The Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales will provide excellent opportunities to snag a MacBook. Whether you’re interested in the MacBook Air or the MacBook Pro, incredible deals are available that could lower prices beyond anything we’ve seen before.
For instance, the M1 MacBook Air is currently priced at only $599, while the M4 MacBook Pro is available for $1,399. These examples illustrate the breadth of discounts on offer.
No matter which MacBook you’re seeking, a pivotal update to the lineup impacts virtually every model you can buy.
The recent RAM configuration change is crucial to note. Getting this wrong could lead to overspending.
With the release of the M4 MacBook Pros last month, Apple also updated the RAM across its product line, increasing from 8GB to 16GB. This means that the base M4 MacBook Pro, M3 MacBook Air, and M2 MacBook Air now come standard with 16GB of RAM. Notably, Apple included this upgrade without raising prices, which is a departure from their previous policy of charging $200 for the extra memory. This change has been warmly received by the Mac community.
Yet, this alteration complicates the purchasing process, particularly for those looking for the best bargains. Many third-party retailers—including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart—continue to sell 8GB versions of these laptops without reflecting Apple’s price updates. So, when exploring MacBook offers, be vigilant about the specific configurations.
What is the right amount of RAM for you? Generally, 16GB is ideal for a MacBook Pro, especially at discounted rates. However, if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option, remember that this added capacity typically costs $200. If you find an 8GB model priced only $20 or $30 less, it might not be a worthwhile deal.
This pricing trend is also evident with MacBook Pros. Purchasing earlier models can be an effective strategy for getting a Pro upgrade at a lower cost, particularly considering improved screens, ports, speakers, and webcams available in newer iterations.
Keep in mind that there are 8GB versions of the M3 MacBook Pro that may not be reasonably priced, as well as 16GB M3 variants failing to account for the recent price shift seen with the M4 MacBook Pro. For a MacBook Pro, the added memory can significantly enhance your experience, so weigh this factor carefully before making your decision.
Finally, braced features distinguish models, even if they appear indistinguishable in online images. A notable enhancement from the M3 to the M4 MacBook Pro is the webcam quality, and the newer version’s screen brightness peaks at 1,000 nits, which benefits outdoor usage. These upgrades may not appeal to everyone, but they’re important to consider before committing to a purchase.
Refer to our comprehensive guide on Black Friday Apple deals for the best choices. By focusing on RAM specifications, you’ll likely find a discounted MacBook that will serve you well for years to come.
