Exploring the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air: A Productive Journey
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Chapter 1: My Experience with the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air
Having spent a couple of weeks with the M3 15-inch MacBook Air, I couldn't be more satisfied with my decision. Recently, I left home for my studio carrying just the MacBook Air, which speaks volumes about its capability. I'm confident it can handle my needs for editing a straightforward 'shorts' video, and I even left the charger behind—Apple silicon truly spoils you.
Over the weekend, another revelation solidified my affection for this new Mac and Apple silicon, but more on that later.
Section 1.1: Getting It Right
This MacBook Air marks my second encounter with M3 Apple silicon. Last year, I purchased the M3 iMac, starting with the base model featuring 8 GB of memory, an 8-core CPU, an 8-core GPU, and 256 GB of storage.
Storage isn't as critical as it once was, thanks to cloud reliance and more efficient applications. While I acknowledge that 256 GB SSD isn't ideal for everyone, external storage options are readily available.
My iMac was primarily for content creation, and I was eager to see how the 8 GB model performed. While I don’t regret that purchase, I wouldn't recommend it for demanding tasks due to frequent memory swapping that could hinder performance over time. In short, 8 GB is fine for light tasks like browsing and email, but I had loftier goals for the MacBook Air.
Subsection 1.1.1: Beefing Up the M3 MacBook Air
I aimed for the M3 MacBook Air to replace my MacBook Pro, making it a robust workhorse. I opted for 512 GB of SSD storage and 16 GB of unified memory, providing an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU configuration. Video edits would primarily occur on my Samsung T7 SSD, allowing seamless transitions between my MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
Two weeks in, I can confidently say that my choices were spot on. This MacBook Air has quickly become my preferred machine.
Section 1.2: Keeping Up
Today, I unplugged the MacBook Air around 8:30 AM, and as I write this near 6:30 PM, the battery sits at 56%. While we expect impressive battery life from Apple silicon, it's still a remarkable feature that allows a quiet, fan-free working environment without being tethered to a power source.
After the M1 and initial Apple silicon iterations, I thought we wouldn’t see significant advancements for a while. However, the M2 and M3 chipsets have continually built upon this legacy. Having owned M1, M2, and M3 Macs, I can confirm the incremental improvements are noticeable.
Though my M1 Max remains unmatched, it still performs like new even after three years. The M3 MacBook Air, however, feels like a tangible upgrade over the previous model, with faster app launches and even better battery life.
I've hardly used the keyboard on my M1 Max, but over the last two weeks, the keyboard on the MacBook Air has impressed me with its ergonomic design. The 15.3-inch LED display also enhances productivity, offering a more substantial workspace than the smaller 13-inch version I previously owned.
Chapter 2: Discovering Final Cut Pro
Recently, my fascination with the M3 MacBook Air deepened thanks to Final Cut Pro. Despite being a long-time Adobe user, I was curious about Final Cut's offerings. Initially, I hesitated, fearing a steep learning curve, but found the transition surprisingly smooth.
Having been a Mac user for years, navigating Final Cut Pro felt intuitive. The software seamlessly integrates with the Control Center, effortlessly switching audio outputs—a small yet significant convenience compared to Premiere Pro.
I'm finding Final Cut enjoyable and user-friendly, prompting me to consider purchasing plugins for future projects. The software appears optimized for Apple silicon, and initial exports seem faster.
Final Thoughts
If this MacBook Air were my sole device, I would have opted for more onboard storage. However, for my needs, I believe I've struck the right balance. It's inviting to work on, quick, and efficient. Opting for 16 GB of memory was a wise choice, especially as I delve deeper into editing.
This MacBook Air, even at a mid-range specification, proves to be a serious contender. Priced at £1700, it's a more economical choice than my £4000 MacBook Pro, allowing me to leave the heavier machine at home while maintaining productivity.
The introduction of Final Cut Pro has been the icing on the cake. I'm eager to explore its capabilities further, especially with my upcoming iPad Pro. Just when I thought I was fully entrenched in Apple's ecosystem, the M3 15-inch MacBook Air and Final Cut Pro have solidified my commitment to it.
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