago i love it 😎🙌🏻

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Good choice!

[@mendodave]

I have a 16GB M1 iMac, and an 8GB M2 Air. My experience is that the 8GB configuration will do the job but memory pressure is usually high. Today I was running almost 3GB of Swap trying to install Ubuntu in a VM during a zoom call with about three Safari tabs open. Zoom never faltered but the install was having a really hard time. I had to go into the task manager (whatever it’s called) and kill some processes to get some memory back. It’s just better to pay the extra $200 and get the 16GB version.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Absolutely, It seems like you know that you would be doing those kinds of things, so the RAM upgrade makes more sense.

[@canadianmaestro7228]

Would a base model with 256 mem be slower than a base/512? Basic web surfing and watching HD videos, with maybe 3-5 tabs open on Firefox. Thanks!

[@SimonsTechChannel]

No, Apple wouldn't have intentionally combined the SSD into one if it was gonna be significantly slower. Especially when it comes to doing basic web browsing/HD videos, which the MacBook Air excels at!

[@zipkitty]

I have a beast desktop PC, needed a laptop with great battery life for notetaking, but hate windows. Absolutely a buy!

[@SimonsTechChannel]

For sure! That’s what it’s great for!

[@ryrycee]

bought the base model M2 Air, and it is snappy. I don't use it for heavy usage. Just the right number of tabs for Spreadsheets, Documents, Websites. I don't experience any issues. If we will consider heavy video editing, for sure "MacBook Pro" is the better option.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Great!

[@SamStab007]

What is the average length of 4K videos you edit on this machine? My main use is edit for 1080P videos. Thanks for the review.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

I edited this entire 13 minute 4K video on it! I’ve also done a few slightly shorter and longer but the range is 11-21 minutes of 4k footage

[@16abadeer]

great video, however I do believe that two 128gb are not slower (in the case of the m1 macbook air) since it uses two NAND storage chips instead of one found on the base m2. the m3 do not have this problem, only the m2 base model. i'm actually using the base m2 myself. the only complaint i have with the base model is the 8gb of ram which is enough most of the time, just not when i'm doing research or school stuff and even gaming. if anybody has to buy a macbook air today I do agree that the m2 is a good buy more than the m3, just get the 16gb of memory.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Thanks For Watching! Yep You're Right, technically because they are split though, the Read/Write Speeds is Slower in Benchmark testing. However when real life testing the speeds, it performs way closer and still better than the M1. I also agree with the 16 GB of memory part, especially if you want to ensure that performance is sustained 4 years into the future!

[@certified_baller]

I was thinking of buying the M3 Macbook Pro 2TB with the 18GB RAM configuration, I will be joining medschool and would this be the best option for say 6 years of use?

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Yep, that sounds perfect. Do you think you will be traveling around with it much? If so, you might want to take the weight of it into consideration since the MBP can be heavy to carry arounds sometimes.

[@Bluestarferies]

You’ll be working on corpses, what you need the 2tb and 18gb ram for?

[@certified_baller]

@@Bluestarferies I'd like to play some games from time to time haha.

[@Bluestarferies]

@@certified_baller fair enough!!

[@vividR15]

Just got the base m2! Thank you. You won my sub✊❤

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@stevenrobertson4190]

@Simon's Tech I thought the base M2 Macbook Air had a single 256GB SSD storage memory chip rather than 2 x 128GB SSD chips of the base M1 and M3 Macbook Airs, and it was this that slowed the M2 MB Air down in comparison?

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Yes, I believe you’re correct. I think that was just a filming error. But it doesn’t change the fact that Apple tried something different and it was slower so the point is the same. Thanks!

[@brandondelgado7731]

Would you say this wild be good for digital painting with large files in clip studio paint and Affinity? Same with the design apps? Basically digital art and graphic design.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Honestly it seems like what you're describing is pretty niche, so probably not. I would talk to other people doing the same thing and ask what they use.

[@brandondelgado7731]

@@SimonsTechChannel thanks for the reply!

[@EmmaLundin-v5t]

With the M2 air they did not split the SSDs they did the opposite from the M1 air. One SSD and NAND chip which is the problem.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Yeah I misspoke in the video. I think someone else also mentioned this.

