July, 2022 - Organizer

Navigating remote access with AnyDesk: An in-Depth look

11:30 am | July 20, 2022

Accessibility and flexibility in our professional and personal lives have become more crucial than ever, pushing remote desktop solutions to the forefront of technological needs. AnyDesk, a relatively new player in this field, offers a unique combination of performance and accessibility that makes it an intriguing option for many users.

In this post, we'll explore the features that make AnyDesk stand out, assess its advantages and disadvantages, determine its ideal user base, and discuss the considerations to keep in mind when choosing a remote desktop application.

AnyDesk is a comprehensive remote desktop software that permits users to access and interact with their computers from any location with an internet connection. Boasting a lightweight design and impressive speed, AnyDesk is intended for both individual users and businesses that require efficient remote access solutions.

AnyDesk review: plans and pricing

There’s a free plan from AnyDesk that lets you provide remote support for an unlimited number of computers, although this is purely for personal use. In that respect, AnyDesk is one of the best remote desktop software solutions for casual users who don't need to connect too frequently.

Meanwhile, for anyone wanting unattended access there’s the Essentials package, which costs $9.90 per month, although this is limited to one user being allowed to manage one remote device.

A more substantial option if you're running a business and need a beefier array of connectivity is the Performance plan. This currently costs $19.90 per user, per month. For that, you get three remotely-managed devices per user. The good thing with this one is that users aren't restricted to only accessing the devices they add but can actually access any of the devices on a license.

If this isn't quite substantial enough, there’s an Enterprise plan, which AnyDesk quotes for on an as-needed basis. While all plans are paid for annually, there are also 14-day trial options for the Essentials and Performance packages.

AnyDesk review: Features and utilities

AnyDesk has been around since 2015 and had a revamp during 2021, with version 7 being the current edition. This latest iteration features a much more streamlined user experience, with a wonderfully sensible desktop layout that boasts session tools that are tucked away in a toolbar, rather than being individually laid out in the workspace.

The software has always been of use to individual users, as well as IT teams who can use to to offer remote technical support. The software works by offering access to Windows and Mac computers, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. There’s a built-in file manager for easy transfer of content between host ad remote machines, although there is no provision for the drag-and-drop processing of files.

Organizational duties are covered by an address book system to track all computers that are being accessed remotely. There are also plenty of tools for easy collaboration, with a text chat box, for example, that can assist with remote support duties. There’s also a virtual whiteboard and the ability to invite another users onto your network, which is similarly handy for support scenarios.

AnyDesk: Setup

Much like any other remote desktop access package, AnyDesk isn’t particularly difficult to setup. You’ll need to install the software on your computer and during this AnyDesk displays your unique connection address.

Connecting to a remote support session using your computer as the host machine will necessitate this unique address being given to a remote user. This can also be done using an email invite.

Usefully, it’s possible to select a list of permission presets, which controls how much a user can do once they’re on your shared machine.

AnyDesk: Interface and performance

You can use AnyDesk to access and manage remote connections on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices too, in both an attended and unattended capacity. The good news is that, in order to do this, the AnyDesk interface is one of the best there is in terms of plain and simple usability.

There are plenty of tools that help to speed up your workflow, with the address book being integrated into the address entry bar. This makes it a doddle when you want to connect to machines that are regular connection points. Another bonus is the way AnyDesk can automatically detect other enabled devices in your local network. That really cuts down on the amount of manual intervention needed for business users.

Stability-wise, we have found AnyDesk to be a very able performer. Along with the easy to use interface, making use of the software is a quick and simple exercise, which is always a plus if you’re a time-poor worker or business owner.

AnyDesk: Security

You’ll find that AnyDesk comes with end-to-end encryption, which covers all of your remote sessions. Having this means that it can help to prevent unauthorized access to your network.

At the same time, there is also support for two-factor authentication, which adds another level of security with the added option for creating a whitelist, so that only specific devices can access your computer.

On top of that, AnyDesk lets you set a limit as to what control features are available to any remote users.

AnyDesk: Support

AnyDesk comes with a solid level of support services, although presently this only seems to extend to contact via email, rather than phone. Support includes plenty of online resources, which can be accessed via the website.

There is also provision for submitting a ticket should you need to contact AnyDesk about a specific issue or query. AnyDesk also seems to have a pretty good social media setup too, which is always good for lots of general information, tips, tricks and workarounds.

