If you’re looking to start the new year with a new MacBook, now’s the perfect time to buy one. Macs have become increasingly affordable in recent years. This is largely thanks to Apple’s move to Apple Silicon. These MacBooks are more capable than ever.
Apple’s latest macOS Tahoe update also ended support for virtually all Intel Macs (with a few small exceptions). If you want to keep using the latest and greatest Apple software, now is the perfect time to upgrade.
Check out all the latest MacBook deals 9to5 toys.
M3 MacBook Air
In 2022, Apple introduced a redesigned MacBook Air with a thinner design, a larger display with slimmer bezels, and reintroduced MagSafe. In addition to Silver and Space Gray, new Starlight and Midnight colors have also arrived, while Gold has been discontinued. This innovative design was introduced with the M2 chip and has lived on ever since.
15-inch model with M3 chip:
- 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB storage, 24GB memory: $1149 at Amazon ($550 off!)
The 15-inch model is perfect if you need more unified memory than most, which is invaluable for multitasking.
M4 MacBook Air
Last March, Apple announced a refreshed MacBook Air powered by the M4 chip. This computer is similar to previous models, except it has a new Center Stage webcam and a new Sky Blue color that replaces Space Gray.
Right now, you can save a flat $150 on the latest MacBook Air models. Apple is reportedly working on a new entry-level MacBook with the A18 Pro chip as early as this spring, but at this price, I’d honestly buy the MacBook Air without any compromises.
13-inch model with M4 chip:
- 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB storage, 16GB memory: $849 at Amazon
- 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB storage, 16GB memory: $1049 at Amazon
- 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB storage, 24GB memory: $1249 at Amazon
15-inch model with M4 chip:
M4 MacBook Pro
Apple redesigned the MacBook Pro in 2021 with a new miniLED display with ProMotion, more ports (especially an HDMI port and an SD card reader), a larger battery and better heat dissipation. It also includes a 1080p webcam for the first time.
The MacBook Pro isn’t as affordable as the MacBook Air listed, but there are still some great deals if you want a great display and extra ports. If you buy the base model, please note that you can get the new M5 chip below.
14 inch model:
- M4 MacBook Pro with 1TB storage, 24GB memory: $1799 on Amazon
- M4 Pro MacBook Pro (512GB storage, 24GB memory): $1799 at Amazon ($200 off!)
- M4 Pro MacBook Pro (1TB storage, 24GB memory): $2149 at Amazon ($250 off!)
16 inch model:
- M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB storage, 24GB memory: $2249 on Amazon
- M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB storage, 48GB memory: $2599 at Amazon ($300 off!)
Apple could announce new MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips as early as this spring, so if you want the absolute best performance, you might want to hold off. However, if getting a discount while maintaining high-end performance appeals to you, the M4 Pro and M4 Max are fine. Given the risk of RAM prices rising, that might not be a bad idea.
M5 MacBook Pro (14 inch)
Last October, Apple announced a new 14-inch MacBook Pro equipped with the M5 chip. However, contrary to tradition, they only released it in the base M5. If you need more power or want a 16-inch model, you’ll need to buy the M4 Pro or M4 Max chip.
M5 is approximately 15% faster overall compared to M4. Compared to M4 Pro, M5 has about 10% slower CPU performance. You could also argue that the M5 is a much better value option than buying the M4 Pro model, as it’s also comparable in GPU performance to the M2 Pro and M3 Pro.
- M5 MacBook Pro with 512GB storage, 16GB memory: $1449 ($150 off) at Amazon
- M5 MacBook Pro with 1TB storage, 16GB memory: $1599 at Amazon ($200 off!)
- M5 MacBook Pro with 1TB storage, 24GB memory: $1869 ($130 off) at Amazon
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