[@bangzalfilm]

Do you use a proxy for video editing or not? Because it looks smooth when previewing, and if there are motion graphics and transitions can it be used smoothly?

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Nope, everything you see in the video is how it runs right after downloading. I have played around with key framing and from what I’ve seen it’s really smooth. Even with some basic mfx and transitions!

[@canadianmaestro7228]

Great, informative video!! Gonna get a 15" M2 Air at base; using it mainly for watching HD 1080p movies on QuickTime Player, downloaded from iTunes and elsewhere. And casual web surfing. Comments? Thanks again!

[@SimonsTechChannel]

It’s gonna be a great experience! Congratulations

[@kavk3874]

Keep doing what you’re doing you are good. I really like how you are doing it on a low budget it feels more authentic. You feel more relatable like an ordinary person. Most reviews who are successful with high production videos don’t reasonate with me. You feel like KZbin 2015 in its purest sense which is good.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Thank You, a lot of this is because I’m on a limited budget in general, but also because the goal of this video was to try and cut through the high-production, over spoken noise that was generated with this computer. Im always trying to make sure it’s helpful so I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@kavk3874]

@@SimonsTechChannel exactly i think 4 years ago people were impressed by the high budget productions but now everyone is doing it so it is boring. dont get me wrong of course you can tweak it but somehow its like you are an organic chicken rather than the factory mass produced chicken at the super market haha sorry but i hope you get the analogy. as long as the content is good and you are you that's what counts. you are not putting of a fake persona. I feel like most high production youtubers are copy and paste. i hope this helps and gives you confidence you are onto something here.

[@prodsaam]

Just bought the m2 air with 16gb ram 256ssd but got a 1tb internal drive for music producing i should be ok

[@SimonsTechChannel]

For sure.

[@azrix8883]

Loved the video dude! Ive been stuck on choosing between an M2 base model (800$) and an M3 16gb 512ssd (1300$) model for a while now. I primarily need it for med school and I’m not sure if the 500$ price difference is worth it. Im now leaning more onto the base M2 side, but id like to get your opinion on it if you could. Anyhow, i loved the video keep it up man you definitely earned a new subscriber!

[@SimonsTechChannel]

I appreciate it! I’m definitely gonna say to consider the M3 config. Med school can be a lot, and you don’t want to be frustrated with random slowdowns. Not that it seems to be a big issue with the M2, but future proofing (and getting more SSD room) is gonna allow you to keep the focus on learning. If your budget allows obviously. I’m sure the M2 Air will hold fast for a couple years, but beyond that after updates, that SSD is gonna be full. If you have any specific questions on compatibility with apps or programs that you want me to look into, just let me know! Good Luck!

[@azrix8883]

@@SimonsTechChannel It is a pretty steep price, but i do want the laptop to last for a long time so it would be a good idea to invest a lot into it. One thing im concerned with since this would actually be my first Mac is some app compatibility issues. Just in case, is it possible for the Mac to run windows?

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Kinda, there are some scuffed workarounds to install windows. However, if you did do that, the computer would be a lot slower, as it’s not taking full advantage of the hardware.

[@bright-side-news]

Another great video man, great advice and review!

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Appreciate it!

[@sjneditz2714]

Is it good for autocad

[@SimonsTechChannel]

I haven’t tested it directly but I have heard that it turns well on MacBook airs. I would talk to some other people that you know who use AutoCad and maybe see how they think it would run! Hope this helps!

[@sjneditz2714]

@SimonsTechChannel plz update me man and thank you for your reply

[@tigragal84]

Hi, @SimonsTechChannel, thanks for this video! I've been using windows computers forever, but but I'm finally fed up with the constant issues. At this point, they are hindering my work (freelance digital marketer here), so I'm switching to Mac. I need an Air because I need to travel and standard laptops have been too much for me to carry around. My work involves lots of browsing, emails, Canva, Trello, ChatGPT, and I want to get into some visual/video editing - social media level. Do you think the base model will handle all this, or is the 16GB option a must? Thanks in advance!

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Hi there, I would say that if you like to leave lots of windows open, and are a frequent multitasker, I would just upgrade. Especially if you want to move into other areas besides emails and trello. It’s just gonna help everything run smoother. However, I think lots of the things you mentioned would run just fine in the browser, even if you have multiple open. So if you can afford the upgrade, I would still recommend it, as an investment to expand your skills. However if you can’t, I think everything you listed is going to still run great.

