Waiting for the perfect moment to upgrade your aging MacBook? The new MacBook Air M4 offers compelling reasons to make the leap. With an ultra-fast processor, 12MP high-definition camera, AI-powered tools and a lower price, it’s time to consider an upgrade.

MacBook Air M4 three of the several new enhancements worth highlighting:

1. 12MP FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage and Desk View

The new 12MP FaceTime HD camera is a major leap forward, offering far superior image quality versus the previous 2MP camera. It provides sharper, clearer visuals – images and text and better performance, even in low-light environments, which is perfect for video calls with family, virtual meetings or working remotely.

A standout feature is Center Stage, which keeps you centred in the frame during video calls, even if you move around. Whether you’re standing to present, chatting with family, having a remote doctor visit or attending a Zoom call, you’ll no longer need to adjust your camera to stay centred.

Desk View is another game-changer. It uses the MacBook’s camera to show what’s on your desk in real-time, giving others a clear view of what’s in front of you. It’s especially useful if you’re showing off a family photo album, crafting a project, or helping grandchildren with homework. Desk View eliminates the need for an additional camera to share handwritten notes or documents, making video calls smoother and more natural.

2. Apple Intelligence (Artificial intelligence features)

You may be wondering, “Why do I need AI?” Apple’s new smart AI tools significantly enhance your user experience by helping you stay organized, communicate more easily and get creative with ease.

The Siri + ChatGPT integration provides a seamless experience using AI to assist with everyday tasks. Need a reminder, a quick answer to a question or help drafting an email? You’ve got it – and you can do it hands-free. This combination also helps with summarizing articles or generating ideas, making it a handy assistant for staying productive.

Another exciting new AI feature is Image Playground. It lets you enhance or create unique images using AI. You can modify existing pictures or generate new creative visuals, ideal for personal projects like family photo albums or social media.

Additionally, Genmoji allows you to create personalized emojis by describing them with texts to use in emails and messages. Whether you’re keeping in touch with friends or family, Genmoji adds a fun, personalized touch, making communication with younger generations more engaging and interactive.

3. Dual external 6K monitor support

If you love multitasking or need a larger screen or workspace for easy reading, photo editing or work-related tasks, the M4 offers dual 6K external monitor support. You can now connect two monitors, still keeping your MacBook Air open with easy access to the Force Touch trackpad, backlit Magic Keyboard, and Touch ID for secure sign-ins, password entries and payments.

You can have one screen for emails and the other for video calls or editing photos while chatting on FaceTime.

Other reasons why the MacBook Air M4 is a worthy investment

• Performance: Apple’s own M4 chip is up to 23 times faster than the Intel-based MacBook Air, and twice as fast as the previous M1 model, resulting in quicker app launches, smoother video playback and better overall performance.
• Display: The Liquid Retina LED-backlit display that supports up to one billion colors. The 13.6-in. model offers a resolution of 2,560-by-1,664, while the 15.3-in. model has a 2,880-by-1,864 resolution, both at 224 pixels per in. Both offer a sharp, clear viewing experience, whether you’re reading or watching media.
• Design: The MacBook Air retains its sleek, ultra-portable design, is less than a half-in. thick and weighs just 2.7 pounds (3.3 pounds for the 15.3-in. model). It also features durable recycled aluminum enclosures, with 50 per cent of the materials being recycled – a sustainable choice for eco-conscious users.
• Battery life: If you’re on the road or travel a lot, battery life is now rated – up to 18 hours on a single charge.
• Connectivity: The new models feature Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a faster and more reliable connection, and longer battery life for your wireless headphones, speakers and other devices. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E, which provides better range and faster speeds for all your online activities.
• Sound: The M4 comes equipped with a three-microphone array for clearer voice clarity during calls while minimizing background noise. The 13-in. model has a four-speaker sound system, while the larger 15.3-in. model boasts six speakers, including two force-cancelling subwoofers, making it perfect for immersive audio experiences.

iCloud and iPhone integration

Like all other Macs, the new models feature iCloud – to store all your contacts, photos and docs so they’re accessible from any device; iPhone Integration lets you seamlessly connect your iPhone with the MacBook Air, allowing you to mirror your iPhone, copy and paste text between them, and even answer phone calls directly from your MacBook. Plus, Migration Assistant makes it easy to set up and copy your existing files from another Mac or PC.

Final thoughts

The MacBook Air M4 is a sleek powerful, versatile laptop, ideal for casual home users to professionals, whether you’re upgrading from an older MacBook or switching from a different brand.

Its impressive performance, enhanced visuals and easy-to-use AI features make day-to-day tasks smoother and more enjoyable, helping you do what you want to do, without worrying about the technology.

Prices start at $1,399 for the 13.6-in. with 16GB of RAM/256GB SSD storage (upgradeable to 32GB/2TB). It comes in four colours; Midnight, Starlight, Silver and a new Sky Blue.

For more information, visit apple.com.