INDIA: In a recent launch, Apple introduced the MacBook Air 15, a laptop offering a compelling package for professionals and general users.
While not classified as a Pro laptop by Apple’s standards, the MacBook Air 15 comes remarkably close to meeting the requirements of many professionals.
With a starting price of Rs 1,34,900 in India, the laptop may be pricey, but it delivers exceptional value for its cost.
The MacBook Air 15 retains the iconic wedge-shaped design that made its predecessors famous.
However, the new design features rounded corners, enhancing the laptop’s appearance and making it easier to handle and carry.
Despite its larger 15.3-inch screen, the Air 15 remains lightweight, weighing just 1.55 kg and boasting a slim profile of 11.5mm thickness. These physical attributes make the Air 15 a joy to use and transport.
Compared to the MacBook Pro 16, the Air 15 offers a simplified port selection, with only three ports on the left side.
The ports include two USB-C plus Thunderbolt ports and one MagSafe 2 charging port, while the right side houses a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The Air 15 also features a six-speaker setup, which differs from the Pro’s implementation, with speakers inside the laptop’s aluminium shell near the screen hinge.
Constructed entirely of aluminium, the Air 15 exudes durability and craftsmanship. It features a minimalist design with a Full HD 1080P webcam housed in the notch above the screen, similar to other recent MacBook models.
The laptop includes four rubber feet on the bottom, providing stability and grip. Regarding colour options, the Air 15 is available in a midnight finish, which adds a touch of class and uniqueness, although it tends to attract fingerprints.
The performance of the Air 15 is commendable, thanks to its powerful M2 chipset. With 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD storage, the base variant offers a fast and efficient experience for everyday tasks such as web browsing, photo editing, and office work.
The large 15-inch screen and capable speakers enhance the laptop’s entertainment capabilities.
However, the screen’s outdoor brightness and viewing angles fall slightly short compared to higher-priced MacBook Pro models and some Windows laptops in the same price range.
Battery life is a standout feature of the Air 15, surpassing Apple’s claims of 18 hours of video playback or 15 hours of web browsing.
The Air 15’s battery can easily last for at least two working days, providing users with exceptional freedom and convenience.
Coupled with the macOS Ventura operating system, which offers a streamlined interface and valuable features, the Air 15 provides a superior user experience compared to Windows laptops in the same segment.
Ultimately, the MacBook Air 15 excels as a general-purpose laptop, offering a fantastic design, a good screen, impressive performance, market-leading battery life, and user-friendly software.
Its superb keyboard and trackpad outshine competitors in its price range. Only those needing a laptop with Nvidia or AMD graphics cards for gaming or heavy-duty video editing may need to explore other options.
For all other purposes, the MacBook Air 15 is a near-perfect choice that consistently delights users and justifies its price tag.
