Is the 2020 Intel MacBook Air still worth buying?

For basic tasks like browsing, writing and video it still works well and has a great keyboard and screen. If you need speed for editing or many apps at once, a newer Apple silicon Air is the better choice.

How does it compare with the M1 MacBook Air?

The M1 Air is faster, runs cooler and quieter, and has far better battery life. This Intel model wins only if you specifically need an Intel Mac or find it at a much lower cost.

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage later?

No. The 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB SSD are soldered to the logic board, so choose the configuration you need up front.

Does it have USB-C or older ports?

It has two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports and a headphone jack. You will need adapters or a hub for USB-A, HDMI or an SD card.

Is the keyboard the butterfly or scissor type?

This 2020 model uses the scissor-switch Magic Keyboard, which is more reliable and has more key travel than the earlier butterfly keyboard.

How long does the battery last?

Apple rates it up to about 11 hours of wireless web use. Real-world light use typically lands shorter, and heavy loads drain it faster.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3" Laptop (2020) MWTL2LL/A Intel Core i3 8GB RAM 256GB SSD, Gold

Q: Where is the Apple MacBook Air 13.3" Laptop (2020) MWTL2LL/A Intel Core i3 8GB RAM 256GB SSD, Gold cheapest?

At eBay, for $1,264.95, as of our latest check.

Q: What do buyers say about the Apple MacBook Air 13.3" Laptop (2020) MWTL2LL/A Intel Core i3 8GB RAM 256GB SSD, Gold?

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 100 ratings.

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$1,264.95at eBayChecked Nov 13

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What reviewers say

4.4 / 5100 ratings

Owners like the build, keyboard and screen for everyday use and call it a solid light-duty Mac. Reviewers and buyers criticize the dual-core i3 and 8 GB of RAM as limiting, and note fan noise when the machine is pushed.

What people mention

PerformanceCriticisedReviewers say the dual-core i3 struggles with heavy multitasking and editing work.
KeyboardPraisedOwners call the scissor-switch Magic Keyboard comfortable and a big improvement over the earlier butterfly keys.
DisplayPraisedThe 2560x1600 Retina panel with True Tone is described as sharp and easy on the eyes.
MemoryCriticisedBuyers note 8 GB of RAM is soldered and can feel tight with many tabs open.
Fan noiseCriticisedThe fan becomes audible when the laptop is under sustained load.
PortabilityPraisedOwners like the thin, light aluminum body for carrying to class or work.

About the Apple MacBook Air 13.3" Laptop (2020) MWTL2LL/A Intel Core i3 8GB RAM 256GB SSD, Gold

The Apple MacBook Air 13.3-inch (Retina, Scissor Keyboard, 2020) has a 10th Generation "Ice Lake" 1.1 GHz Intel Core i3 processor with two independent cores. It has 8 GB of onboard 3733 MHz LPDDR4X SDRAM and 256 GB of onboard PCIe-based flash storage. Integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics share the system memory.

The case is a thin, wedge-shaped aluminum design. The 13.3-inch LED-backlit Retina display has a 2560x1600 resolution and True Tone technology.

The laptop has a backlit Magic Keyboard, a large Force Touch trackpad, Touch ID and a 720p FaceTime HD webcam.

Model

MacBook Air 13.3-inch (2020), MWTL2LL/A

Processor

1.1 GHz Intel Core i3, 10th Generation "Ice Lake", 2 cores

Memory

8 GB onboard 3733 MHz LPDDR4X SDRAM

Storage

256 GB onboard PCIe-based flash storage

Graphics

Intel Iris Plus, shares system memory