The MacBook Air with the M2 chip boasts all-day battery life and impressive performance in a thin, fanless design. Available in four finishes, it features a stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, and a powerful 8-core CPU. The M2 chip also allows for fast graphics performance, ideal for gaming and demanding applications. Configurations offer up to 24GB of unified memory and up to 2TB of SSD storage. It also includes MagSafe charging, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack.
Byran created a fully open-source laptop called the "Novena," featuring a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for maximum hardware customization and a transparent design philosophy. He documented the entire process, from schematic design and PCB layout to firmware development and case construction, making all resources publicly available. The project aims to empower users to understand and modify every aspect of their laptop hardware and software, offering a unique alternative to closed-source commercial devices.
Commenters on Hacker News largely praised the project's ambition and documentation. Several expressed admiration for the creator's dedication to open-source hardware and the educational value of the project. Some questioned the practicality and performance compared to commercially available laptops, while others focused on the impressive feat of creating a laptop from individual components. A few comments delved into specific technical aspects, like the choice of FPGA and the potential for future improvements, such as incorporating a RISC-V processor. There was also discussion around the definition of "from scratch," acknowledging that some pre-built components were necessarily used.
Summary of Comments ( 217 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43266537
HN commenters generally praise the new MacBook Air M4, particularly its performance and battery life. Several note the significant performance increase over the M1 and Intel-based predecessors, with some claiming it's the best value laptop on the market. A few express disappointment about the lack of a higher refresh rate display and the return of the MagSafe charging port, viewing the latter as taking up a valuable Thunderbolt port. Others question the need for the notch, though some defend it as unobtrusive. Price is a recurring theme, with many acknowledging its premium but arguing it's justified given the performance and build quality. There's also discussion around the base model's SSD performance being slower than the M1, attributed to using a single NAND chip instead of two. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment is highly positive.
The Hacker News post titled "MacBook Air M4" with the ID 43266537 has generated several comments discussing various aspects of the new MacBook Air.
A significant number of comments revolve around the pricing of the new Air, with many users expressing disappointment at the increased cost compared to the M1 MacBook Air. Some users argue that the price hike makes the M2 Air less competitive, especially when considering the older M1 model is still available at a lower price point. Others debate the value proposition of the M2 Air, considering its performance improvements and new design.
Several comments highlight the return of MagSafe charging as a positive feature, appreciating the convenience and added safety it provides. Discussion also arises around the notch design, with differing opinions on its aesthetic impact and practical implications. Some users find it intrusive, while others consider it a minor compromise for the thinner bezels and larger display.
Performance comparisons between the M1 and M2 Air are a frequent topic, with users citing benchmarks and real-world usage experiences. Some comments suggest that the performance difference may not be substantial enough to justify the price difference for average users, while others emphasize the benefits of the M2 for more demanding tasks. The topic of thermal throttling with the M2 also emerges, with users expressing concerns about sustained performance under heavy workloads.
The midnight color option receives attention, with some users reporting issues with scratches and scuffs. This leads to discussions about the durability of the finish and the potential need for a protective case.
Some users discuss the availability and shipping times of the new Air, with reports of varying delivery dates depending on configuration and location.
A few comments mention the base model's SSD performance, suggesting it might be slower than the previous generation due to using a single NAND chip instead of two. This sparks a debate about the practical impact of this difference on everyday usage.
Finally, some comments touch upon the lack of a price drop for the M1 MacBook Air following the M2 release, further fueling the discussion about the pricing strategy and value proposition of the new model. Several users express their hope for future price adjustments to make the M1 Air an even more compelling option.