• expired

Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (8-Core M1, 8-Core GPU, 8GB/512GB) $1754 @ Officeworks

620

10c cheaper than the cyber Monday deal I Got off Harvey Norman

8 Core CPU and 8 Core GPU (didn't realise before the 256 GB storage version only has 7 cores GPU)
8 GB Ram - seems plenty of discussion
512GB NVMe Storage

So far so good mine is working well. Can get a little hot for running it 15 hour workdays with lots of video calling

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  • +14

    Sucks that there isn’t a standard 16GB RAM SKU for these 10% off deals.

    I’ve been very impressed with the performance of the M1 MBP I picked up a few weeks ago, but was definitely running into RAM limitations with more complex FCP X projects and Canon RAW Light footage.

    Going to return and wait for the next round of more potent machines. It’s amazing now, can’t wait to see what they’ll put in an AS 16-inch!

    • -4

      with more complex FCP X projects

      Duh.

      • +14

        I can understand Mitch wanting to try an M1 out to check the capabilities, but I am also amused at would be detractors complaining these entry level (for Apple) machines aren’t the second coming when they can’t decode 8K video faster than some high end Ryzen with multi zillion cores.

        Bottom line is Apple has pulled off something quite impressive, it is a step change in CPUs and it is a sign of greater things to come.

        • How long till intel catches up?

          Hold off on laptop purchases?

          • +4

            @Stopback: Given Intel make CISC CPUs versus these ARM based RISC M1's. I dunno if they could ever catch up

            • +3

              @HugoHugo: intel has the resources to shake things up. But they should never have got into a position where they would need to play catch up..

            • +1

              @HugoHugo:

              Given Intel make CISC CPUs versus these ARM based RISC M1's. I dunno if they could ever catch up

              Intel manufactured StongARM/Xscale & i960 - so it's not like they've been blindsided by RISC. Now slighted, management get off their fat asses, give more reign to their engineers, and, just as they did with Core 2, return guns blazing. It's a cycle.

          • +1

            @Stopback: I don’t think you can “compare” them as they are two very different products.

            What will be interesting are the programs (once again) and to see how Microsoft ramps up its Windows software for the arm processor.

            Can you imagine a Surface Pro on the M1 (not their current arm procs in their surface x)?

        • I find it funny how this debate has returned once again. Lol. It use to be a about Intel vs sun sparc and sgi

          I really hope arm (risc based procs) sticks this time around.

          • @lamb: software hasn't caught up with the chips yet, wait another 2 years i guess

            • @Stopback: Either that or we will once again see the rise of wintel. heh.

          • @lamb: Lets not forget the Transmeta Crusoe with the "intel has slow CISC, we'll autotranslate x86 to RISC and run faster than native"

        • +1

          Not detracting at all, I just noted the limitation in my workflow. For a lot of things the performance is terrific, especially considering it remains either incredibly quiet or silent at all times. I’m really going to miss how quickly is resumes from sleep, it really is instant like a phone or iPad.

          Battery life is brilliant too, puts my 16-inch i9 MBP to total shame.

          It’s amazing what Apple has achieved with this in its first-Gen, can’t wait to see what’s to come!

          • @Mitch889: I agree, I can't wait to see what's to come .. but their first gen was in their iPhone 5s (I believe).

            • +1

              @lamb: 5s wasn’t a laptop. First device with an Apple chip was the iPad.

              • @Mitch889: oh, thought you were talking about the chip .. heh

          • @Mitch889: I didn’t mean to imply you were detracting. Others have been.

    • Going to return and wait for the next round of more potent machines.

      How do you return just like that, after you have - seemingly - used it?

      • +2

        If you purchase directly from Apple, you have a 14 day change of mind guarantee. It is usually longer at Christmas time too. So anything bought between 10 November and 25 December can be returned up until 8 January.

        I think if you bought from a physical Apple store you have to return to a physical Apple store, whereas if you bought online, I think you can return to their online store (Apple pays the freight and you only have to drop off at Australia Post, or some other shops they deal with like newsagents) or return to a physical store.

        So, next year, buy early November, use for two months and send it back and deal with your morality later.

  • +3

    The +$600 that I would need to get the specs I want is the problem With these Mac's.

    It's ridiculous to be honest, +300 for 1tb SSD and +300 for an extra 8gb ram.

    • +2

      That's Apple pricing for you. Or do I mean gouging?