[@tigragal84]

@@SimonsTechChannel Thank you so much, this is very helpful!

[@rasmusmoen9265]

What should i do, m2 with 16 gb ram og base model m3?

[@SimonsTechChannel]

M2 16gb for sure. Little improvement in M3 over M2

[@rezylrph]

@@SimonsTechChannel how about m2 base model or m3 base model? Which of the two should i get?

[@icweener1636]

Great Video, Thanks for explaining real life use. I am planning to buy my first mac next year but I am maxing it out coz it will be my main machine. And I just love that I can work even when travelling or in the car. I love not being tied to a wall like windows and also, the Taiwan Windows laptop are getting so expensive especially those that can do video editing, even more expensive the macs.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Congrats!

[@mreehhv]

i gota question like can it process a 500 page pdf in an instant because my windows broo it stutters i am sick of it

[@SimonsTechChannel]

I tried a 628 page PDF, it was instantaneous!

[@mreehhv]

@@SimonsTechChannel thank youu!!!!

[@yusef1010]

is it better to get a m2 air 16gb or m1 pro 16gb ? m worried if the m1 pro won't last for like 3 years. I want it for full stack web dev. Great video btw keep it up !

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Definitely the M1 Pro, many reviewers say they still use their M1 Pro, today, because it’s so powerful. So expecting another 3 years out of it should be no problem. Especially then you get more ports, and more power, over the Air.

[@yusef1010]

@@SimonsTechChannel Thank you so much man, I really appreciate it ❤

[@tusharkukreti]

please make a lvideo about video editing in macbook m2 air

[@SimonsTechChannel]

I could do a longer video about it? I'm pretty sure I talked about it quite a bit in this video though.

[@lnidh]

If you’re doing advanced videos editing get a MacBook pro

[@SimonsTechChannel]

People Misinterpret "Advanced" though. I would say through testing: Upgrade if you do-- -Anything Higher than 4K Editing -Editing Longer than 1HR at a Time -Color Grading on More than Half of the Clips -More Complex Graphics and Transitions (Adobe After Effects) -Dealing With Camera Specific LOG Footage (ex. RED Codec)

[@PrajwalRajput-1212]

even i purchached m2 air base model just 3 days ago . wht an impressive laptop. till now i didnt found with it

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Nice!

[@gb649]

How is your one month experience?

[@LegendProks]

Wait a minute a m2 air with 8gigs is the same Price as 16 gigs now 999$ 🤩

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Absolutely, I’ll probably make an updated video here talking about that!

[@NoshikiYT]

I want the base model MacBook Air it would be a significant improvement to my 4GB Lenovo idea pad 1i

[@SimonsTechChannel]

It for sure would be!

[@HJAlsubale]

شكرا لك يا سايمون، كنت اريد الحصول على الام2 منذ فتره طويلة واشتريته بالامس لأكمل به دراسة الدكتوراه، سيكون ذو عون كبير لي في طريقي الصعب.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Congrats! And Good Luck!

[@bharatpipare7655]

Is it good for coding?

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Yes! I’ve been developing a couple projects, using Xcode and ChatGPT, and it’s been great. It would note that with the recent macOS update it has gotten a bit slower, not sure if it’s because it’s the release version of Xcode and it’s not quite stable yet, or if it’s just planned obsolescence. I’m planning on making a full-length video about soon though!

[@bharatpipare7655]

​@@SimonsTechChannel Thanks

[@bharatpipare7655]

​@@SimonsTechChannelHave you used docker on the same?

[@SimonsTechChannel]

I haven’t, no. I’m putting together a list of coding related stuff to test for the video so if you think I should try it, let me know.

