M3 MacBook Air after a week | developer's machine
Alex Ziskind・15 minutes read
The M3 MacBook Air offers superior performance, particularly in code build times and real-world developer scenarios, with a new anodization process. While suitable for students and professionals seeking portability, it may not be optimal for video workflows or intensive tasks like game development or machine learning, with recommendations to opt for higher RAM and storage options for better usability.
Insights
- The M3 MacBook Air, featuring an upgraded anodization process, showcases superior performance over its predecessors, especially in developer-related tasks and benchmarks like Geekbench.
- While the M3 MacBook Air is a versatile option for students, professionals, and everyday users prioritizing portability, it may not be the best choice for video-intensive workflows, machine learning, or game development due to limitations in those areas. For optimal performance and longevity, upgrading to the 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage model is recommended, as internal storage and RAM are not upgradable post-purchase.
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Recent questions
How does the M3 MacBook Air compare to the M2?
The M3 MacBook Air outperforms the M2 in Geekbench results and excels in code build times, execution, and real-world developer scenarios.
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Summary
00:00
"High-performance M3 MacBook Air for developers"
- The M3 MacBook Air is externally similar to the M2 MacBook Air, with the only noticeable difference being the new anodization process.
- The M3 chip in the MacBook Air outperforms the M2 chip in Geekbench results, as expected.
- The M3 MacBook Air excels in code build times, execution, and real-world developer scenarios.
- Apple released the M3 MacBook Air quickly to compete with upcoming Qualcomm X Elite chips.
- The M3 MacBook Air demonstrates superior raw performance compared to previous models, including the M1 Pro.
- The base model M3 MacBook Air with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage handles various developer tasks comfortably.
- The M3 MacBook Air is suitable for students, everyday users, and professionals seeking lightweight portability.
- The M3 MacBook Air is ideal for audio creators due to its silent operation but may not be optimal for video workflows.
- The M3 MacBook Air is efficient for mobile and web development, with limitations in machine learning and game development.
- Recommendations for the M3 MacBook Air include opting for the 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage model for optimal usability and resale value.
13:18
"Maximize storage for video and image assets"
- For optimal storage when working with videos or image assets, consider using a 1 TB storage option to ensure longevity. While the MacBook Air M3 is great for software developers prioritizing portability and battery life, heavy workloads like game development or machine learning may require a MacBook Pro or Mac Studio instead. Upgrading external storage is possible, such as using a Samsung 980 Pro SSD in a thunderbolt 4 enclosure, but RAM and internal storage cannot be upgraded after purchase. Additional storage drives can be swapped out for more capacity in the future.
