12 Cons of M3 MacBook Air (Review 2024)

The latest version of MacBook Air, known as the M3 has garnered an amount of attention due, to its enhancements. As is customary with any product launch it is vital to delve into potential drawbacks.

This comprehensive analysis thoroughly scrutinizes aspects such as design and aesthetics, performance and features pricing and value battery life and charging capabilities display quality and support for monitors connectivity options and ports well as the overall practicality of the M3 MacBook Air.

If after reading all these cons, you still want to buy the product, congratulations! You’re making a well-informed decision, and you won’t regret your purchase!

Challenges with Fingerprint Resistance

A feature of the midnight color variant of the M3 MacBook Air is its anodizing process designed to reduce fingerprints and smudges. However users have reported issues with fingerprints around the keyboard and trackpad areas despite Apples claims. For individuals who prefer their devices to maintain an appearance, at all times this can be quite bothersome. Despite cleaning efforts fingerprints and smudges tend to persist on the surface.

Design and Aesthetics

The persistence of this problem indicates that while there have been improvements made in the anodization process it may not be entirely effective. Users who place value on cleanliness and aesthetics may view this as a drawback. Having to clean the device regularly can become tedious and detract from the user experience.

Regarding the aesthetics the design of the M3 MacBook Air seems to lack innovation compared to its predecessor, the M2 model. Apple has opted to stick with a design, which may disappoint consumers looking for an updated look. For those who value both functionality and appearance, in their devices this lack of design evolution might make the new release less exciting due to its design.

Performance and Features

This stagnant situation could be seen as a missed opportunity for a company known for its design prowess. Users anticipating a sleek appearance might be let down by the lack of significant changes. The minimal differences between the M3 MacBook Air and its predecessors could impact its appeal to both current users looking to upgrade and potential buyers.

When it comes to performance improvements the key upgrade in the MacBook Air is its M3 chip promising performance. However in reality these enhancements are relatively modest. Users transitioning from an M2 model may not find the performance boost substantial enough to justify the cost. While there are improvements in tasks, like gaming and graphics heavy applications everyday usage might only see marginal differences.

For example the M2 doesn’t offer improvement, in web browsing, word processing or streaming content. This raises the question of whether its worth upgrading for those who heavily rely on these tasks. The slight performance enhancements might make the M3 MacBook Air appear attractive especially when considering the financial commitment involved.

Issues with Thermal Throttling

Thermal throttling remains a problem in the MacBook Air series and the M3 variant is no different. Due to its fanless design this laptop tends to overheat during workloads like extended video editing or gaming sessions. This can significantly impact its performance making it less suitable for users needing performance for demanding activities.

As the device heats up it automatically decreases its performance to cool down resulting in processing speeds and decreased efficiency. This can be frustrating for professionals and gamers requiring performance. Although the thermal management system operates quietly it compromises performance to regulate temperatures— a drawback for power users.

Expensive Upgrades

The price of the base model M3 MacBook Air starts at $1,099 for the 13 inch version and $1,299, for the 15 inch variant. However if you opt to upgrade RAM and storage capacities costs can quickly rise. Upgrading to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage could increase the cost to, over $1,500 making it a less budget friendly option. For people the higher price for these upgrades might not seem reasonable especially when there are choices to consider.

For example the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage may not be enough for users with requirements. This could lead individuals to lean towards the advanced versions that come with a significant price bump. This aspect could make the M3 MacBook Air less appealing for those on a budget or those who do not require power and storage capacity.

Alternative Options Offering Better Value

Considering the performance improvements from M1 to M3 models older versions like M1 and M2 MacBook Airs often provide value. These older models can frequently be purchased at discounted prices offering performance levels at a cost. Opting for a model might be a decision for budget conscious buyers. The performance gap between M1, M2 and M3 models is not significant enough to warrant the increased costs for users.

People in search of a laptop, for use may discover that older models can cater to their needs just as effectively without carrying the hefty price tag. Furthermore when you consider buying refurbished models or taking advantage of discounts, on versions you can save more money making the M3 MacBook Air less appealing.

