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The new lineup of M4 MacBook Airs has impacted all other MacBooks, with the M1 getting a notable discount. Walmart offers the M1 MacBook Air 13.3-inch laptop for $599 (originally $999.99), which is $100 cheaper since the M4 release, according to price-tracking tools. Although the M4 is $799.99 and offers better value, not everyone can afford it. For those needing extra cash, the M1 MacBook Air remains a good deal in 2025.
This M1 model from 2020 includes 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, offering about 18 hours of battery life. While it doesn’t compare to the new M4 chip (Apple claims the M4 Air is up to twice as fast as an M1 Air), the M1 is sufficient for most users. Lifehacker’s Senior Technology Editor Jake Peterson noted that the M1 is still a fantastic computer years after its release. Apple’s macOS optimizations for the M1 allow it to embrace new features smoothly while Intel Macs struggled, making the M1 outperform an i9 Intel Mac.
If concerned about Apple’s software support, Jake mentions the M1 isn’t going anywhere soon. The only feature missing from the new macOS Sonoma is connecting hearing devices to your Mac.
Remember, Apple discontinued the M1 MacBook Air after introducing the M3 and no longer sells them on its website. For a reliable MacBook that remains a worthwhile purchase in 2025, the M1 is available for $599.99.