AnyDesk: The competition — (Image credit: AnyDesk)

AnyDesk: Pros and cons

There are several reasons to like AnyDesk, but there are also a few things you should be aware of.

Pros of AnyDesk:

- Performance: AnyDesk is known for its high-speed performance, ensuring quick and responsive remote access even on slower internet connections.

Lightweight Software: The program is compact and provides quick downloads and installations, which is particularly beneficial for systems with limited resources.

- User Interface: AnyDesk offers an intuitive and uncluttered interface, making it easy for new users to navigate.

- Compatibility: It supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, which enhances its versatility.

- Free Version: AnyDesk offers a free version for personal use, which is beneficial for individual users or those who want to test the software before committing financially.

Cons of AnyDesk:

- Security Concerns: While AnyDesk has good security features, it has been the target of scam operations where users are tricked into granting access to their PCs. Users need to be vigilant.

- Limited Features in Free Version: While the free version is valid, it is limited in features, particularly concerning unattended access, which is essential for many business users.

- Customer Support: Customer service and support can be less comprehensive than those of larger market competitors.

Who should use AnyDesk

AnyDesk is ideally suited for a number of different types of people and groups.

1. IT Support and Help Desk Teams

For IT professionals, the ability to quickly respond to support tickets and manage multiple systems remotely is crucial. AnyDesk enables **remote troubleshooting** without the need for physical presence, making it an efficient tool for:

* Resolving issues in real-time

* Providing back-end support to corporate environments

* Managing servers remotely

2. Remote Workers and Freelancers

The rise of remote work has necessitated tools that allow employees and freelancers to access workstations from anywhere in the world. AnyDesk facilitates a seamless connection to office computers, maintaining **productivity** with:

* High-speed connections that minimize latency

* Secure access controls ensuring data integrity and security

* Compatibility across multiple operating systems for diverse tech stacks

3. Educators and Online Tutors

With education increasingly moving online, teachers and tutors need effective ways to interact with students' devices for tutorials and technical assistance. AnyDesk assists by:

* Allowing educators to view and manage student screens during lessons

* Supporting educational software troubleshooting from a distance

* Offering an intuitive platform that students can easily navigate

4. Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

SME owners often need to manage multiple aspects of business from different locations. AnyDesk offers a **cost-effective and reliable** solution for:

* Remote management of business operations

* Accessing files and software from any location

* Facilitating remote collaboration and meetings

5. Tech Enthusiasts and Personal Users

Individuals who manage multiple devices or need access to their home networks while traveling can benefit from AnyDesk’s:

* Unattended access feature, for connecting seamlessly without manual acceptance

* High level of customization and settings to cater to different needs and preferences

6. Developers and Engineers

Software developers and engineers may need to deploy updates, manage version control, or access development servers from remote locations. AnyDesk supports these activities with:

* Robust file transfer capabilities

* Ability to connect to multiple screens or servers concurrently for comprehensive control

AnyDesk: The competition

While AnyDesk is certainly more than adequate for everyday use, if you’re a business owner with the need to access multiple machines you’re going to need a slightly more substantial package.

TeamViewer is perhaps one of the best options in that respect, despite its higher cost factor. Lookout for the powerful option of being able to manage up to 200 devices using one IT worker as a prime example. Add on the likes of mass deployment and command line control options and you've got a beefy package that is more potent than AnyDesk.

Conversely, Zoho Assist makes a great option if you're looking for better value and also remote support capability. It is great value for money and will meet the needs of many medium-to-larger companies.

Sandwiched inbetween are numerous other options when it comes to competitor products in the best remote desktop software space.

AnyDesk: Final verdict

We are enthusiastic supporters of AnyDesk, especially for individuals who only occasionally need remote desktop access and don't require advanced features. However, if you run a more significant business and need more robust tools, you may find shortcomings in AnyDesk compared to something like TeamViewer. Nonetheless, AnyDesk is user-friendly and reasonably priced, especially if you only need the accessible version.

AnyDesk offers an impressive array of features that accommodate many users needing fast and dependable remote desktop access. Its focus on performance and multiple platform support makes it a compelling option. However, potential users should consider the limitations of the free version, the security risks associated with remote desktop tools, and the level of customer support. When choosing remote desktop software, it's essential to evaluate your specific needs, such as unattended access, frequency of use, and the significance of customer support, to ensure a smooth and productive remote access experience.