      • Ridiculous when all phone manufacturers are doing it. Probably only costs them $30 at most for 256gb and they charge $200 for an upgrade in storage.

    • While that is true, what would a equivalent or better performing and kitted out intel machine cost? You would be looking at an i9 with a discrete GPU and a battery life you could count on one hand.

      I still gave you a plus vote for the Apple Tax though.

    • Compare it to the old Intel Macs for the same dollar to performance, it's a relatively good deal.

  • +6

    Got the base level M1 Air and it’s incredibly fast.

    • me too. its been great.

  • +2

    Need the vendor in the title mate.

  • +2

    I see the extra 600 for more Ram and HDD as a worthwhile investment as my macs last 3-5 years at least

    • +2

      My 2015 Macbook Pro is still kicking and is now the Wife's daily driver.
      A comparable Asus ultrabook only managed to squeeze 2 years before a noticeable slow-down.

      • +1

        That would be Windows slowing it down, probably not the machine itself.

    • +3

      Cannot agree with you more. I specced out my late 2013 Macbook Pro to 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD and I still use it for work every day. This is the one thing that annoys me sometimes when people moan about the prices of Apple laptops. Machine is 7 years old and still runs really well.

    • +2

      I’m still maining a 2011 15” MacBook Pro upgraded to 16GB/1TB 860 Evo with an RX580 8GB eGPU. That’s a 10yo machine and it’s still a fast daily. Talk about value!

  • +1

    $1439 for the base model. Thanks OP, got price matched at JB Hifi.

  • +11

    Got the base model MBA when it came out and after never using any Apple products before, it's become my go-to now. It's a serious marvel and even though I don't do the heavy processing tasks, it just runs incredibly well doing every day things. Battery life is phenomenal and the heat management is simple revolutionary. I have a Matebook X Pro and that thing gets hot so quickly. I have yet to feel any heat from these machines. As someone who's always been anti-Apple i have to say it's won me over.

    • Welcome to the cult. Soon you'll be buying all their subscription services…. (I'm also there too, sigh…)

    • +1

      Same. I had a $4000+ work supplied Microsoft surface laptop thing for more than 12 months. Was always spitting out error messages and updating random software.

      Replaced with base model M1 Air and it’s night and day better. The surface laptop probably had more ram, etc but to actually use was definitely slower and more cumbersome.

  • +1

    looks like they're jumping in and discounting before jb do their boxing day sale
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/592334

    • +1

      Harvey Norman has already kicked off their 10% off Apple Mac sale, so naturally ow would be price beating HN

  • Can this be priced matched at Apple store?

    • Yes

    • I wonder if Apple stores will give a comparable discount on a 16GB version?

      • +2

        nope - just called them - wanted to get the 8GB and then pay for an upgrade - computer says no

  • -1

    I got a 7 core M1 MBA from Qantas.. Im currently using a 2013 11 inch MBA for email and web browsing and some twitch streaming. Do i really need an 8 core GPU?

    • +2

      You just answered your own question, web browsing and twitch streaming are not GPU-heavy tasks. You'll be fine.

    • +1

      From what I've read even most adobe artists and stuff would be fine with the 7 core.

    • +1

      No.

    • +1

      Reviews indicate the delta in 8c vs 7c performance is negligible.. probably just a way for Apple to still use the M1s which didn't quite meet QC standards, yet are still totally usable/useful for mainstream/casual use.

  • +2

    Wish they did a 16GB ram option over the counter. Currently a 2 week wait on custom MBP and no discount (unless buying through education store)

    • +1

      If you're buying from the education store legitimately, wait until early January when they do a back to school deal with something thrown in; headphones or possibly airpods this year.

      • I have bought through the education store for the past 10+ years and have never been asked to provide any proof. Thanks for the reminder re back to school, will be better off waiting

      • Oh no I have been stocking up gift card (10% zip pay) to purchase the MacBook m1 with 16gb ram . Jbhifi say they did price match. Would it still be better to wait till the back to school jan promo?

      • Was gonna add, does jbhifi participate in Apple back to school deal? And does it apply for custom order MacBook Pro m1?

        • Back to school is apple only i believe. I think there is also a max amount of gift cards you can use in one transaction at JB. Best price I imagine will be through Apple education store when they have back to school promo running.

          • +1

            @kev98: in store there is no limit, online there is. for jbhifi own gift card.

  • This is expired? Site shows $1947 for 512GB option.

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