MacBook Air with M3 vs MacBook Pro M3

MacBook Air with M3

• The MacBook Air with M3 utilizes Apple's M1 chip designed to refresh the lowest-end Macs.
• Users are impressed with the performance, battery life, and lack of heat issues with the M1 chip.
• It's perfect for casual and business users, offering more power than they'll ever need.
• The base model now supports up to two external displays when the laptop lid is closed.
• Pricing for RAM upgrades is seen as overpriced and a form of planned obsolescence.

Pros

• Impressive performance, battery life, and lack of heat issues.
• Suitable for casual and business users.
• Supports up to two external displays.
• Possible to walk out of the store with a 16GB memory/512GB storage config.

Cons

• RAM upgrades are considered overpriced.
• Base model features 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
• Users feel 16GB RAM should be the standard.

MacBook Pro M3

• The MacBook Pro M3non-pro may lack support for two external displays.
• Users are critical of the 8GB RAM base model, with many considering it insufficient for performance needs.
• There is speculation about the possibility of a backlash leading to a 16GB minimum on future Pro models.

Pros

• Battery boost and reduction in thickness/weight compared to older models.
• Trade-in discounts and cashback options available.
• Might see an increase to 16GB minimum on future Pro models.

Cons

• Lack of support for two external displays.
• Backlash against the 8GB RAM base model, seen as insufficient and a cost-saving measure by Apple.

Overall Comments

• Users are generally impressed with the performance and battery life of the M1 chip in both the MacBook Air with M3 and the MacBook Pro M3.
• There are concerns about the 8GB RAM base model in both laptops, with many calling for a minimum of 16GB.
• Pricing for RAM upgrades is a point of contention among users, with some feeling it is overpriced and contributes to planned obsolescence.