Connect to your computer with one of the best business smartphones.

What to look for when choosing a remote desktop solution

Selecting an appropriate remote desktop solution is essential for businesses and individuals seeking efficient, secure, and convenient access to their desktops from any location. Consider several critical factors to ensure the solution meets your needs when evaluating options.

Security is paramount. As remote access can be a potential entry point for cyberattacks, look for a solution that offers robust authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption for data in transit. This helps protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Ease of Use also plays a significant role. The ideal remote desktop software should offer a straightforward, intuitive user interface, making it easy for users of all technical levels to connect and navigate their remote systems without extensive training. Compatibility with various operating systems and devices enhances accessibility, allowing users to connect seamlessly from any computer or mobile device.

Performance directly impacts productivity; thus, selecting software that offers high-speed connections with minimal latency is critical, especially for tasks requiring real-time responsiveness. Look for solutions that optimize the remote access experience, even on slower internet connections, by adjusting the display settings and reducing bandwidth usage.

Features and FuncFunctionality are also essential to consider. Depending on your specific needs, you might require advanced features such as remote printing, file transfer, multi-monitor support, and session recording. Assessing the available features against your needs will help ensure the solution efficiently supports your workflow.

Cost is another consideration. Many remote desktop solutions offer a range of pricing plans, from free versions with basic funcFunctionalitysubscription-based models with advanced features and support. Evaluate the cost against the benefits and features provided to determine the most cost-effective solution for your requirements.

Customer Support and Reliability are crucial, especially for business users relying on remote access for critical operations. Look for providers with a reputation for reliability and customer support, offering assistance through various channels such as live chat, email, or phone support.

Lastly, consider the solution's scalability. As your business grows, your remote desktop needs may evolve. Opt for a solution that can scale up quickly, adding more users or integrating with other tools and services without significant overhauls.

In summary, finding the right remote desktop solution involves carefully assessing security, ease of use, performance, features, cost, customer support, and scalability. By prioritizing these factors, you can select a solution that meets your current needs and supports future growth and change.

Acer Predator Orion 3000 (2022)

2:05 pm | July 18, 2022

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers Gaming PCs | Tags: CPU, RAM, UK, US | Comments: Off

Editor's Note

• Original review date: July 2022
• New model is out with updated components
• Launch price: $1,449 / £1,099
• Official price now: $1,449 / £1,099 (with new components)

Update: February 2024. We originally reviewed this model of the Acer Predator Orion 3000 almost two years ago, and we were so impressed that it went straight to the top of our best budget gaming PCs guide. Now in 2024, it is still in that list, but it has slipped down a few places, thanks to some more modern gaming PCs coming out. However, it remains a great budget buy, especially if you're looking for a compact gaming PC to play on. If you can find the model we reviewed here with the same components, you should be able to get it for a very good price as well. If you like the look of this machine but want more modern components, the good news is that Acer has released new models with 13th generation Intel processors, giving you a bit more future-proofing while keeping the same affordable price.

Acer Predator Orion 3000: One-Minute Review

The Acer Predator Orion 3000 desktop PC presents newer players with one of the best and most affordable opportunities to make their mark in the PC gaming scene. After all, there’s a reason why it sits comfortably at the top of TechRadar’s list of the best budget gaming PCs.

Acer’s latest Predator Orion 3000 line-up offers gamers the ability to choose from several mid-tier configurations that now include a 12th Gen Intel processor, an Nvidia RTX 30-series graphics card, and up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, all packed neatly into a compact micro ATX case.

Understandably, this PC series makes a few compromises in terms of its components that can only be described as cost-saving measures. For example, although the Orion 3000 features both HDD and SSD storage, the most basic configurations tend to include just 256GB of the latter. Similarly, the Predator Orion 3000 series also features DDR4 RAM as opposed to the newer industry standard of DDR5.

Still, minor shortcomings aside, the hardware featured as part of the Acer Predator Orion 3000 series lends itself well to the average gamer. Plus, the PC is relatively easy to upgrade, should the need or desire to do so ever arise.

