The new MacBook Air keyboard, introduced in 2019, has sparked curiosity and debate among Apple users, with one of the most pressing questions being its cost. Apple's decision to switch from the traditional scissor mechanism to the new butterfly keyboard has been a significant change, but how does this translate to the price of the MacBook Air?
Before delving into the cost, let's briefly explore the new keyboard's features. The third-generation butterfly keyboard offers improved key travel, making it more comfortable to type on. It also includes a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button and a Retina display with True Tone technology. Now, let's break down the cost aspect.
The Base Price of the New MacBook Air
The new MacBook Air starts at $999, which is the base price for the entry-level model. This price point is competitive in the laptop market, especially considering the premium build quality and features that Apple offers.
However, the base model comes with an 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage. If you're planning to upgrade these specifications, the price will increase accordingly.
Upgrading the Processor
For an additional $100, you can upgrade to a 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor. This upgrade offers improved performance, especially for tasks that require more processing power, such as video editing or 3D modeling.
If you need even more power, you can upgrade to a 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor for an additional $200. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for professionals who rely on their MacBook Air for heavy workloads.
Upgrading RAM and Storage
Apple charges a premium for RAM and storage upgrades. For an additional $200, you can upgrade the RAM to 16GB, which is highly recommended for multitasking and running memory-intensive applications.
Storage upgrades are also expensive. To upgrade to a 256GB SSD, you'll need to pay an additional $200. For a 512GB SSD, the price jumps to $400, and for a 1TB SSD, you'll need to shell out $800. While these prices are high, they're in line with Apple's pricing strategy for upgrades.
The Cost of the New Keyboard Itself
It's essential to note that the new keyboard is not sold separately. If you're experiencing issues with your current MacBook Air keyboard and want to upgrade to the new one, you'll need to replace the entire top case of your laptop.
Apple charges $299 for a top case replacement, which includes the new keyboard. This price is significantly higher than the cost of a traditional keyboard replacement, but it's in line with Apple's pricing for repair services.
Is the New Keyboard Worth the Cost?
The new keyboard offers improved key travel and a more comfortable typing experience. However, whether it's worth the cost depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you're a heavy typist who values comfort and are willing to pay a premium for it, the new keyboard might be worth the cost. However, if you're not particularly bothered by the typing experience and want to save money, you might want to consider other laptops or wait for the price of MacBook Air repairs to decrease.
In the end, the cost of the new MacBook Air keyboard is just one factor to consider when deciding whether to upgrade or purchase a new laptop. Weigh the benefits of the new keyboard against your budget and needs to make an informed decision that's right for you.