I upgraded from the M1 MacBook Air to the M5, and here’s what changed for me

Key Points:

• The M5 MacBook Air, despite a recent price hike from $1,099 to $1,299, offers a significant performance boost over the M1 model, especially in multitasking with Chrome tabs and memory capacity, making it highly competitive for everyday productivity tasks without a discrete GPU.
• Design improvements like the Midnight colorway and the return of MagSafe charging enhance user experience, with MagSafe freeing up USB-C ports and simplifying charging in low light.
• The M5 supports dual external monitors and doubles PCIe bandwidth with Thunderbolt 4, benefiting professionals who use multi-monitor setups and large file transfers.
• Battery life has improved notably, delivering 13 to 14 hours of screen-on time, allowing users to charge the device every other day and use it confidently unplugged throughout the day.
• While the screen and speakers saw minimal or negative changes, the M5 MacBook Air remains a strong choice for users seeking a lightweight, reliable laptop for daily use, maintaining its value even after the price increase.