Apple didn’t hold back last week, announcing new product upgrades across iPad, MacBook and the desktop Mac range.
Today, they go on sale in Australia and 9News has had a hands-on look and test of the latest iPad Air, MacBook Air and the powerful Mac Studio.
iPad Air – the sweet spot
Out of the box the new iPad Air is really no different to the last couple of generations. My review unit is purple and the colours are subtle – not quite as bold and vibrant as the standard iPad colours.
Key differences with this next generation iPad Air are the new support for advanced Apple Pencil gestures (Barrel roll) in various apps, mainly used by creatives. Additionally, the Apple M3 chip has been packed inside for more power.
Having used an iPad Pro for some time, I didn’t feel any distinct lack of performance with this step “down” to the iPad Air.
Of course, that will all depend on your core usage. I was able to edit a video in iMovie and export in what I thought was a relatively rapid time, about 13 minutes.
Yes, an iPad Pro would be much better, but I do wonder how many people need Pro level power. However, you could argue the same of the iPad Air. The standard iPad lacks Apple Intelligence, and wouldn’t render video anywhere near as quick as this, plus, I think the design of the iPad Air is the pick of the bunch.
Frankly, at $999, the iPad Air is the sweet spot in the Apple lineup but most Aussies could easily enjoy the standard iPad for social media, web browsing, email and streaming.
MacBook Air (M4) – why would you need anything else?
Just like the iPad Air, I came from using a MacBook Pro for all my audio and video editing. Testing this MacBook Air for four-to-five days, I’m blown away by how little I miss about the Pro.
Sometimes, just like with our mobile plans, we pay for more than we need.
With the Apple M4 chip this device is absolutely flying. Given most buyers will likely be coming from a PC laptop or a much older Apple device, the performance and battery life will be impressive.
This is all-day battery life, no question and no matter what you’re doing.
It again makes me think – why would you spend more than the base $1699 price tag?
It’s not the ideal price for parents looking for a school laptop, I get that. But if you want to be sure your child’s device will last through high school then I think you can have confidence in this device.
It has impressive specs and performance and the new sky blue colour is outstanding.
Sadly, the only thing lacking is the anti-glare nano-texture coating that’s available on the Pro models as an option.
Mac Studio – at a price, with no keyboard
For the average Aussie, the Mac Studio is an outrageous level of overkill. An entry price of $3499 gets you one of the sleekest looking, most powerful desktop computers you can buy.
It’s made for people and businesses who create high-end graphics, video and other creative productions. It’s overkill for your internet banking and Facebook browsing.
Oh, and that price tag – you should know it doesn’t come with a keyboard, mouse or monitor. Because this is for serious applications where those things are very specific to the task.
You could spend well over $20,000 – the unit I have for review tips over $18,000.
Having come from a previous M2 Ultra powered Mac Studio I thought I was a heavy user, editing and exporting video and audio content.
But despite the jump to the M3 Ultra chip, the performance in those applications is better, but not by a heavy margin.
In fact this device is made for Hollywood levels of production, and intense graphic creation and 3D rendering.
Apple’s Mac Studio has performance levels I simply won’t ever come close to touching, nor will most of us. But, for those who need it – it’s remarkable to think that it’s there – in this relatively small package.
Apple’s updated products go on sale today.