Acer Predator Orion 3000 desktop gaming PC on a desk with RGB lighting turned on. — (Image credit: Future)

Acer Predator Orion 3000: Price and Availability

Starting at $1,449 / £1,099
Available now from the Acer store and third-party retailers
You can buy it in the US, UK and worldwide

Spec Sheet

Here is the Acer Predator Orion 3000 configuration sent to TechRadar for review:

CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400F (2.50 GHz)
Graphics: Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 256GB M.2 SSD + 1TB HDD
Optical drive: N/A
Ports front: 1 x USB-A 3.1, 1 x USB-C, 1 x headphone jack and 1 x microphone jack
Ports back: 2 x USB-A 3.1, 4 x USB-A 3.0, 3 x analog audio jacks, 3 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, Ethernet
Operating system: Windows 11 Home
Connectivity: Intel Killer E2600 Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.0
Weight: 21 pounds (9.5 kg)
Size: 15.4 x 15.2 x 6.9 inches (392 x 386 x 175 mm)

The Acer Predator Orion 3000 gaming PC series can be found on sale in the US, UK, and worldwide, with a range of slightly varying configurations available depending on each gamer’s individual needs.

The latest iteration of the Orion 3000 series features the new Intel Alder Lake chipsets. The starting configuration is priced at $1,449 / £1,199 and includes a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU, an Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU and 16GB of RAM, as well as 256GB of SSD and 1TB of HDD storage. Pricier variations allow users to opt for either an Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti or 3070 for the GPU and a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor for the CPU.

The configuration that TechRadar reviewed is a slightly more powerful model available in the UK for £1,299 (approximately $1,600 in the US). The Predator Orion 3000 arguably presents one of the best values for money especially when you take into account its decent gaming performance and esports-ready hardware. It could be even better value if any currently available Acer promo codes bring the price down more.

Price and Availability: 5/5

Acer Predator Orion 3000 desktop gaming PC shown side-on on a desk with RGB lighting turned on. — (Image credit: Future)

Acer Predator Orion 3000: Design

Neat, compact design
Configurable RGB lighting
Loud cooling fans

The Acer Predator Orion 3000 features the classic gaming black-and-RGB design within the confines of a compact micro ATX chassis.

At the front of the case, you’ll find a single USB Type-C port, alongside a Type-A USB 3.1 and two 3.5mm headphone and microphone ports. The PC’s back panel contains all the basic ports you can expect from your average gaming computer: four 3.0 USB Type-As, two 3.1 USB Type-As, and three analog audio ports. The back of the Nvidia RTX 30-series GPU allows gamers to connect their favorite display through either HDMI or DisplayPort.

In terms of software, the PC comes with a pre-installed version of Acer’s PredatorSense, which gamers can use to monitor internal temperatures, control the cooling fans and configure the RGB lighting system. It should be noted that on full blast, the PC’s cooling fans are extremely loud almost to the point of being distracting, even when using headphones on near-full volume.

In terms of hardware and affordability, the Acer Predator Orion 3000’s closest competitor would likely be the latest HP Omen product range, which can typically be found on offer for a similar price. However, it should be noted that in terms of design, the Predator Orion 3000 is the likely winner in the match-up.

The HP Omen comes equipped with a full ATX case, which – despite its slight upgradability advantage – will wind up taking up much more desk space. Another key aspect within the match-up is that the HP Omen series often receives criticism for its uninspiring design – something the Predator Orion 3000 excels at with its sleek appearance.

Design: 4/5

Acer Predator Orion 3000 desktop gaming PC shown from the rear. A Snorlax Pokemon plushie sits next to it. — (Image credit: Future)

Acer Predator Orion 3000: Performance

Great gaming performance
Decent CPU benchmarking results
Minimal SSD storage on cheapest configurations

Benchmarks

Here is how the Acer Predator Orion 3000 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Night Raid: 50,215; Fire Strike: 22,948; Time Spy: 10,381
Cinebench R23 multi-core: 11,164 points
GeekBench 5: 1,436 (single-core); 7,537 (multi-core)
PCMark 10 (Modern Office): 7,160 points
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 78 fps; (1080p, Low): 246 fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 76 fps; (1080p, Low): 115 fps
Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 98 fps; (1080p, Low): 219 fps

Although the Acer Predator Orion 3000 can be considered an affordable option, this certainly doesn’t mean that it compromises on gaming performance as much as you would expect from a budget PC. Thanks to the inclusion of an Nvidia 30-series graphics card, the Predator Orion 3000 is capable of coasting through even the most graphically intensive games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Total War: Warhammer III, consistently hitting over 70 fps on both titles on Ultra settings.

