Investopedia read a selection of reviews of the new M4 MacBook Air to get a sense of early responses to the laptop, which hit stores March 12. Here's a selection of what we found, along with links to the reviews.

The Design and Build

One of the standout features reviewers consistently praised was the design and build quality of the M4 MacBook Air. Many noted the sleek and lightweight nature of the laptop, making it easy to carry around and use on the go. The thin bezels around the screen were also highlighted, providing a more immersive viewing experience.

Additionally, the integration of the M1 chip into the M4 model was seen as a positive step forward, offering improved performance and efficiency compared to previous iterations.

Display and Keyboard

Reviewers were generally impressed with the display quality of the M4 MacBook Air. The Retina display offered vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it ideal for tasks such as photo editing and graphic design. The True Tone technology was also appreciated for adjusting the screen based on ambient lighting conditions.

As for the keyboard, many reviewers found the typing experience to be comfortable and responsive. The Magic Keyboard with its scissor mechanism was seen as a marked improvement over previous butterfly keyboards, providing a more satisfying typing experience.

Performance and Battery Life

Performance was a key area of focus for reviewers, and many were pleased with the speed and responsiveness of the M4 MacBook Air. The M1 chip, coupled with optimized software, delivered smooth performance even when multitasking or running demanding applications.

Battery life was another highlight of the M4 MacBook Air, with many reviewers noting the impressive longevity on a single charge. This was especially important for users who need a laptop that can last through a full day of work or school.

Port Selection and Connectivity

Some reviewers expressed disappointment with the limited port selection on the M4 MacBook Air. With only two Thunderbolt ports and a headphone jack, users may need to rely on adapters or hubs to connect external devices.

On the other hand, the addition of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 was seen as a positive step towards improving wireless connectivity and speeds. Reviewers noted stable internet connections and fast file transfers over Bluetooth.

Software and Compatibility

The M4 MacBook Air comes pre-installed with macOS Monterey, the latest operating system from Apple. Reviewers appreciated the seamless integration of hardware and software, resulting in a smooth user experience.

Compatibility with a wide range of apps and services was also highlighted, with many reviewers noting the ease of transitioning from older MacBook models to the M4. The M1 chip's ability to run both native and emulated apps was seen as a big advantage for users.

Price and Value

While the M4 MacBook Air offers impressive performance and features, some reviewers expressed concerns about the pricing. The base model starts at a higher price point compared to previous generations, leading to questions about the overall value for consumers.

However, many reviewers acknowledged that the M4 MacBook Air's combination of performance, design, and battery life could justify the higher price for users who prioritize quality and reliability in a laptop.

Overall, early reviews of the M4 MacBook Air have been largely positive, with reviewers praising its design, performance, and battery life. While there are some areas for improvement, such as port selection and pricing, the M4 seems to offer a compelling package for users looking for a reliable and powerful laptop.

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