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Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M2 Chip 8-Core CPU 8/256GB Starlight $1698 Delivered @ Amazon AU

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Amazon is pricematching Officeworks
Lowest price according to camel x 3

Description
Supercharged by the next-generation M2 chip, the redesigned MacBook Air combines incredible performance and up to 18 hours of battery life into its strikingly thin aluminium enclosure.

Features & details
STRIKINGLY THIN DESIGN — The redesigned MacBook Air is more portable than ever and weighs just 1.24 kilograms. It’s the incredibly capable laptop that lets you work, play or create just about anything — anywhere.
SUPERCHARGED BY M2 — Get more done faster with a next-generation 8-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU and up to 24GB of unified memory.
UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Go all day and into the night, thanks to the power-efficient performance of the Apple M2 chip.
BIG, BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY — The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display features over 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide colour and support for 1 billion colours for vibrant images and incredible detail.
ADVANCED CAMERA AND AUDIO — Look sharp and sound great with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, three-mic array and four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio.
VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — MacBook Air features a MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt ports and a headphone jack.
EASY TO USE — Your Mac feels familiar from the moment you turn it on, and works seamlessly with all your Apple devices.
BUILT TO LAST — The all-aluminium unibody enclosure is exceptionally durable. And free software updates keep things running smooth and secure for years to come.
SIMPLY COMPATIBLE — All your go-to apps run lightning-fast — including Microsoft 365, Zoom, and many of your favourite iPhone and iPad apps.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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closed Comments

  • +9

    Unless you're a super light user (especially chrome tabs), I would strongly recommend 16GB of ram, it'll perform much better and be more future proof.

    • +6

      (especially who doesn''t use chrome tabs)

      Fixed.

      • +13

        No clue why people continue to use Chrome if it's so inefficient with system resources.

        • +3

          Other people tell them to double the RAM, they do, then Chrome grows, then people double their RAM again.

        • -1

          For heavy pages, Safari uses too much CPU and a lot of times becomes unresponsive. I use Chrome for heavy works and Safari for casual browsing

        • +6

          So true. I switched to Firefox on my work laptop and it’s another planet, it’s much faster and doesn’t start the cooling fans

        • +4

          No idea why Chrome tabs is a metric for ram requirements.

          You have more tabs, Chrome will use more RAM. The OS and apps will use what is available. Chrome will start freezing tabs to save memory at some point. The OS will compress or swap at some point.

          Memory management is quite a complex topic and chrome tabs which are relatively small blocks is hardly a good metric.

          Chrome tabs can also be solved through searching for tabs, pinning tabs, or other upcoming methods (eg. ARC browser).

          • +1

            @ihfree:

            No idea why Chrome tabs is a metric for ram requirements.

            People often mention it, so clearly it's what clogs most of machines.

            Despite some people's personal bubbles, most of us don't use Premiere Pro, Docker or Warzone in 4k@144Hz.

        • Chrome extensions and Google autofill synced with my phone.

          • -1

            @Techie4066: Switch to Edge

            • @Rimas: Ugh..

              But then it will have ChatGPT, so maybe I'll reconsider..

        • firefox kept crashing on me thru multiple pcs, now i use the marvellous suspender extension and the memory hogging is minimised quite well

      • +1

        Muchos gracias amigo

      • +1

        Is edge out for M chips ? ….use edge as it's work windows soe ….

        • +1

          Edge has been out for M chips for a while now, I use it on my M1 Mac its good, not perfect though. Some hang ups but its getting better.

    • -1

      Especially given that this thing does not have fans. Anything that can lighten its workload will mean potentially more years of use.

      • +2

        No fans means no moving parts which in theory should increase longevity.

        • -1

          I read a review from one of the big outlets that said it ran "worryingly" hot.

          • @shroomish: Been using mine since Dec and felt it get slightly warm once when I was downloading files while watching YouTube videos, but never felt it get hot. But I don't tend to run benchmark testing programs for run. Compared to my previous aged MacBook it's pretty amazing how fast it is and how cool it stays.

          • @shroomish: With my MBA M1, I missed having a warm computer in winter.

            Read the review a bit more carefully and have a look at what they are doing when it gets "worryingly" hot.

        • No fans means no moving parts which in theory should increase longevity.

          Not always. Heat also shortens the life of things so there is a trade-off.

          • @1st-Amendment: True true, there are other factors involved such as thermal cycling where a fan may assist in keeping the temperature more constant. I would also hope those with long-running operations would be buying a pro model.

            We're at about 2 years with this class of device and we're not seeing widespread problem reports, so personally, I am not too concerned.

      • Another commenter… have you ever used one? I've never had my M2 Air get anything beyond lukewarm with heavy use (which is everything but games/rendering videos)

    • +11

      Do you actually use one?

      I do (M2, 8GB) and it's fine. And I would regard myself as a "decent" user of the laptop.

