After using the MacBook Neo for weeks, switching to the Air has been refreshingly sweet
ZDNET review finds the Air M5 is now Apple's 'Goldilocks' laptop, not just an entry-level machine.
ZDNET's hands-on review reveals Apple's MacBook Air M5 as a substantial, if incremental, upgrade that solidifies its position as the mainstream Mac for most people. The key improvements are under the hood: a doubling of standard storage to 512GB, SSD read/write speeds that are twice as fast as the M4 generation, and future-proofed connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, enabled by a new N1 networking chip. While the starting price has increased by $100 to $1,099 for the 13-inch model, the reviewer argues this is justified by the core hardware improvements.
The review positions the Air M5 as the 'Goldilocks' model in Apple's lineup, especially with the more experimental MacBook Neo now serving as the entry point. It's no longer seen as the Pro's lesser sibling but as a mature, highly capable laptop that can compete with the Pro on many tasks. For users upgrading from an M1 Mac or older, or for 'PC refugees' ditching Windows, the Air M5 represents a significant leap in performance and storage, making it a scary competitor to other $1,000 laptops. The conclusion is clear: the MacBook Air is the Mac most people should buy.
- Base storage doubled to 512GB, with SSD speeds 2x faster than the M4 Air.
- Includes future-proof Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 via a new N1 chip, justifying a $100 price hike.
- Positioned as Apple's 'Goldilocks' mainstream laptop, ideal for upgrades from older Macs or Windows PCs.
Why It Matters
It redefines the value proposition for Apple's most popular laptop, making it a powerful, future-ready machine for professionals and students.