Why a Five-Year-Old M1 MacBook Air is Still the Perfect Fit for Many Users in 2025

In 2025, the author considers purchasing a five-year-old M1 MacBook Air and reflects on the decision after using it extensively for light tasks such as writing, browsing, and occasional photo editing. Initially seen as just a backup device, the M1 MacBook Air became the preferred choice for casual mobile use due to its excellent battery life, lightweight design, and iconic wedge shape. The author compares it with the newer M4 model in an Apple Store but finds that the additional features of the M4 (like improved screen brightness, Spatial Audio, better camera and mic) do not justify the extra cost for their usage patterns. They recommend others to consider their specific needs before deciding between older and newer models: if the primary use is light tasks, any Apple Silicon MacBook Air will suffice; if more demanding tasks or video calls are involved, the M4’s features might be worth the investment. The article concludes with a suggestion that it may not make sense to buy M2 or M3 models at their current prices unless one prefers the newer design.