I was planning to get a MacBook Air M1 (2020) for my university laptop, but I’ve noticed this one that is incredibly inexpensive and might be better value. I would purchase the one with 256 or 512 GB and 8 GB of RAM, but I’m not sure if it’s better to stick with the i5, spend a little extra for the i7, or even go for the much more expensive M1. Please assist me!
At the absolute least, choose the M1 model—it’s a reliable option that will function well and receive OS updates for years to come. The 2017 model is out of date and won’t provide any utility. A secondhand M1 MacBook, which offers excellent performance and value for the money, would be a far better purchase.
Is this situation truly so dire? I don’t receive iOS upgrades; what does that mean? Do they actually serve a purpose?
IOS
Mac OS. It isn’t going to get updated OS versions. This is unfortunate since most software are only retrocompatible with the two or three most recent MacOS versions; you won’t be able to install or update your apps anytime soon. Additionally, the Intel MacBook Air’s performance and battery life are appalling. Therefore, acquire a MacBook with a M chip or a more recent Windows laptop if you want something more functional.
Which Windows solutions, at a fair price, are the best for studying and editing?
What kind of work are you doing? Is editing just a hobby, or are you doing it more seriously, like for your studies?
If you’re on a budget but still want good performance and build quality, consider Lenovo or ASUS laptops (especially Lenovo ThinkPads).
Here’s what you should look for:
- CPU: At least an Intel Core i5 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5 Zen 4. (If you need more power for specific software, go for a Core i7 or Ryzen 7).
- RAM: 12-16GB (DDR4 or, ideally, DDR5).
- Storage: An SSD/nVME with at least 256GB. Avoid eMMC and HDD unless it’s a second drive.
- GPU: An integrated GPU should be fine for most tasks, but if you’re doing heavy graphic work (CAD, editing, design, rendering), consider a dedicated GPU (dGPU).
I am going to be studying audiovisual communication, which doesn’t always mean editing, but I do design things and create movies using various applications. I’ll mostly utilize Adobe Premiere and After Effects, but I’ll also use more basic programs like Canva and Word.
The problem is that my knowledge of technical hardware details is quite limited. Years ago, I purchased a computer for myself and gained some knowledge, but I only know the basics.
The software can be handled by the integrated GPU, but it will operate much more slowly than a dedicated GPU, and there may be a limit to the maximum resolution (not a huge concern). It’s more than sufficient for everyday editing, but if you can get a decent price on a dGPU, go for it.
The remaining hardware specifications should work just fine for you (or better if you desire a smoother workflow). Purchase an FHD (~1920x1080p) display as well.
Okay, many thanks for that. Are there any decent, reasonably priced laptops with those specs and a discrete graphics processing unit?
You would have to search for used or open box devices if you wanted a cheap dGPU. You may find the remaining specifications for roughly $400–660 without a dGPU.
Even while I adore my base M1 Air, I can’t see going back from this. After a week or two of allowing things to build up, it can become sluggish because I use a lot of HD video tabs.
M1 is also roughly 20 times faster than the one you mentioned. I could be a little wrong in either direction, but you get the idea.