The Acer Predator Orion 3000’s performance in our usual benchmarking tests exceeded expectations too. For example, our review unit’s duo of Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti and Intel Core i5 processor achieved 7,160 points in the PCMark 10 test. This meant that the Predator Orion 3000’s hardware scored higher than 93% of other PCs and placed higher than the average premium gaming PC from two years ago.

Overall, given the wide range of configurations available for purchase, the Acer Predator Orion 3000 line-up is perfectly capable of catering to most players looking to break into the world of PC gaming. Despite its lack of DDR5 RAM across the series and its base models including just 256GB of SSD storage, both are arguably minor shortcomings and can be easily overlooked considering the product’s reasonable price.

Although those on the lookout for more premium hardware would likely benefit from exploring other options, this gaming computer is a solid choice for those looking to balance a decent gaming performance with a more than palatable price range.

Performance: 4/5

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

First reviewed July 2022.

How We Test

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

Acer Predator Orion 3000 (2022)

2:05 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers Gaming PCs | Tags: CPU, RAM, UK, US | Comments: Off

Editor's Note

• Original review date: July 2022
• New model is out with updated components
• Launch price: $1,449 / £1,099
• Official price now: $1,449 / £1,099 (with new components)

Acer Predator Orion 3000: One-Minute Review

Acer Predator Orion 3000: Price and Availability

Starting at $1,449 / £1,099
Available now from the Acer store and third-party retailers
You can buy it in the US, UK and worldwide

Spec Sheet

Here is the Acer Predator Orion 3000 configuration sent to TechRadar for review:

Price and Availability: 5/5

Acer Predator Orion 3000: Design

Neat, compact design
Configurable RGB lighting
Loud cooling fans

The Acer Predator Orion 3000 features the classic gaming black-and-RGB design within the confines of a compact micro ATX chassis.

Design: 4/5

Acer Predator Orion 3000: Performance

Great gaming performance
Decent CPU benchmarking results
Minimal SSD storage on cheapest configurations

Benchmarks

Here is how the Acer Predator Orion 3000 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

Performance: 4/5

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

First reviewed July 2022.

How We Test

Read more about how we test

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review

4:00 pm | July 14, 2022

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: CPU, RAM | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

Spec Sheet

Here is the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) configuration sent to TechRadar for review:

CPU: Apple M2 (8-core)
Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU
RAM: 16GB Unified LPDDR5
Screen: 13.6-inch, 2,560 x 1,664 Liquid Retina display (backlit LED, IPS, 500 nits brightness, wide color P3 gamut)
Storage: 1TB SSD
Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 charging port
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD webcam
Weight: 2.7 pounds (1.24kg)
Size: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches (30.41 x 21.5 x 1.13cm; W x D x H)

While writing this MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review, I was struck by a thought: what if Apple had actually originally planned for this to have been a redesigned MacBook Pro 13-inch with an M2 chip?

It sort of makes sense, as the new MacBook Air has a larger screen, better speakers and a 1080p webcam, compared to the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) that we actually got.

The M2 chip in both laptops offer very similar performance, and unlike what many people had hoped for, the new MacBook Air doesn’t come in a range of pastel colors, like the 24-inch iMac, but instead a limited amount of rather professional-looking hues.

Finally, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) launched with a much higher price tag of $1,199 (£1,249 / AU$1,899), which is a price we’d expect with a MacBook Pro, rather than the entry-level MacBook Air.

However, at WWDC 2023, Apple announced the new 15-inch MacBook Air with the Apple M2 while simultaneously cutting the price of the MacBook Air by $100, bringing the price to $1,099 (£1,149) and making it much better value.

Screenshot from WWDC 2023 livestream showing MacBook Air pricing. — (Image credit: Apple)

Having a redesigned MacBook Pro, alongside a MacBook Air with the same old design (but new M2 chip and cheaper price), would have made a lot of sense – but Apple did the opposite.

So, we have a redesigned MacBook Air that’s now more expensive, and a MacBook Pro 13-inch with the same old design. I can’t help but think this was a bit of a missed opportunity.

That’s because the Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) has big shoes to fill. Its predecessor, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020), has been our pick as the best laptop you can buy since its launch two years ago.

Does the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) finally knock its predecessor from the top? There’s plenty going for it, including a new eye-catching design that increases the screen size while making the entire laptop smaller and lighter, while also upping the webcam resolution to 1080p, as well as some other goodies.

