Is the Latest MacBook Air i5 8GB 128GB SSD Suitable for Normal Use?

When considering the newest MacBook Air with an i5 8GB 128GB SSD configuration, the question arises: Is it sufficient for normal use? Defining 'normal use' is crucial to this discussion.

Defining Normal Use

For many, normal use involves a combination of common activities such as browsing the internet, working on documents, creating presentations, and managing data. My personal definition of normal use encompasses the following:

Using around 20 tabs in Chrome, predominantly for reference materials Handling 2-4 spreadsheets, presentations, and dashboards for office work Occasional software development, using Xcode and Sublime Text Multimedia activities, such as watching YouTube and running other minor utilities

The configuration of the newest MacBook Air with an i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD is more than sufficient to meet these requirements. This is based on my experience using a 2013 MacBook Pro (Non-Retina), which is an i5 processor of the 2nd or 3rd generation, with 10GB of RAM, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD (Samsung Evo).

Performance Assessment

When I compare the performance of the latest MacBook Air with my older 2013 MacBook Pro, the difference is significant. The newer model is noticeably faster in handling similar tasks. While it meets my everyday needs efficiently, there are certain scenarios where the difference is more pronounced.

Home and Work Use Cases

At home, the latest MacBook Air is more than capable of handling typical usage, which includes running Xcode, Sublime Text, Chrome, and other utilities. While Chrome and other applications might use multiple tabs and resources, the machine runs smoothly, although it does not perform in real-time when streaming heavy video content or updating large files.

At the office, the machine excels, providing a seamless experience for tasks such as web browsing, spreadsheet management, and creating presentations. The 8GB of RAM ensures quick loading times and multitasking capabilities, making it suitable for most office tasks. The 128GB SSD, while on the lower end, is still more than adequate for general use and can be expanded through external storage devices.

Performance Bottlenecks

There are still scenarios where the performance of the MacBook Air may be felt. The biggest challenges arise when using developer tools or deploying applications, such as deploying to an iPhone. This process can take an extended amount of time due to the limited resources of the MacBook Air. However, with patience and efficient workflows, this is not a critical issue, especially considering the convenience and portability of the device.

Upgrade Considerations

One of the limitations of older MacBooks, such as the 2013 model I own, is the inability to upgrade the SSD and RAM. In the latest MacBook Air model, Apple has limited these options, making them non-upgradable. Therefore, purchasing the absolute upper limit of SSD and RAM within the budget is crucial.

To maximize performance, priority should be given to upgrading the SSD. Increasing the storage to 256GB or even 512GB will provide more space for applications and files without compromising performance. Similarly, upgrading the RAM to 16GB or higher will significantly enhance multitasking capabilities and overall responsiveness. These upgrades will further reinforce the suitability of the MacBook Air for both home and office use, even when handling more demanding tasks.

Conclusion

For most users, the latest MacBook Air with an i5 8GB 128GB SSD configuration is an excellent choice for normal use, particularly in office settings. It handles basic applications and office work seamlessly and efficiently. However, for users who require more robust performance, such as with heavy software development or media processing, a higher-end configuration or an alternative device might be more appropriate. For the average user, the latest MacBook Air provides an excellent balance of performance, portability, and affordability.