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MacBook Air 2020
The MacBook Air 2020 hits the market with brand new components and a higher storage capacity. The Apple’s thinnest and lightest laptop is not only getting a performance upgrade in its processing power but also double its storage capacity over its predecessors.
The biggest problem encountered by users of MacBook Air was that it felt under-powered when compared with windows-based laptops at the same price range.
This device, comeswith a quad-core processor and up to 16GB of RAM, which makes this model more powerful than the previous models. This was done without any compromises such as raising its price or changing its thin and light design its famous for. The MacBook Air 2020 is sure to deliver more richer and seamless experience with the exciting new features and functionality of the macros 11 BigSur this year.
This device, comeswith a quad-core processor and up to 16GB of RAM, which makes this model more powerful than the previous models. This was done without any compromises such as raising its price or changing its thin and light design its famous for. The MacBook Air 2020 is sure to deliver more richer and seamless experience with the exciting new features and functionality of the macros 11 BigSur this year.
However, the MacBook Air is no longer the thinnest and lightest laptop on the market. Laptops like the LG Gram for instance amongst other window 10 laptops weighs lesser than the MacBook Air 2020. Although the new components add alittle extra size and weight, the MacBook Air is still easy and comfortable to carry around without you.
Configurations and Prices
When it comes to price, the new MacBook Air 2020 comes with a dual-core 10th-generation intel core i3 processor, 256GB storage (128GB higher than the previous model) and 8GB of RAM for $999/£999/Au$1,599.
This is a decent savings considering the MacBook Air 2019’s price of $1,099/£1,099/Au$1,699 and the upgrade made in the MacBook Air 2020 model.
Apple also launched a higher-end MacBook Air 2020, which for the first time ever comes with a 10th- generation quad-core intel core i5 processor, 512GB SSD storage and 8GB of RAM.
The MacBook Air 2020 can further be upgraded, adding twice the RAM, storage of up to 2TB and a faster 10th generation intel core i7 processor.
The MacBook Air 2020 with a 1.2GHz intel core i7 processor, 16GB RAM and 2 TB SSD cost $2,249/£2,249/Au$3,349.
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MacBook Air 2020 Design
With such a successful Apple Design, the MacBook Air 2020 model has no changes made to its outside look. The MacBook Air remains thin and light, with a dimension of 11.97 × 8.36 × 0.63 inches which makes it slightly thicker than the 2019 model. The 2020 MacBook Air model also weighs 2.8 pounds(1.29kg) slightly more than the 2019 model.
The MacBook Air 2020 comes with two thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports and an audio jack. The thunderbolt 3 ports offer speeds up to 40GB/s and allowing you to transmit up to 6k footage to a compatible monitor, and can be used for charging as well.
While there are no changes made on the outside of the This device, the biggest change is found when you open the laptop. Apple finally replaced the keyboard with a new one which uses the scissor mechanism that aims at tackling the reliability issues previously faced with the older butterfly keyboard design.
Present also, is a touch ID fingerprint sensor for biometric login to macOS and also for online payment using Apple pay. Its fingerprint sensor is very fast and reliable when it comes to detecting fingerprint.
MacBook Air Display
So far, nothing has changed about the screen since last year’s model. The MacBook Air 2020 comes with a 13.3 inches display with LED Backlighting, IPs technology and a 2,560 × 1,600 resolution. This creates sharp image quality as a result of its pixel density of 227 pixels per inch.
The macBook Air 2020’s screen, same as last year’s model feature True Tone technology which automatically adjusts the colour temperature shown on the screen based on the ambient light.
MacBook Air 2020 Performance
Using the base model of the MacBook Air which we feel a lot of people will go. The one with the dual-core intel i3 chipset. We have found that loading the RAM and switching between tasks ( multitasking) only caused a little slowdown in the system operation.
Though the macOS feels responsive for day-to-day activities, the MacBook Air still lags behind the more powerful MacBook Pro when it comes to using apps. Though this is not a slow laptop, but you may find yourself waiting a little bit to load apps than that of the MacBook Pro.
If you will probably carrying out hardcore multitasking activities I strongly recommend you go for a MacBook Air with more RAM and better processor than the entry-level MacBook Air.
When it comes to performance, the ultra thin design of the MacBook Air comes at a price. This means, when under use for very long, it becomes quite hot and there is a reduction in performance due to a feature, thermal throttling. This feature reduces performance to prevent overheating and damage of the MacBook Air.
For those that are into hardcore multitasking for a long period of time and requires full processor performance at all times, it is recommended you buy the MacBook Pro. This is because the MacBook Pro handles the thermal throttling feature better than the MacBook Air.
Entertainment-wise, the 2020 model MacBook Air has quite a great sound. When watching a movie, the speakers produce good vocal clarity.
Talking about the MacBook Air 2020 camera, Apple has decided to stick with the 720p webcam. This feels like a little set back as there are more better webcams out there than can be used to improve image quality.
MacBook Air 2020 Battery life
Though Apple claims that the MacBook Air has about 11 hours worth of battery life, in our daily usage we have found it to be actually a bit lower than that.
When a video was looped, the battery lasted for 8 hours. When running Apple’s apps and other battery-Hungry apps, it lasted for 7 hours.
Therefore, to get the promised 11 hours of battery life, you will need to dial down a bit on the type and number of apps you use.
However, one good thing about MacBook is that on the stand by mood, the battery can last for days.
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Specification
General
| Brand | Apple |
| Model | MacBook Air 2020 |
| Release date | 18th March 2020 |
| Series | MacBook Air |
| Dimensions (mm) | 212.40 x 304.10 x 16.10 |
| Weight (kg) | 1.29 |
| Colours | Gold, Silver, Space Grey |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Operating system | macOS |
| Battery Capacity (WHR) | 49.9 |
| Battery Life (up to hours) | 11 |
Display
| Size | 13.30-inch |
| Resolution | 2560×1600 pixels |
| Touch Screen | No |
Processor
| Processor | Intel Core i3 10th Gen |
Memory
| RAM | 8GB |
Graphics
| Graphics Processor | Integrated Graphics Processor |
Storage
| SSD | 256GB |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi standards supported | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
Inputs
| Web Camera | Yes |
| Pointer Device | Trackpad |
| Backlit Keyboard | Yes |
| Internal Mic | Yes |
| Speakers | 2 Speakers |
| Finger Print Sensor | Yes |
Ports and slots
| USB Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt 3 (Type C) |
| Headphone and Mic Combo Jack | Yes |
Should I Buy It
Buy it if you:
- Want an affordable MacBook that delivers without much compromises.
- Hate the old butterfly keyboard.
- Are a student in need of an affordable thin and light laptop with decent battery life.
- Don’t need colour accuracy in display.
The Final Verdict
The MacBook Air 2020 fixes a lot of user complaints with their previous models. It comes with a more powerful processor, a drastic improvement in the keyboard and more storage space. However, the screen is a bit poor when compared to the MacBook Pro and it has an average battery life.
If you are an Apple lover looking for an affordable MacBook, the new MacBook Air is highly recommended for you.
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