Apple do not go there by four paths. According to the apple brand, its Macbook Air 15 inches that just came out would be “the best laptop in the world”. If Apple has long accustomed us to an often pompous vocabulary, it is clear that this new ultraportable is not lacking in assets. 20 minutes was able to spend a month with. Verdict.
Back to school, beginning of studies, first job, telecommuting… but also leisure…. As every year in this season, many are those who are thinking of equipping or re-equipping a laptop, if possible light, mobile and as long as it is powerful. Apple has a solution. Its name: the 15-inch MacBook Air.
15 years after the first MacBook Air, the manufacturer is revising its copy. After several generations of his 13-inch ultraportable, he sees (finally!) bigger by weighting his newcomer with a 15.3-inch screen. It changes everything.
A gain in comfort and ergonomics
By comparing the two machines, but especially by working with them, we were able to observe, in addition to the increase in visual comfort, a notable gain in ergonomics. Less need forroller, to constantly open and close windows on the screen to access our emails, WhatsApp, files and surf… the difference is obvious! We, who also love video editing on iMovie (Apple’s built-in software), also took great pleasure in editing a few short films on the new MacBook Air. For lack of sufficient screen surface and visual comfort, we refused this possibility on its elder, more narrow.
Handling is also easier thanks to the trackpad which has expanded by covering a significant part of the machine, under its keyboard. On the other hand, no numeric keypad on the horizon. A lesser evil, the strike here being fast, flexible and light.
Regret however: despite the high price of its computer, Apple did not see fit to integrate an OLED screen, the one offered remaining LCD. This is not a big deal if you use the device in an enclosed place, at home, in a lecture hall, in the office, but more annoying if you want to work outdoors where the brightness of the screen of this MacBook Air (up to 500 nits) can run out, like when it’s in bright sunlight.
Ditto if you want to use the machine to play videos: the definition is precise (2,880 x 1,864 pixels), the contrasts are good, but lack depth if you are outside. And the reflections, when you are on a terrace for example, as we have seen, are not lacking.
The M2 chip in action
At home, on the other hand, the pleasure is very real to stream or to play the device on your knees with its “big” image, from the bottom of the sofa or in your bed when the time comes to relax a little. And if there is one point on which Apple has made efforts, it is the sound.
Now equipped with six speakers (instead of four), the MacBook Air 15” offers real audio quality, which gains in bass but also in depth and breadth. You can easily do without a headset (although a 3.5 mm mini-jack is on board here) to get your fill of your favorite series or games.
Games, yes, because the M2 chip with which the computer is weighted offers more than enough power for most gamers. 15% faster than the M1 chip (which equips the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Air), it is also 30 to 40% faster on graphics.
And bonus: this chip hardly heats up. The computer is therefore devoid of a fan, which is downright very appreciable. And allows it to keep a wasp size: 34 cm x 23 cm for 1.15 mm thick. That’s 0.02mm thicker than the 13” MacBook Air. For an additional 260 grams.
Weighing only 1.5 kg, the latest offspring of Apple remains much lighter than PCs in its class. And quite easily transportable. We will take care to match it with a cover, its dress (in four colors) can quite easily suffer the pangs of micro-scratches. As beautiful as it is, the model with the “Midnight” finish (very dark) also catches fingerprints copiously.
Up to 18 hours of battery life
There remains the question of autonomy. Announced until 6 p.m. on video, it actually keeps its promises: we were able to work all day then “binger” until late at night without having to go through a recharge. This (35 W) is made possible by the magnetic MagSafe port, which is just as practical: if someone gets their feet caught in the cable, it comes off instantly without the computer falling. A dual USB-C port on the charger (supplied) can also charge a smartphone simultaneously. Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports also equip the MacBook Air 15”. Lacks an SD port, which video editing enthusiasts will inevitably deplore. Another shortcoming: the absence of Wi-Fi 6E, which is more stable and faster, really regrettable on a latest generation machine which has so many claims.
Sold from 1,599 euros in 8GB/256GB, the MacBook Air 15” remains a very expensive piece of equipment. But an ultra-versatile ultraportable which, for many, will also replace a possible desktop computer. As usual, Apple is offering discounts to students, teaching staff and administrative teams. This allows you to benefit from a reduction of 100 euros on the device, but also to obtain a gift card of 150 euros. What to offer some accessories…