The MacBook Air M1 (2020) revolutionized the world of ultraportable laptops, offering blazing-fast performance and exceptional battery life thanks to Apple's own silicon. However, even with all its praise, it's not a perfect device. This article will delve into the drawbacks of the MacBook Air M1 (2020) to give you a complete picture before making a purchase decision.

Limited Port Selection

One of the most common complaints about the MacBook Air M1 (2020) is its limited port selection. You only get two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack. For many users, especially those accustomed to older MacBooks or Windows laptops, this can feel restrictive. The lack of ports means you'll likely need to invest in dongles or a docking station to connect multiple external devices such as external hard drives, displays, and USB-A accessories. This adds extra cost and can be inconvenient for those who prefer a cleaner setup. While Thunderbolt/USB 4 offers impressive speeds and versatility, the limited number of ports can be a significant drawback for users who require multiple simultaneous connections. For example, photographers or videographers who need to connect external storage, card readers, and displays will find themselves constantly juggling dongles. Gamers who use external mice, keyboards, and headsets will also find the port situation to be a hassle. Even for everyday users, connecting an external monitor while charging the laptop means you've already used up both ports. The absence of an SD card reader is also a notable omission, especially for content creators who frequently work with photos or videos. Considering the price point of the MacBook Air, the limited port selection feels like a compromise that some users may find difficult to accept. Though USB-C hubs offer a workaround, they can introduce their own set of problems, such as reduced bandwidth or compatibility issues. Many users have reported experiencing slow transfer speeds or unreliable connections when using certain USB-C hubs. The need for dongles and adapters can also make the MacBook Air less portable, as you have to carry extra accessories with you. Ultimately, the limited port selection is a significant drawback for those who rely on multiple external devices and prefer a more streamlined workflow.

No Fan = Thermal Throttling

Another significant disadvantage of the MacBook Air M1 (2020) is its fanless design. While the absence of a fan contributes to the laptop's silent operation, it also means that the device is prone to thermal throttling under sustained heavy workloads. Thermal throttling occurs when the processor gets too hot and reduces its clock speed to prevent overheating. This can lead to a noticeable drop in performance, especially when running demanding applications such as video editing software, 3D rendering programs, or even some graphically intensive games. While the M1 chip is incredibly efficient, it still generates heat when pushed to its limits. Without a fan to actively dissipate that heat, the MacBook Air M1 relies solely on passive cooling, which involves dissipating heat through the laptop's aluminum chassis. This works well for light to moderate tasks, but it's not sufficient for sustained heavy workloads. As a result, users who frequently engage in tasks that heavily tax the processor may experience performance dips and longer processing times compared to a MacBook Pro with its active cooling system. It's important to note that thermal throttling doesn't mean the MacBook Air M1 is unusable for demanding tasks. It simply means that its performance may be limited compared to laptops with active cooling solutions. For instance, rendering a long video might take longer on the MacBook Air M1 than on a MacBook Pro, and you might experience occasional stutters or slowdowns during the process. The fanless design can also affect the laptop's long-term reliability. Sustained high temperatures can potentially shorten the lifespan of the internal components, although this is difficult to quantify. If you plan to use your MacBook Air M1 primarily for light to moderate tasks such as browsing the web, writing documents, and streaming videos, the fanless design is unlikely to be a major issue. However, if you frequently engage in demanding tasks, you should consider whether the potential for thermal throttling outweighs the benefits of silent operation.

Screen Could Be Brighter

The display on the MacBook Air M1 (2020) is generally considered to be good, offering sharp visuals and accurate colors. However, one common criticism is that the screen could be brighter. The display has a rated brightness of 400 nits, which is adequate for most indoor environments. However, when using the laptop outdoors or in brightly lit areas, the screen can appear dim and difficult to see. This can be a significant drawback for users who frequently work outdoors or in environments with strong ambient light. Compared to other laptops in its class, the MacBook Air M1's display brightness is somewhat lacking. Many competing laptops offer displays with brightness levels of 500 nits or higher, providing a more comfortable viewing experience in bright conditions. While 400 nits is sufficient for most indoor use cases, the lack of extra brightness can be a noticeable issue when working outdoors or near windows. The glossy screen also contributes to the problem, as it can reflect ambient light and make it even harder to see the display in bright conditions. Some users have reported having to squint or find shade to comfortably use the MacBook Air M1 outdoors. While the display's color accuracy and sharpness are commendable, the limited brightness is a significant drawback for those who frequently work in bright environments. The lack of brightness can also be an issue for users with visual impairments who may require a brighter screen to see clearly. In summary, while the MacBook Air M1's display is generally good, its limited brightness is a notable drawback, especially for users who frequently work outdoors or in brightly lit environments. If you prioritize screen brightness, you may want to consider other laptops with brighter displays.

