Portability of 15-inch MacBook Air

I recently got a new M3 MacBook Air, and every time I pick up my bag I can’t quite believe there’s a 15-inch laptop in it. It doesn’t feel any different from carrying my 13-inch Intel MBP, even though it weighs slightly more. It’s even a little thinner.

Yet it feels rock solid. There’s no flex or flimsy feeling, which is said to be an issue with similar large screen thin-and-light Windows laptops. The only thing I miss is USB-C ports on both sides.

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I have only used on a couple of times, but am always impressed by the 15-inch Air.

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I recently “upgraded” to a 14" MBP when my daughter needed a laptop. Even though it’s only a few millimeters and ounces, it seems like night and day with the MacBook Air. That computer is magical somehow. It feels lighter than it is. Makes me consider “downgrading”

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Yah. Love my MBA. Only drawback, and I was aware of it, the keyboard is a bit more cramped than my older MB was. But the truth is, I don’t idea the keyboard that much at this time.

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Huh. What MacBook did you have before, and which Air do you have now? If anything, my Air’s keyboard with the full-height F keys feels less cramped than my 2017 MBP’s with the touchbar did.

The only thing I don’t like about all MacBook keyboards is the missing forward delete key.

I’m traveling in Europe for 3 weeks with my MBA 15. Best laptop I’ve ever had when traveling (or at home). Keyboard is super comfortable for me … noticeably better than some former 13" keyboards (Air or Pro). This one is definitely a keeper for me for several years I think.

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I’m saving my shekels for a new MacBook but I am waiting until October not for the brand new stuff but for better value on the Certified Refurbished store. The 15 inch is very much on my radar.

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From what I’ve heard the Airs aren’t expected to get new processors until next year, but no one outside Apple knows for sure.

I picked up a refurbished 13" MBA (M3, 512GB, 16GB) from the refurb store. $1269. Since it presumably won’t be replace with a new model until next year, it’s unlikely to drop in price more this year. However it was only $30 less expensive than Costco has for a new one. Still worth the savings because I’ve never bought any Apple refurb that hasn’t looked brand new and worked perfectly. Also I was able to get the color (shade of grey) I wanted from the refurb store while Costco had no choices.

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15" Macbook Air M3. Had an older Macbook pro. I am not the only one that finds the Air keyboard not quite as nice as the pro. However, if I typed on it a lot, I’d probably use an external keyboard and a secondary display. Not a big deal. Love my Air.

What year and model MBP did you have? I had a 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro (4 ports). I was one of the few who actually liked typing on the butterfly keyboard, and I didn’t hate the touch bar. But I find the keyboard on my 15-inch M3 Air noticeably better, and I don’t miss the touch bar.

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That was the last MBP before the USB-C only redesign with the butterfly keyboard. AFAIK the current MBP and MBA both have the same keyboard.

If you search around, it’s easy to find lots of people who have issues with the Air keyboard. But, it’s not a big issue for me as previously stated. Even so, it does not seem to be just a matter of my imagination.

Have you used an M3 MBP keyboard and compared it with the M3 Air? I believe they’re identical.

I have not. Before I bought the air one review claimed the keyboard on the MBP felt better. I bought the Air anyway. That’s how much I care about this issue. :joy:

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Today I use a 2017 wireless Magic Keyboard (without a num pad) with my iPad when it’s on a stand. And a similar looking wired Apple keyboard, that once shipped with iMacs on my MBA when it’s on a stand. And I’ve never noticed any difference between either of them and my M1 MBA. :grinning:

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