Review: MacBook Air 15-inch M3 – The Sweet Spot Laptop between the MacBook Air 13-inch and MacBook Pro 14-inch

Introducing the MacBook Air 15-inch M3: The Sweet Spot Laptop for Power and Portability

Apple has done it again with the release of the new MacBook Air 15-inch M3, a laptop that hits the sweet spot between the MacBook Air 13-inch and the MacBook Pro 14-inch. Priced starting at $1,299 (and $1,699 as tested), this new model offers a larger display, powerful performance, and a range of new features that make it a compelling option for users looking for a versatile and capable laptop.

One of the standout features of the MacBook Air 15-inch M3 is the new M3 chip, which Apple claims makes it the “best consumer laptop for AI.” This chip enables users to perform tasks like removing background noise from videos, creating generative AI images, and even gaming with smooth frame rates. The M3 chip also brings faster Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, allowing for quicker downloads and streaming.

In terms of design, the MacBook Air 15-inch M3 retains the sleek and lightweight aluminum unibody chassis of its predecessor, with a few key upgrades. The laptop now supports two external displays at once, a feature that was missing from the previous model. The keyboard is comfortable and bouncy, the trackpad is accurate and responsive, and the Touch ID button makes logging in a breeze.

The display on the MacBook Air 15-inch M3 is bright and vivid, making it ideal for watching movies or editing photos. The laptop also features a six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers, delivering clear and powerful audio.

Performance-wise, the M3 chip in the MacBook Air 15-inch offers a significant boost over the previous model, with faster speeds and improved multitasking capabilities. In benchmark tests, the M3 chip outperformed competing Windows laptops with Intel Core Ultra 7 processors.

Battery life is another standout feature of the MacBook Air 15-inch M3, with the laptop lasting an impressive 15 hours and 3 minutes on the Tom’s Guide battery test. This makes it one of the longest-lasting laptops in its class, perfect for users who need all-day battery life on the go.

Overall, the MacBook Air 15-inch M3 is a compelling option for users looking for a powerful and portable laptop. With its combination of performance, design, and battery life, it’s a strong contender in the mid-range laptop market. Stay tuned for the final rating of this impressive new model.