Amir ZulkarnainApple has once again set the tech world abuzz with its latest unveiling – the new MacBook Air models powered by the formidable M3 chip, now available in both 13-inch and 15-inch variants for the Malaysian market.
Starting at an attractive price of RM5199, these next-generation laptops promise a leap in performance, efficiency, and connectivity, catering to both professionals and casual users alike.
| Specification | MacBook Air 13″ (M3) | MacBook Air 15″ (M3) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M3 chip with 8-core CPU | M3 chip with 8-core CPU |
| GPU Options | – 8-core GPU<br>- 10-core GPU | – 10-core GPU |
| Memory Options | – 8GB RAM<br>- 16GB RAM | – 8GB RAM<br>- 16GB RAM |
| Storage Options | – 256GB SSD<br>- 512GB SSD | – 256GB SSD<br>- 512GB SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Display | 13.6″ Liquid Retina display (2560×1664) | 15.3″ Liquid Retina display (2880×1864) |
| Brightness | Up to 500 nits | Up to 500 nits |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6E, MagSafe charging, Two Thunderbolt ports, 3.5mm audio jack | WiFi 6E, MagSafe charging, Two Thunderbolt ports, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Colors Available | Midnight, Starlight, Space Grey, Silver | Midnight, Starlight, Space Grey, Silver |
| Starting Price | RM5,199 | RM6,199 |
| Additional Configurations and Pricing | – 8GB RAM + 512GB SSD: RM5,999<br>- 16GB RAM + 512GB SSD: RM6,799 | – 8GB RAM + 512GB SSD: RM6,999<br>- 16GB RAM + 512GB SSD: RM7,799 |
A Leap in Chip Technology
At the heart of the latest MacBook Air models lies the M3 chip, a marvel of modern engineering built using 3nm technology.
This chip not only features an 8-core CPU but also offers configurations with up to a 10-core GPU, supporting up to 24GB of unified memory.
The result is a performance boost of up to 60% over the M1 models, making the MacBook Air M3 not just faster than its predecessors but also significantly outpacing older Intel-based models.
Enhanced Connectivity and Display
Understanding the needs of today’s users, Apple has equipped the MacBook Air M3 with up to 18 hours of battery life and the latest WiFi 6E support, doubling the speed of its predecessor, WiFi 6.
Additionally, the introduction of MagSafe charging and the ability to connect to up to two external displays with the lid closed underscore Apple’s commitment to both convenience and productivity.
Design and Display
Available in midnight, starlight, space grey, and silver, the new MacBook Air models feature a sleek design with an anodization seal on the midnight variant to minimize fingerprints.
The laptops come with a Liquid Retina display that boasts up to 500 nits of brightness, True Tone technology, and, for the first time, support for hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, providing users with more accurate lighting, reflections, and shadows.
Powerful Machine Learning Capabilities
With the inclusion of a 16-core Neural Engine and accelerators in both the CPU and GPU, the MacBook Air M3 models are poised to deliver an enhanced machine learning experience.
This means faster and more efficient on-device processing for a wide range of applications, from video editing with Final Cut Pro to running powerful productivity and creative apps like Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, Canva, and Adobe Firefly.
Pricing and Availability
While the exact availability date in Malaysia remains unannounced, Apple has revealed the pricing for various configurations of the MacBook Air 13 and 15 models, ranging from RM5199 to RM7799.
For those in the education industry, discounts are available, starting at RM4729 for the 13-inch model and RM5729 for the 15-inch variant.
| MacBook Air 13″ (M3) Configurations | Price (RM) |
|---|---|
| 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD | 5,199 |
| 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD | 5,999 |
| 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | 6,799 |
| MacBook Air 15″ (M3) Configurations | Price (RM) |
|---|---|
| 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD | 6,199 |
| 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD | 6,999 |
| 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | 7,799 |
The launch of the MacBook Air M3 in Malaysia not only offers a glimpse into the future of computing but also represents Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation, performance, and user satisfaction.
With its powerful new chip, enhanced connectivity features, and sleek design, the MacBook Air M3 is poised to become the new benchmark for laptops in the market.