# An In-Depth Look at the 15" MacBook Air M2: Pros and Cons
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Chapter 1: Overview of the 15" MacBook Air M2
Apple's newest 15" MacBook Air featuring the M2 chip has made waves with its larger screen and enhanced audio capabilities. However, concerns about the dark ink color and a slower SSD performance linger. Let's dive into the specifics and what you should keep in mind before making a purchase.
Forget the dark ink: a color choice to reconsider.
This latest model was introduced during the WWDC23 keynote, and while it offers a larger display, the advancements compared to last year's 13" models are minimal. The standout feature is undoubtedly the 15.3-inch screen, made possible by an expanded chassis that accommodates a superior speaker system.
Section 1.1: Battery Life Considerations
Despite the larger display, the battery life remains on par with the 13-inch variant, which is surprising given the increased power demand. The device comes in four color options: dark ink, star white, space gray, and silver. Personally, I own an M2 MacBook Air from the previous year, and I was initially attracted to the dark ink option, but I've since changed my mind about this color choice.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Drawbacks of Dark Ink
The dark ink finish is visually appealing, appearing almost black or deep blue depending on the lighting. However, it tends to show fingerprints and dust quite prominently. After experiencing this firsthand, I can confirm that if given the choice again, I would opt for a different color. The dark keys against a dark background can also make it difficult to see the keys in low light, and the backlighting does little to alleviate this issue.
Section 1.2: Color Preferences
For those who prefer lighter colors, star white offers a unique aesthetic reminiscent of gold without being overly flashy. While it's subjective, the larger body of the MacBook Air tends to attract more dust, making maintenance a consideration. If you're considering the dark ink color, think carefully about its practicality.
Chapter 2: Performance Insights
The first video titled "Why the 15in M2 MacBook Air is Hard to Recommend | But I still Love it!" examines the pros and cons of this model in depth, particularly focusing on user experiences and the challenges posed by the new color options.
The second video, "I Used The New 15" M2 MacBook Air for 30 Days...", provides a firsthand account of using the device over an extended period, shedding light on its performance and usability.
Section 2.1: Storage Speed Concerns
One of the more disappointing aspects of the 15" MacBook Air M2 is its SSD performance in the base model. While the excitement surrounding the new display and speaker setup was palpable, the reality is that the basic model comes with a single NAND chip for its 256GB storage, contrasting sharply with the two 128GB chips found in the M1 version. This translates to a storage speed that is 30-50% slower, which can be frustrating for users engaging in file transfers or demanding tasks.
Section 2.2: Apple's Design Philosophy
Apple's VP of Hardware Engineering, Kate Bergeron, recently discussed the design evolution of the 15" MacBook Air, emphasizing the device's thermal management and optimized software to maintain the same battery life as the 13" model. The design philosophy also focuses on the typical user's behavior, who may engage in short bursts of activity followed by periods of inactivity.
A Final Note
Reports indicate that Apple is already working on a successor to the 15" MacBook Air, likely featuring the next-generation M3 chip, which promises improvements in CPU and GPU performance while reducing power consumption. This could address some of the current model's shortcomings and might be worth waiting for if you're considering a purchase.
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