[@Jparkss]

Me just getting the M2 and comparing the weight with my 2017 MBP. It feels the same😭😭😭. Scammed for lightness Apple??? Maybe but hey I just got it

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Yeah, I upgraded from a Chromebook, so the whole lightness thing wasn’t really a selling point for me 😂

[@Jparkss]

@@SimonsTechChannel 😭😭😭. I guess I was looking at the 2017 Air with the curved down bottom and now it just looks like a skinnier pro but I like the look of it and it feels great. Definitely a upgrade from my 2017 MBP

[@averellchen]

Unfortunately I need to run CAD’s and other intensive software… i think I picked the wrong college major… lol

[@SimonsTechChannel]

lol

[@maccsan]

nice one

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Thank you

[@tomsun3159]

Buy a refurbished MBA M1 with 16 GB. Some remarks M2 an M3 have the same CPU Bug M2 and M3 are available in 15" M3 has the clamshell mode and two external displays M2 and M3 have Magsafe connector M2 and M3 have a different design All have the same insane upgrade price policy There a SLIGHT performance uplifts M1-> to M2 -> M3 If performance is an issue buying the Base model is HIGHLY questionable, why then not buying an upgraded MBP M3 MAX. If the CPU Bug is an issue you have to wait for the M4 anyway If the 15" is an issue yes THATS a valid point If two external monitors are an issue you have to take the M3 Magsafe need is overrated as on battery the same performance as on plug and the battery lasts the whole day Design thats only questions of personal preference Upgrade price policy thats a apple topic, at least for the M1 there seems to be a possibility to upgrade the storage for some techies The performance is in my opinion the worst argument for an M2 over an M1 or an M3 over an M2 or M1. The differences are measurable but not necessary noticeable. The slowest restriction is usually in front of the device. You are not typing faster, you are not thinking faster, you are not streaming faster, you are not onlineshopping faster,.... and if you are talking about a MBA Basemodel 8/256 it doesn't matter how long it takes to produce the next tiktok 5s or 10s.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

I've heard people say that as well. The problem I've seen is that, refurb M1 Airs, are hard to come by, especially for a good price. Even if you do find one, Apple Care is out of the question.

[@tomsun3159]

@@SimonsTechChannel You can't find them on apple but on some sellers brand new if you accept the 8GB/256GB configuration with the ability to buy an 3 year warranty. if you want a 16 GB version you can find some used models at professional resellers with the ability of additional warranty. i bought mine used from a reseller with one year warranty.

[@chazyronnie]

m2 base MBA is slow compare to the m3 base

[@SimonsTechChannel]

That’s true

[@hlop1954]

Def do some gaming on the MacBook Air

[@canadianmaestro7228]

Need some brain matter. For max pleasure viewing mostly HDR movies bought off iTunes, which one? M2 Air 15 refurb $1721 CAD M4 Pro 14 new $1967 CAD (just $4 more than M3 Air 15 new) All 16/512, Apple Store. Trying to balance larger screen of Air vs. slightly smaller screen of Pro Thanks!

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Whatever the cheapest one is I’d say. HDR movies don’t need much to run! M2 Air 15 also gives you room to do other things if you want.

[@lissybug0176]

Well starting October 30 2024 all base model Macs start with 16GB of RAM they even did this for the M2 and M3 MacBook Air. So the base models are a bit more of a good deal for the average person this is on their regular and education stores.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Yeah, it took a while but it makes buying one way more worth it.

[@AlperenSEN-oj7xv]

Awesome video! I'm planning to get one, could you maybe check out a few games later on? I'm thinking about playing DL2 on it. Thank you in advance!

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Great! I'll be sure to look into that, and some other games to test.

[@AlperenSEN-oj7xv]

@@SimonsTechChannel Thank you for the response! Have a nice day :D

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Yeah, No Problem!

[@viktoraberg]

good video but league of legends is definitely not a higher end game :D if it runs badly it is probably a software thing or something, I get 100fps on my 150€ 2016 computer so I can't imagine it should be hard

[@logcom482]

In Apple site you can change configuration of MacBook and add some RAM.16-200€ and 24 -400€. I think nowadays better choice is buy MacBook because Windows laptop lose value so quickly and the is always russian rulet if it poor build quality and thousands of models.And if it's gaming windows laptop probably he will be ded in one year.

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Yeah, thats a good point

[@nikinkamal9141]

❤

[@s4d429]

no you shouldn't buy any m1 or m2 device m3 even not the best purchase but..... at least m3 only with 16gb ram, or better wait for m4 devices this year late 2024

[@SimonsTechChannel]

Yeah, but sometimes, you gotta just make a decision on a computer. You can't keep waiting for that "perfect" opportunity to buy one.