The allure of a new MacBook is powerful, especially for students or anyone seeking a reliable, portable computer. But a recent offering from Walmart – a MacBook Air for $599 – sparked a wave of questions. Was this a genuine opportunity, or something too good to be true?
This isn’t a refurbished machine or a clearance item. It’s a brand-new MacBook Air, currently the most affordable new Apple laptop available. Walmart began exclusively selling the M1 MacBook Air in 2024, initially priced at $699, and the price has steadily decreased since then, briefly hitting $549 before settling back at $599.
The $599 price point is undeniably attractive, especially when compared to the $999 starting price at the Apple Store or the $749 found at other retailers. But such a significant discount naturally raises eyebrows. Is there a hidden compromise?
The truth isn’t about deception, but about understanding what you’re getting for your money. The Walmart MacBook Air represents a step back in time, utilizing the M1 chip – a revolutionary processor when it debuted five years ago.
The M1 chip was a game-changer, dramatically outperforming Intel-based MacBooks. However, Apple has since released the M4 chip, offering a substantial performance boost. The M4 is 74 percent faster in multi-core tasks and 56 percent faster in single-core performance compared to the M1.
Put simply, the M1 still delivers a significant speed improvement over older Intel MacBooks, making it perfectly capable for everyday tasks like browsing, email, and writing. But for demanding applications – video editing, graphic design, or programming – the M1 will take considerably longer to complete those tasks than a newer M4 model.
Another key difference lies in the memory. The Walmart MacBook Air comes equipped with 8GB of unified memory (RAM), which cannot be upgraded. While sufficient for basic use, 8GB can quickly become a bottleneck for those who multitask or work with large files. Apple now offers 16GB as the standard configuration in its current Macs.
Storage is a bit more competitive, offering 256GB – the same as the latest M4 models. However, like the memory, the internal storage is not upgradeable, meaning you may need to invest in an external drive if your storage needs grow.
Visually, the Walmart MacBook Air sports the older, wedge-shaped design introduced in 2008. Apple transitioned to a more modern, uniform design with the M2 MacBook Air. While the older design isn’t inherently inferior, it lacks the sleek aesthetic of the current models.
The display is also a generation behind, featuring a 13.3-inch Retina display compared to the 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display on the M4 MacBook Air. The newer display offers a slightly larger viewing area and higher brightness.
So, should you buy the Walmart MacBook Air? If you need a basic, reliable laptop for everyday tasks and are on a tight budget, it’s a compelling option. It’s a fantastic machine for the price, akin to a Chromebook in its functionality.
However, if you plan to use your Mac for more demanding creative work, investing in a more powerful model – an M2, M3, or M4 MacBook Air with at least 16GB of memory – is highly recommended.
Furthermore, rumors suggest Apple is planning to release a more affordable MacBook early next year, potentially powered by a chip faster than the M1. If you can wait, exploring this new option might be worthwhile.
Ultimately, the Walmart MacBook Air isn’t a bad deal, but it’s crucial to understand its limitations. It’s a trade-off between price and performance, and the right choice depends entirely on your individual needs and usage patterns.