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) on a white desk in a studio — (Image credit: Future)

The new look follows Apple’s reinvention of many of its other iconic products, including the iMac 24-inch and MacBook Pro 16-inch. In fact, the only MacBook to not get a redesign now is the new MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022), as mentioned earlier, which despite having the same new M2 chip, keeps its old look, and therefore feels like a bit of an afterthought.

Not so the new MacBook Air (M2, 2022), however. Along with a new look, it also gets the aforementioned M2 chip. This is the follow-up to the impressive M1 found in the previous MacBook Air. After ditching Intel, Apple now creates its own processor and graphics to power its Macs and MacBooks, and the results have already been spectacular, with excellent performance and industry-leading battery life.

As we saw with the new MacBook Pro 13-inch, the M2 chip continues this, with boosted performance and once again long battery life. The good news for the MacBook Air is that it gets the same M2 chip as the more expensive MacBook Pro 13-inch, which allows it to offer almost identical performance.

Throw in the new design (which offers a larger and brighter screen than the MacBook Pro 13-inch) and lower price tag, and there’s a strong case to make for the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) making the 13-inch MacBook Pro obsolete.

It’s not all good news, however, as the new MacBook Air launched with a higher price tag. Starting at $1,199 (£1,249), this is a large increase over the MacBook Air (M1, 2020), which launched at $999 / £999. This, sadly, means that it lacks the pure value for money that the M1 MacBook Air offered. It seems Apple is aware of that, as unlike other models, which get discontinued once a new version is out, Apple will continue to sell the older MacBook Air, marketing it at people who want a more affordable MacBook.

It means that the new MacBook Air isn’t such an easy recommendation as the older model, as that’s a high price tag for pretty much anybody.

So, while we’d recommend anyone who was thinking of buying the MacBook Pro 13-inch to actually get the MacBook Air (M2, 2022), we can’t recommend it to everyone, which is what we did with the previous MacBook Air. That’s a bit of a shame.

MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review: Price and availability

Launched at $1,199 / £1,249 / AU$1,899
More expensive than previous model
Now $100 less

The new MacBook Air was announced at Apple’s WWDC 2022 developer conference. While the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) was the first M2-powered Mac to come out, we’ve had to wait until July to get a solid launch date for the new MacBook Air, possibly due to Apple’s uncertainty about component and material availability. The new MacBook Air (M2, 2022) eventually went on sale on July 8 for order, with deliveries starting on July 15.

However, we expect this to be a very popular product, and with current stock issues, delivery dates may be delayed, though hopefully not by too much.

This MacBook Air starts at $1,199 (£1,249/AU$1,899). The M1-based Air will continue to be available for $999, though education users can grab one for a little less at $899.

This leap in price is understandable, but it means it feels like poorer value than the older MacBook Air, which is a shame, as one of the best things about the 2020 MacBook Air was its low price and excellent performance.

The base model of the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) comes with an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 8GB of memory and 256GB SSD storage.

Meanwhile, the new M2 MacBook Pro 13-inch starts at $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$1,999, which puts Apple in an odd place, as it now means the price of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13-inch aren’t that different.

While both base models come with the new M2 chip, the cheapest MacBook Air comes with an 8-core GPU, while the MacBook Pro 13-inch’s base model comes with an M2 chip with a 10-core GPU, which means the more expensive MacBook has the edge when it comes to graphical performance, but the MacBook Air isn’t that far off, as we discuss later.

However, at WWDC 2023, Apple announced that it is knocking $100 off the MacBook Air (M2, 2022). This means this laptop is now a lot better value, and isn't quite as expensive at the M1 MacBook Air.

Price score: 3.5/5

MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review: Design

Brand-new design
Bigger screen, lighter body
New color choices

One of the most radical design overhauls we’ve seen Apple make to an iconic product has reinvigorated the new MacBook Air, and, while you may mourn the loss of the Air's iconic wedge, it looks far more modern and elegant than previous models.

As the name suggests, the MacBook Air is the thinnest and lightest MacBook Apple produces, and with the new MacBook Air 2022 model, Apple has made further improvements, shrinking the overall size and weight of the unibody design, while actually increasing the screen size.