Webcam Quality Is Not Great

Despite the MacBook Air M1 (2020) being a premium laptop, its webcam quality is not great. It features a 720p webcam, which produces grainy and washed-out images, especially in low-light conditions. This can be a significant drawback for users who frequently participate in video conferences or online meetings. In a world where remote work and video communication have become increasingly prevalent, a high-quality webcam is essential. The MacBook Air M1's 720p webcam simply doesn't measure up to the competition. Many other laptops, including some in the same price range, offer 1080p webcams that produce much clearer and more detailed images. The poor image quality of the MacBook Air M1's webcam can be distracting and unprofessional during video calls. Users may find themselves looking blurry or pixelated, which can be particularly problematic for those who rely on video conferencing for work or presentations. While Apple has improved the image processing of the webcam through software updates, it still doesn't fully compensate for the low resolution and poor sensor quality. The lack of detail and dynamic range can make it difficult to see facial expressions and other important visual cues during video calls. Some users have resorted to using external webcams to improve their video quality, which adds extra cost and complexity to their setup. Considering the price point of the MacBook Air M1, the inclusion of a subpar webcam is a major disappointment. In summary, the MacBook Air M1's webcam quality is a significant drawback for users who frequently participate in video conferences or online meetings. If you prioritize webcam quality, you should consider other laptops with better webcams.

Only Supports One External Display

Another limitation of the MacBook Air M1 (2020) is that it only supports one external display. While you can connect a single external monitor to the laptop, you cannot connect multiple displays simultaneously. This can be a significant drawback for users who rely on multiple monitors to increase their productivity. Many professionals, such as designers, developers, and traders, use multiple monitors to spread out their work and increase their efficiency. The inability to connect multiple displays to the MacBook Air M1 can significantly hinder their workflow. Although the M1 chip is powerful enough to handle multiple displays, Apple has intentionally limited the MacBook Air to a single external display. This limitation is likely a way to differentiate the MacBook Air from the more expensive MacBook Pro, which supports multiple displays. However, this decision can be frustrating for users who want the portability and efficiency of the MacBook Air but also need the ability to connect multiple monitors. For instance, a designer who needs to work on multiple projects simultaneously might find it difficult to manage their workflow on a single display. Similarly, a developer who needs to monitor code, documentation, and other resources might find a single display too restrictive. Some users have attempted to work around this limitation by using DisplayLink adapters, which allow you to connect multiple displays via USB. However, DisplayLink adapters can introduce their own set of problems, such as reduced performance and compatibility issues. In summary, the inability to connect multiple external displays to the MacBook Air M1 is a significant drawback for users who rely on multiple monitors to increase their productivity. If you need to connect multiple displays, you should consider the MacBook Pro or another laptop that supports multiple external displays.

Repair and Upgrade Challenges

Like many modern Apple products, the MacBook Air M1 (2020) presents challenges when it comes to repair and upgrades. The internal components are tightly integrated, and many parts are soldered directly to the logic board, making repairs difficult and expensive. This can be a significant drawback for users who prefer to repair their own devices or upgrade components to extend the laptop's lifespan. The lack of user-serviceable parts means that even simple repairs, such as replacing a battery or a keyboard, may require specialized tools and expertise. This can significantly increase the cost of repairs, as you'll likely need to take the laptop to an authorized service provider. Furthermore, the limited upgradability of the MacBook Air M1 means that you're stuck with the configuration you purchase at the time of sale. You cannot upgrade the RAM or storage after purchase, which can be a problem if your needs change over time. This lack of upgradability can also shorten the lifespan of the laptop, as you may need to replace it sooner than you would if you could upgrade the components. The tightly integrated design also makes it difficult to access and clean the internal components, which can lead to overheating and performance issues over time. While Apple offers extended warranty programs, these can be expensive, and they don't necessarily cover all types of repairs. In summary, the limited repairability and upgradability of the MacBook Air M1 are significant drawbacks for users who prefer to repair their own devices or upgrade components to extend the laptop's lifespan. If you value repairability and upgradability, you should consider other laptops with more user-serviceable designs.

Conclusion

The MacBook Air M1 (2020) is undoubtedly a fantastic laptop, offering exceptional performance and battery life in a sleek and portable design. However, it's essential to be aware of its drawbacks before making a purchase. The limited port selection, potential for thermal throttling, mediocre webcam, limited display support and repair challenges are all factors to consider. While these drawbacks may not be deal-breakers for everyone, they're important to keep in mind, especially if you have specific needs or requirements. Weighing the pros and cons carefully will help you determine whether the MacBook Air M1 (2020) is the right laptop for you.