Blog

The Apple MacBook Air M1 was a major change for the MacBook range. By replacing Intel processors with Apple’s own M1 chip, Apple delivered a laptop that was faster, more efficient and completely silent during everyday use.

This refurbished Space Grey configuration includes 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD, making it particularly attractive for buyers who want more multitasking capability than the standard 8GB model.

But does the MacBook Air M1 still represent good value in 2026? In this Recompute review, we examine its performance, display, portability and any limitations.

Recompute Quick Verdict

The MacBook Air M1 remains an excellent portable laptop for students, professionals, remote workers and everyday users. Its combination of responsive performance, premium construction, an excellent Retina display and silent operation continues to provide an enjoyable user experience.

This 16GB configuration is especially appealing because it provides additional capacity for multitasking and more demanding applications. Its main limitations are the 256GB storage, restricted port selection and support for only one external monitor natively.

Key Specifications

Feature	Specification
Model	Apple MacBook Air M1, 2020
Processor	Apple M1 chip
CPU	8-core CPU with four performance and four efficiency cores
Graphics	7-core integrated GPU
Memory	16GB unified memory
Storage	256GB SSD
Display	13.3-inch Retina IPS display
Resolution	2560 × 1600
Brightness	400 nits
Wireless	Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
Ports	Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and headphone jack
Weight	Approximately 1.29kg
Colour	Space Grey
Operating system	macOS

Design and Build Quality

The MacBook Air M1 retains Apple’s familiar wedge-shaped aluminium design. Its Space Grey finish is understated and professional, while the slim construction makes it easy to carry between home, work, university or meetings.

At approximately 1.29kg, it is light enough for regular travel without feeling fragile. The aluminium enclosure feels more premium than many plastic consumer laptops and gives the MacBook Air the solid construction for which Apple laptops are known.

The design is not as modern as newer MacBook Air models, but it remains attractive, practical and immediately recognisable.

Performance

The M1 chip combines the processor, graphics and other important components into a single system. Its eight-core CPU contains four performance cores for demanding tasks and four efficiency cores for lighter background work.

For everyday users, performance remains responsive across tasks such as:

• Web browsing with multiple tabs

• Microsoft Office and Apple productivity applications

• Email and video meetings

• University assignments and research

• Accounting and business software

• Photo editing

• Light video editing

• Streaming and general home use

The MacBook Air M1 does not contain a cooling fan. This means it operates silently, with no fan noise during meetings, study sessions or everyday work.

Its fanless design can limit performance during lengthy, intensive workloads such as extended video rendering. Users completing sustained professional creative work may be better suited to a MacBook Pro with active cooling.

Many MacBook Air M1 models were originally sold with 8GB of unified memory. While this still works well this particular configuration has 16GB, providing more breathing room when running multiple applications, using numerous browser tabs or working with larger files.

The additional memory makes this model better suited to:

• Heavier multitasking

• Creative applications

• Coding and development

The memory is built into the M1 system and cannot be upgraded later. Choosing the 16GB version is therefore worthwhile for buyers who expect to use more demanding applications or want greater long-term flexibility.

Retina Display

The 13.3-inch Retina display has a sharp 2560 × 1600 resolution, producing clear text and detailed images. It also supports Apple’s P3 wide colour range and True Tone technology, which adjusts the display’s colour temperature according to the surrounding light.

The display is well suited to office work, study, photography, streaming and everyday creative tasks. Its 16:10 aspect ratio also provides more vertical workspace than a conventional 16:9 laptop screen.

It is important to note that this is not a touchscreen. Apple continues to rely on the keyboard, trackpad and macOS gestures for navigation.

Keyboard, Trackpad and Everyday Use

The backlit Magic Keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience for longer documents, emails and assignments. It uses Apple’s improved scissor-switch design rather than the controversial butterfly keyboard found in some earlier MacBook models.

The large Force Touch trackpad is accurate and supports macOS multi-touch gestures. Touch ID is built into the keyboard, allowing users to unlock the MacBook and approve compatible purchases using their fingerprint.

The MacBook Air also includes a 720p FaceTime HD camera. It is adequate for video meetings, although its resolution is lower than the cameras fitted to more recent MacBook models.

Ports and Connectivity

The MacBook Air M1 has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports located on its left side and a 3.5mm headphone connection on the right.

The USB-C ports support:

• Charging

• High-speed data transfer

• Compatible docking stations

• External storage

• DisplayPort video output

• Thunderbolt and USB 4 accessories

There are no built-in USB-A, HDMI or memory-card connections. Many users will therefore benefit from a USB-C hub or docking station.

The M1 MacBook Air also supports only one external monitor natively, with a resolution of up to 6K at 60Hz. Buyers who require a multiple-monitor setup should consider this limitation carefully.

Storage Considerations

The 256GB SSD provides fast application loading and system performance. It should be sufficient for users who mainly store documents, use cloud storage or work with a modest collection of photos and files.

However, 256GB can become restrictive for users who store large photo libraries, videos, games or creative projects locally. The internal storage cannot be upgraded after purchase, although external USB-C or Thunderbolt storage can be connected when required.

Battery Considerations

When new, Apple rated the MacBook Air M1 for up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing or up to 18 hours of Apple TV video playback. These figures were achieved under controlled testing conditions.

Actual runtime on a refurbished MacBook will depend on battery health, cycle count, screen brightness, software and the way the laptop is used. Rechargeable batteries naturally lose capacity over time, so buyers should not expect the same maximum runtime originally advertised for a new device.

For more information, read our guide to understanding MacBook battery health.

Software Compatibility

The M1 MacBook Air runs macOS and works well with mainstream applications such as Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, Zoom and Adobe creative software.

Most current Mac applications support Apple silicon. However, buyers who depend on specialist legacy software or Windows-only programs should confirm compatibility before changing from an Intel or Windows laptop.

Unlike Intel-based MacBooks, the M1 model does not support installing Windows through Apple’s Boot Camp utility.

Who Is This MacBook Best For?

The MacBook Air M1 is particularly well suited to:

• University and senior school students

• Business professionals

• Remote and hybrid workers

• Writers and researchers

• Photographers and light creative users

• People already using an iPhone or iPad

• Users wanting a silent and lightweight laptop

Things to Consider

Before purchasing, buyers should be aware that:

• The 16GB memory cannot be upgraded

• The 256GB internal storage cannot be upgraded

• There are only two USB-C ports

• A hub may be required for USB-A or HDMI accessories

• Only one external monitor is supported natively

• The display is not touchscreen

• Windows cannot be installed through Boot Camp

The Recompute Verdict

The MacBook Air M1 remains one of the most successful combinations of performance, portability and efficiency in Apple’s laptop range. Its lightweight aluminium design, sharp Retina display, silent operation and responsive M1 processor continue to make it an excellent everyday laptop.

This 16GB configuration is more versatile than the commonly available 8GB model and is better equipped for heavier multitasking, creative applications and longer-term use. The 256GB SSD may require some storage management, while the limited ports and single-monitor support will not suit every workspace.

For students, professionals and home users wanting a premium refurbished MacBook at a more accessible price, the MacBook Air M1 with 16GB of memory remains a very strong choice.

View the refurbished Apple MacBook Air M1 with 16GB RAM

About the Author

Wayne Francis is the Managing Director of Recompute with years of hands-on experience refurbishing, testing and supplying business-grade laptops and desktops across Australia. He specialises in helping businesses, students and home users choose reliable technology that delivers excellent value and long-term performance.

Reviewed By

Recompute Technical Team