The M1 MacBook Air is a surprisingly capable machine that punches well above its weight. Coming from a decade of 15" MacBook Pros, the author found the Air's fanless M1 chip powerful enough to outperform a fully-specced 2019 16" MacBook Pro in Final Cut Pro — handling a demanding 4K multi-cam edit for seven hours without a hitch. Beyond raw performance, the compact 13" form factor, improved Magic Keyboard, all-day battery life, and fanless design make it an exceptionally well-rounded daily driver. For most users, it's more than enough computer — and at a fraction of the cost of Apple's higher-end options.
Good things really do come in small packages. After two months with the iPhone 13 mini, going back to a larger iPhone is hard to imagine. The improved battery life over the 12 mini was the tipping point, and the tradeoffs — smaller screen, no telephoto lens — turned out to be non-issues. The compact form factor actually improved daily life in unexpected ways: easier one-handed use, more photos taken, and less mindless scrolling. Same great phone, smaller package.
Apple's new MacBook Pros are the most compelling in the line's history — ProMotion displays, 20+ hour battery life, MagSafe, and a generational leap in performance thanks to Apple Silicon. Yes, next year's M2 chips will likely be faster, but that's always been true. The M1 Pro and Max are already so capable that they'll feel fast by any standard for years to come. If you need a new Mac and have the budget, there's no good reason to wait.