Charging and Battery Life Concerns

The M3 MacBook Air is equipped with a 35W charger, which may not be sufficient to charge the laptop while handling demanding tasks. Users might have to invest in a charger to prevent battery drainage during heavy usage. This extra expense could be quite inconvenient. Adds to the cost of owning the M3 MacBook Air.

Additionally, the battery life under workloads isn’t significantly better than that of the M2 model. This could be worrisome for users who rely on battery life for tasks. While the M3 MacBook Air performs under light to usage activities like video editing, gaming or running multiple applications concurrently can deplete the battery rapidly.

Real World Battery Performance

In situations, actual battery performance often falls short of Apples claims. While the laptop may endure through a day of use heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge frequently. This is especially relevant, for professionals who require power applications throughout their workday. The inconsistency, in how laptop batteries last can be really annoying for people who use their laptops for extended periods without being able to plug them in.

One downside of the M3 MacBook Air is that its screen can only handle a 60Hz rate, which might disappoint users who are used to smoother scrolling and faster response times on higher end models with ProMotion displays. For those who prioritize a rate this could be a deal breaker. The absence of a rate is especially noticeable during tasks like gaming, video editing and even simple activities like browsing the web.

Users who have experienced the smoothness of ProMotion displays on Apple devices might find the 60Hz limit disappointing. This drawback could impact the user experience for those who value screen quality.

Connectivity Options and Ports

Although the M3 MacBook Air does support using two monitors at once this feature functions when the laptop lid is shut. This limitation reduces the convenience and practicality of the laptop since users can’t utilize both screens along with the laptop screen simultaneously.

For professionals who depend on screens, for their work processes this restriction can pose a challenge. The inability to use the laptop screen with two monitors hinders multitasking capabilities. For individuals who rely on a monitor setup to boost productivity this limitation can pose a significant challenge. The need to shut the laptop lid in order to utilize monitors diminishes the devices flexibility and practicality.

Limited Port Options

Limited port options are evident, in the M3 MacBook Air as it features only USB C ports and a MagSafe port on the left side. This setup may cause inconvenience for users seeking flexibility in connecting peripherals. The absence of ports on the side restricts charging options especially when the power supply is on that side.

For users requiring connections like drives, monitors and other devices having limited port choices can be considerably bothersome. The necessity, for dongles and adapters contributes to clutter. May detract from the streamlined user experience typically associated with a MacBook.

Moreover a notable absence is the lack of an SD card slot which can be particularly vexing for photographers, videographers and other professionals who frequently transfer data using SD cards. The lack of this port means that users have to depend on card readers, which results in them needing to carry and manage accessories.

Fingerprint Resistance

Despite the fingerprint coating, on the midnight model, fingerprints and smudges still tend to appear on the keys and surface. This can be annoying for users who prefer their devices to stay clean and in condition. Regular cleaning becomes essential to maintain the laptops appearance.

Gaming Performance

While there have been some enhancements in gaming performance with the M3 MacBook Air it still falls short when compared to gaming laptops. Hardcore gamers might find the laptops performance lacking making it a favorable choice for gaming sessions.

Gaming on the M3 MacBook Air is restricted by its throttling and absence of graphics hardware. Although casual games run smoothly demanding titles struggle to maintain performance resulting in a less satisfying gaming experience. For users who prioritize gaming investing in a gaming laptop would be a choice.

Conclusion

The M3 MacBook Air presents some improvements over its predecessors. Falls short, in various aspects. The design remains mostly unchanged leading to a lack of excitement and innovation. The performance improvements are minimal. The laptop tends to overheat when handling workloads. The expensive upgrades and the availability of value options, like the M1 and M2 models also reduce its appeal. Issues with battery life charging, display refresh rates and connectivity restrictions are additional drawbacks.

Furthermore concerns about usability, such as smudge resistance and gaming capabilities may deter users. In summary while the M3 MacBook Air has its strengths potential buyers should carefully weigh these disadvantages. If you already own an M1 or M2 model or seek features that justify the higher price point the M3 MacBook Air might not be the most suitable option.

By considering these downsides against your requirements and preferences you can make an informed choice, on whether this laptop aligns with your needs.

However, if after reading all these cons, you still want to buy the product, congratulations! You’re making a well-informed decision, and you won’t regret your purchase.

Reference:

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