I think I would cut the line at M3 or above. I think M2 uses an older architecture and it doesn't have WiFi 6E in it, and of course single core is a bit lower. Also M2 batteries are about maybe halfway done already unless the refurb replaced the battery.
reply> Also M2 batteries are about maybe halfway done already unless the refurb replaced the battery.
replyMy mom still uses a 2019 Macbook Air with 8GB of RAM. The battery requires servicing, but she's unaware and still using it just fine. I asked her to go to the Apple Store and get the battery replaced along with her iPhone 12 Pro Max battery, and she'll easily get 10 years out of each device.
It depends on the benchmark/workload. There isn't much of a difference per core between the M1 (3.7k) and A18 pro (4k) based on passmark, but I'm sure the A18 does much better in AI/similar stuff.
replyIf the used ones are out there the more RAM is probably the way to go - but colors!
replyThe reality is nobody is noticing differences between the M1 and anything afterwards, really - those that do will know enough to pick their laptop.
M2 Air with 16GB is the logical choice, especially if she doesn't have a habit of breaking/dropping laptops because probably she won't get apple care with a user air.
replyMagsafe is a also massive help in avoiding fragility. I think older ones lacked that for some reason.
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