MacBook Air M4 review: the default laptop gets cheaper and better

The M4 MacBook Air does not look new, and that is fine. The changes are where they matter: 16GB of unified memory as standard, a 12MP Center Stage camera that keeps you framed on calls, and support for two external displays with the lid open.

Performance and battery

The fanless design means the Air will slow down during long video exports, but for writing, browsing, spreadsheets and photo work it simply never gets in the way. On our battery test — a full workday of mixed use at medium brightness — we routinely finished with a third left.

13 or 15 inches?

The 13-inch model is the best travel laptop we know. The 15-inch adds a bigger screen and better speakers without much extra weight; it is the better choice if this is your only computer.

The new sky blue

It is subtle — more silver with a hint of blue than a real color. We like it, and it shows fingerprints less than the midnight finish.