      • +5

        same, people seem to assume their Lenovo laptop uses memory the same way as one of these - I’d rather have 16GB like anyone would but it’s a rip off

      • I do, 8GB, M1 - it’s a problem in my experience

    • -4

      No point to future proof macs, apple can stop OS update any time they like. The BTOs are likely sold in small quantities, meaning software devs are unlikely using BTO for performance benchmarks. When M1 support finishes the BTOs are just as likely to have no support IMO

      • +2

        That's quite an ignorant thing to say about a company that's been updating their phones after 5 years or longer and makes laptops last 10 years (see the comments here) and longer.

        • +2

          LOL, a bit of history for gold fishes:

          Early Core Duo 32 bit machines got how many OS updates?

          Their ARM macs are as locked down as power pc, and RAM, storage upgradability is gone.

          I just happen to use Macs since power pc era and that sinking feeling my 3yo mac is no longer supported, now comes back with their ARM macs :)

          • +3

            @YRT: I take "ignorant" back, I stand by my opinion these machines are going to be supported.

            What you're talking about was 15+ years ago, which in IT is ages ago. Reality changed (devices are supported longer) and Apple's reach changed too - it would be a blow to its image if all those corporate M1/M2 machines went unsupported on a whim.

            • +2

              @pizzaguy: I certainly hope apple would hold on to be a good corporate citizen.

              However, iphone 7 received shorter support than iphone 6s, while the same processor ram ipad is still supported, meaning theirs no technical challenge to not support iphone 7 but a commercial one. If iphone 8 goes down the same path, my take is that their support policy is getting more arbitrary, and getting shorter just like their power pc days.

              :)

    • Very true I’d notice the speed difference between my 16g vs my sisters 8g m1 lately, not so drastic but mine is still very very snappy but hers is notice slow downs here and there

      The downside is tho you can only get 16g from Apple directly so discount can be a bit iffy

    • +3

      When you upgrade to 16GB/512GB, the price is no longer attractive. you're better off to buy a base MBP 14 which is a much better laptop.

    • +2

      No. Most users will be fine with this 8GB ram.
      The real issue is the 256GB HDD because the bandwidth of 256GB is half of the original M1 counterpart.
      You should buy 512GB or get an M1 256GB.

    • You will get by with 8GB. I use multiple Xcode windows and safari/brave tabs, vs code, terminal, music. No problems.

    • I dont understand these comments, I got the M1 macbook air w 8gb RAM and have ALL THE TIME about 20-25 chrome tabs and 50-60 safari tabs open, it works fine :)

    • have Macbook Air M1 with 8gig, I do light 4k video editing, music production, photoshop, etc.. have not had any issues running with 8gig Ram. I do run cleanmymac x app that clears my ram, 2 years in and I still don't see a need to upgrade. I do hate apple upgrade prices, would only buy the base of any model, if I need 16gig ram I would get the pro

  • +9

    If you mainly use the computer at home, you might get away with Mac mini base model for $799

    • +1

      Although you'll also need a screen, keyboard, mouse/touchpad and speakers which reduces the savings if you don't already have them. And you'll potentially miss out on niceties like the auto dimming screen and backlit keyboard.

      Not to say the Mac mini isn't a nice machine, and you'll end up with a bigger screen than the macbook, but there are tradeoffs.

    • +2

      If you mainly use the computer at home and want a Windows PC, you might get away with a Tiny SFF refurb for $110 - $500. eg: M90q Tiny i5-10500T

    • +1

      Not sure where the $799 figure comes from. It starts from $999: https://www.apple.com/au/shop/buy-mac/mac-mini?cid=CDM-AU-DM… (RRP) or $829 from the EDU store: https://www.apple.com/au-hed/shop/buy-mac/mac-mini

  • +15

    If you mainly use the computer to watch Netflix, you might get away with Apple TV for $219.

    • Lol

    • +4

      If you mainly use your computer for facebook, you might get away with an Iphone 6

      • +14

        If you mainly use a computer to browse OzBargain, you might get away with using a library computer.

    • +1

      If you mainly use the computer to watch Netflix, you might get away with the Chromecast with Google TV for $59.

      • +1

        If you're in the Apple ecosystem already, I'd pay the extra for the Apple TV honestly. Saying that as a Google boi with Pixels and Chromecast with Google TV 4K.

  • +7

    If you mainly use the computer to do crimes you might not get away with it.

  • a reminder for those interested in this that this deal is still current https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/751788

  • +6

    Maybe worth considering buying via Apple Education?
    $1749 with free airpods (or $219 value towards airpods 3 or airpods pro 2)
    + Cashrewards (1.5% right now)
    All colours avaliable

    • Is there any diff btw the Education store and the Education Union store, like the latter is only accessible to teachers? Or, can uni students still purchase from the Education Union store, too?

      • +1

        I bought devices through the education union, and am no longer a university student nor am I a teacher. No questions were asked when I picked them up.

        • Interesting. Thanks!

