Apple MacBook Air 13" M5 (10-core CPU, 8-core GPU), 16GB/512GB — Silver

The entry 13-inch MacBook Air, and the most sensible laptop Apple makes for most people. The M5 runs a 10-core CPU — four super cores and six efficiency cores — with a 16-core Neural Engine and 153GB/s of memory bandwidth. This configuration uses the 8-core GPU rather than the 10-core fitted higher up the range, which is the one meaningful difference and shows up in sustained graphics work rather than everyday use.

Memory starts at 16 GB, which is now the base across the Air line and enough that the machine is not fighting itself with a browser, Office and a photo editor open together. Storage is a 512 GB SSD. Neither can be changed after purchase.

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display runs 2560 × 1664 at 500 nits. Ports are MagSafe 3, two Thunderbolt 4 and a headphone jack, with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. There is a 12 MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, a four-speaker system, and a 53.8 Wh battery rated up to 18 hours of video streaming — in a fanless 1.24 kg body. Note: this unit is supplied without a power adapter. The MXN53 adapter must be purchased separately.