The company's engineers have managed this in part by slimming down the bezels that surround the screen by as much as 30% on the top and bottom, while it’s 20% thinner on the sides. The chunky borders of previous MacBook Air screens were beginning to look rather outdated, especially when compared to high-end Windows rivals like the Dell XPS 13, so the thin bezels in the new model make this MacBook Air look much more contemporary.

Close up of Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) webcam and notch — (Image credit: Future)

The MacBook Air's webcam has been upped to 1080p, to match those found in the MacBook Pros from late 2021, and this boost in resolution (alongside improved image and low-light handling with the new M2 chip), will be welcome for anyone who relies on video conferencing or making video calls to friends and family. And in this age of hybrid working, that’s most of us.

Less welcome will be the news that the combination of a bigger webcam and thinner bezels means there’s a visible "notch" that surrounds the webcam and drops down into the menu bar. This is the same as the notch found in the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) and MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021), and when it debuted with those MacBooks, it proved divisive.

We didn't mind the notch on those other systems, as Apple expanded the screen upwards, actually giving you more screen real estate, which made the trade-off worth it.

The same is true with the MacBook Air (M2, 2022), which comes with a 13.6-inch screen, compared with the 13.3-inch of the previous model. The resolution has also been upped from 2,560 x 1,600 to 2,560 x 1,664. This means the larger screen doesn't lose sharpness, and once again we think the trade-off with the notch for a larger screen is the right way to go, and you’ll hardly notice it’s there, while still benefiting from the extra screen space and better webcam.

The new Liquid Retina screen is also brighter by 100nits, so it's now 500nits, and also now supports one billion colors. There's no ProMotion support, however. Despite that, it means that we have a remarkable situation where the cheaper MacBook Air (M2, 2022) comes with a larger and brighter screen compared to the new MacBook Pro 13-inch. For people relying on visual quality, especially photographers, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) looks a much better buy.

Another big design change is, as we noted earlier, that the MacBook Air is no longer a "wedge" shape with a thinner front and thicker back. Instead, it's uniform, bringing it into alignment with virtually every other portable design Apple now produces. It also avoids the awkward issue where the previous MacBook Air was actually a little thicker than the MacBook Pro at one end. Now, there’s no doubt that this is by far the thinnest MacBook you can buy.

There's also new colors. People hoping for vibrant, pastel-like colors like the iMac 24-inch will be disappointed by the relatively low-key Space Gray, Silver, Starlight, and Midnight Blue colors. They do, though, look very good in person. We saw all of them at Apple's WWDC event, and our favorite by far was Midnight Blue, which is the color of the review unit Apple sent to us, and it looks just as gorgeous as we remember. Each color comes with matching power cables - a supremely Apple touch.

Outside of the different shades available, the laptop features MagSafe (yes, it's back) charging as well as two Thunderbolt ports and even a 3.5mm headphone jack, which will be welcome for people who use non-Bluetooth headphones and headsets. The MacBook Air (M2) is also as slim and lightweight as we hoped for: just 11mm thick and weighing in at 2.7 pounds.

The standard base model MacBook Air ships with a 30W charger, but you can opt to upgrade this to a 67W adapter for $59, which can get you to 80% battery capacity in just 20 minutes, and comes with two ports, so you can also charge up your iPhone, iPad or other devices at the same time, though this does impact charging times slightly, as the 67W is split between devices.

Overall, the redesign is, in our view, a triumph. It’s made the MacBook Air feel more modern, increasing the screen size and quality, and making it thinner and lighter. It’s pretty much everything you’d want from a visual overhaul, and while anyone hoping for vibrant, multi-colored, pastel shades will be disappointed, the new colors are nevertheless stylish and attractive.

Design score: 5/5

MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review: Performance

Excellent performance
On par with MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022)

Benchmarks

Here’s how the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

Cinebench R23 CPU: Single-Core: 1,597; Multi-core: 8,098
Geekbench 5 Single-Core: 1,936; Multi-Core: 8,917
Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 16 hours and 6 minutes

The new MacBook Air (M2, 2022) comes with the M2 System on Chip (SoC), Apple’s second-generation, 5-nanometer chip that the company claims will offer an 18% faster CPU, 35% faster GPU (now 10 cores), and a 40% faster neural engine than its predecessor. It’s worth noting that the base system of the MacBook Air ships with an 8-core GPU, but you can upgrade to a 10-core GPU.

Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro 13-inch base model comes with an M2 chip and 10-core GPU as standard for not much more.

