M1 gets the thumbs up
Longtime MacBook user here — my first was a 1992 PowerBook 100. I recently replaced my 2009 MacBook Air with the new base model M1 MacBook Air, and I’ve not been sorry. While the bigger drive would’ve been nice, it wasn’t necessary as I primarily use my Air for video conferences and producing newsletters and flyers with Adobe InDesign.
The speed is amazing and the battery life is unbelievable. After transferring software and docs
from the old Air and updating everything, I was floored by the initial Time Machine backup finishing in about four minutes. (The backup drive is a Pioneer APS–X503 480GB.)
The bonus with this M1 is being able to run some of my iOS apps. I have a Blink wireless security camera system and the one thing I’ve complained about is that the monitor app is only for iOS and Android. The app works beautifully on my Air. I also have a banking app that works great on my iPhone but doesn’t have a macOS counterpart. It works great on my Air.
The only thing I don’t like is the stinking operating system. My late–2015 iMac still runs Mojave because I hate the structure changes. For newer users, it’s probably fine, but it’s a rough adjustment for someone who started with OS 6.07 30 years ago! I’m accustomed to keeping all apps and documents at the root level, not in the user folder. No one else uses my computer (I keep a second user ID that’s clean, for testing).
I’ve been super impressed by the new M1: lots of bang for your buck. I love it. PHYLLIS EVANS
Thanks for the feedback Phyllis — we’ve been hearing only really good things about the M1 Macs. Many of our freelance writers have recently upgraded after holding out for many years. Sadly, Mac|Life's editor didn’t get the Mac mini he was hoping for under his Christmas tree last year!