        • We didn't care when I worked at the store if you click & collect. There is a team online that occasionally checks orders, but they'll just cancel it if they think you're not eligible, and you can try again with a different name

  • Is mac mini better buy than this if don’t take laptop outv

  • -4

    8g ram really?

    • Grow up!

      Don't like systems with 8GB ram? don't buy them.
      No useful commentary or attempt at being useful? don't comment.

      • common senses aint common these days unfortunately

      • -1

        You're on ozbargain, the comments are meant to discuss the merit of the product and the deal.

        If you had any sense, you would have been able to infer that the comment questioned whether a laptop with 8GB is worth $1700.

        What did your comment add in regards to the laptop? Any useful commentary?

        • -1

          Still salty about this?

          Stop being overly emotional about a product you clearly have an issue with.

          If you are actually interested, it's all here in the old threads -

          • Windows equivalents (many of them also with 8GB ram)
          • Build quality vs other machines
          • First-hand experience with 8GB machines
          • When you should (realistically) buy a new machine
          • Pricing strategy by Apple
          • -1

            @ihfree: I think the person overly emotional about this is you. I checked your comment history the same way you have mine and there is about 15 comments today defending apple products.

            You know what lets see, you commented:

            28 min ago, 1 hour 10 min ago, 1 hour 27 min ago, 1 hour 30 min ago, 5 hours 15 min ago, 7 hours 38 min ago, 8 hours 11 min ago, 8 hours 13 min ago, 8 hours 17 min ago, 8 hours 26 min ago, 9 hours 1 min ago, 9 hours 8 min ago, 10 hours 45 min ago, 18 hours 14 min ago, 19 hours 7 min ago, 20 hours 55 min ago,21 hours 6 min ago.

            Do you have a life outside of ozbargain?

    • Upvoted you, yes it's a joke, Modern computers last a long time, this will absoloutely hold it back in 4 years.

  • Officework price beat with AOC Education store down to $1594.10 for the Macbook air base model.

    • +1

      Lucky.
      I believe that's an exception rather than a rule.

    • +2

      Need to see receipt
      Never heard of this being done

  • Anybody know when the sale ends?

  • If it has 512GB which has 2 separate bank of 256GB hdd, then I'd consider to buy it.

  • +3

    Man… they really should start at 16gb Ram. I remember when 4gb was the minimum config for Macbooks (2011) and even then I was already getting 16. These are expensive machines and RAM's one of the ways to keep them snappy through the years.

    BTW: i'm still rocking a late 2013 15" MBP 16/512 gig. Nine and a half years. $3000+ well spent.

    • +1

      An M2, even an M1 with only 8GB is a complete waste of a computer. Of course it can be added but then it starts becoming a different proposition. Which is of course what they want but I think it's a bad decision long term

  • Are they price-matching, or does Officeworks just sell through Amazon?
    I thought major retailers used it like this for stock they store in Amazon warehouses?

  • +1

    Yeah.. I thought about 8 vs 16 ram etc etc
    I am not seeing ANY difference with my usage so if you are like me (don’t do chrome coding fcp Lightroom etc) it’s perfectly fine with 8gb
    I plan to sell it anyway when they update it and move on rather than keeping it long time and letting the resale value drop

  • Sigh

    Just discount the damn 16 / 512 models please.

    • Amazon doesn't sell the 16GB MBA models because those are BTO (custom spec). Like most retailers they only sell the base models. This is why the M1 MBPs are such good value, they start with 16GB of RAM for the base models and often go on sale.

      • +1

        I know I know :( frustrating.

  • +1

    256gb is a crime!

    • +1

      Why?

      • -1

        Legit a bloody phone has more memory. These days 1tb should be standard 2023 not 2010.

        • -1

          Not really true at all.

          More like 2010 needs 1TB because they store all stuff locally instead of streaming etc.

          • @watwatwat: I disagree. I have a massive ammount of photos and apps. It's good to have storage instead of relying on cloud.

            • +1

              @Atomik17: Fortunately, there is the option to buy a model with more storage if needed. You'll find that for the class of laptops, the cost is similar even on a Windows device.

              For reference, with 16GB/2TB:

              • Dell XPS 13 Plus - $3349 (FHD Screen)
              • Mac M2 - $3549
            • @Atomik17: Seriously, you should buy multiple external backup disks rather than store your media solely on your day-to-day computer.

            • +1

              @Atomik17:

              I disagree. I have a massive ammount of photos

              A macbook is not a great storage place for those, with the drives soldered on the device.

              Google photos or external drive would be better imo.

              Each to their own.

  • This was about $1530 or so in November from Amazon but in space grey

    • +2

      True, was the same RRP and included the customary 8GB RAM debate.

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/734910

    • Strange that camel x 3 didn't pick that up.

      • Probably sold out too quickly for 3xcamels to send out any alerts. In my experience it can take half a day to a day for it to refresh and detect that the price has dropped, so for popular items that is often too slow and too late.

  • +1

    It's so dumb they even consider selling an M2 chipset without 16gb of RAM. Such a waste of a computer

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