It’s not too often that we see major discounts on MacBook computers, with these high-end machines mostly sticking stubbornly close to their listed price. But that’s now changed thanks to Black Friday.
That’s right Apple fans, you can currently get an enticing 20% off the price of a 13-inch MacBook Air right now.
The laptop is priced at £799 on Amazon right now, and that's a £200 drop from the £999 recommended retail price. Before the sales, it could be found for around £849. If you find stock runs out, we've spotted the same discount at John Lewis, Very and Currys, too! Some of the best news is that this discount appears to be sticking around just after the weekend, too, although we can't say for sure how much longer it'll last.
Pros
- Smooth performance
- Excellent typing experience
- Great display
Cons
- Webcam is only 720p
You’ll have trouble finding a better laptop deal in 2023, this remains a fantastic model that we think is the best option for most people. It’s a powerful laptop that delivers smooth performance whether you’re working, playing music from the best streaming services or catching up on episodes of Grand Designs or Homes Under the Hammer.
That is largely thanks to the M1 chip, which enhances the speed of apps and navigation, while also boosting the battery life. Trust us, while newer Apple machines have now moved on to the M3 series, you’ll have no problems with how this model feels to use day-to-day. It’s a huge step up from any laptop made before 2020, and you’ll notice the efficiency when it comes to using multiple apps or web browser tabs at once.
That’s not everything we love about this premium laptop: the display is bright and crisp, the keyboard feels lovely to type on, the large trackpad is responsive, the speakers are loud and clear, and we find that it’s more than portable enough to pop in a travel bag.
While the connectivity is limited (you only get two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm jack) there are loads of adapters you can buy if you want to add accessories. It’s also a slightly older look, with larger bezels around the screen than the more recent 13-inch M2.
Still, after months of hands-on time with the 13-inch M1, we know it is a top option whether you’re upgrading from an older MacBook or buying an Apple laptop for the first time. We recommend taking advantage of this limited-time discount while you have the chance. We'd have expected the deal to end after Cyber Monday (27 November), so it's a surprise to see it still going.
Pros
- Smooth performance
- Excellent typing experience
- Great display
Cons
- Webcam is only 720p
Jason Murdock was Hearst UK’s Deputy Technology Ecommerce Editor, contributing to multiple titles including Good Housekeeping, Esquire and Digital Spy, between 2022 and 2023.
With more than eight years’ experience covering tech at publications including Radio Times, Newsweek and the International Business Times, Jason has extensive knowledge of the latest gear and gadgets – reviewing phones, tablets, laptops, headphones, smart home products and more – and covering the biggest shopping events of the year, including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
He won Digital Writer of the Year at The Drum's Online Media Awards in 2017 for his cybersecurity coverage in the International Business Times. When not writing and testing the latest gadgets, you’ll find Jason playing the guitar or learning how to parent his new baby.