During our time with the MacBook Air, the laptop performed incredibly well. The pre-installed macOS Monterey boots quickly and runs well, while also looking fantastic on the new screen. As usual, we used the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) for day-to-day use.

Browsing the web in both Safari and Chrome was fast and responsive, even with multiple tabs open (the model we have on test comes with 16GB of unified memory, which certainly helps here), and typing up documents on the slightly redesigned keyboard (which is slightly narrower due to the redesign, but keeps the same Magic Keyboard switches) feels nice and comfortable.

Since the launch of the M1 chip, and increasing number of applications have released M1-compatible apps, which also work with the M2, and that means your favorite apps should run brilliantly, and take advantage of the M2’s capabilities. Not just Apple apps, either, but applications from the likes of Adobe and Microsoft have M1 and M2-native versions.

For those that don’t, Apple’s Rosetta 2 tool once again helps here, allowing you to run apps made for Intel-based Macs almost as if they were designed for M2, with minimum impact to performance.

We also played around with Garage Band (Apple’s music-making software that comes pre-installed) and edited 4K home movies in iMovie, and again, the improved performance of the M2 chip kept everything running extremely well. We’d even go so far as to say that we didn’t notice any perceptible difference to the M2 MacBook Pro when using it for similar tasks.

One difference Apple likes to point out is that the MacBook Air has a fanless design, while the MacBook Pro 13-inch uses fans to keep its components cool. This should mean that the MacBook Pro 13-inch is better at sustained performance – it can work at full pelt for longer without overheating.

In practice, it means the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is thin and light, and also completely silent when in use. However, we found that the MacBook Pro 13-inch’s fans rarely – if ever – kicked in, which suggests that it’ll only make a difference for seriously heavy workloads (think Logic Pro projects with hundreds of tracks, or 8K video editing in Premiere Pro), and you wouldn’t really buy the MacBook Air – or the MacBook Pro 13-inch for that matter – for those kind of demands. You’d be better off getting the more powerful MacBook Pro 14-inch or 16-inch.

Our benchmark tests again showed how similar the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13-inch are when it comes to performance. Single-core performance in both Cinebench and Geekbench were almost identical for the two devices, which makes sense as they both use the same 8-core M2 processor.

Multi-core performance was also very similar in Geekbench, but in Cinebench, the 13-inch MacBook Pro had a slight edge. So, you may get a bit better performance when multitasking with the Pro, especially if some of those tasks are graphics-based, but otherwise performance is so similar, it’s hard to recommend the Pro over the MacBook Air, considering the Air has a new design, bigger screen and is cheaper.

So, we’re in a very odd situation. It looks like the MacBook Pro 13-inch wasn’t killed off by a competitor like Dell or HP… but by Apple’s own MacBook Air.

Performance score: 4.5/5

MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review: Battery life

Lasts over 16 hours
Charges very quickly

We had high hopes for the MacBook Air’s battery life, as the M1 chip was an extremely efficient chip that offered both high performance and long battery life, and Apple has promised the same with the M2 chip.

Our hopes weren’t dashed, with our battery life benchmark, where we run a 1080p looped video until the battery dies, lasting a huge 16 hours, which is seriously impressive, and far outstrips Windows-based laptops of around the same price tag.

It actually lasted 30 minutes longer than the MacBook Pro 13-inch, which is surprising, as the Pro has a larger battery. The Touch Bar of the Pro, and a less energy-efficient screen, may explain the faster battery drain on the Pro.

It’s also a substantial increase over the M1 MacBook Air from two years ago, which managed 11 hours in the same test.

This means you can easily use the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) throughout an entire work day, or on a long flight, and still have battery life left, which is seriously impressive stuff. We found that we were able to work easily without needing to think about where to plug the MacBook Air in to top up the battery, which gives you so much more freedom when using this laptop.

We had the more powerful charger, and it did indeed fill up the battery quickly when we did need a charge. The MagSafe port is also great, allowing you to easily plug the charger in quickly, thanks to the magnetic connection, and if it accidentally gets pulled out (which actually happened to us while we were reviewing), it disconnects easily without any danger of damaging the port.

You can also charge the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) via the USB-C port, which is handy if you need to borrow a charger when you’re out and about.

Battery life score: 5/5

Should you buy the MacBook Air (M2, 2022)?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

First reviewed July 2022

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Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review

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