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Apple’s introduction of the M1 chip has re-enlivened interest in its MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini lines. Thankfully, that renewed demand has brought with it a bevy of sales and promotions that bring many already cost-effective M1-based systems down to prices that couldn’t get you even half as much computing power from another vendor. While the recently-released M1 Pro Macs may not yet be seeing major price drops, we can still save you some money on those mobile powerhouses as well. From base model MacBook Airs to tricked out MacBook Pros and even the ultra-popular Mac Mini, we’ve collected the best ongoing deals for getting you into Apple’s macOS ecosystem at whichever level of hardware you choose.
Also: Best Apple iPad deals available right now: February 2022
Pricing Summary
|
Model |
Retail price |
Best available price |
|
MacBook Air (M1) |
$999 to $1,249
|
$949
$1,149
|
|
MacBook Pro 13″ (M1) |
$1,299 to $1,499
|
$1,249
$1,300
|
|
MacBook Pro 14″ (M1 Pro/Max) |
$1,999 to $2,499
|
$1,999
$2,429
|
|
MacBook Pro 16″ (M1 Pro/Max) |
$2,449 to $2,699
|
$2,299 to $3,199
|
|
Mac Mini (M1) |
$699 to $899
|
$649
$750
|
Save $50 to $150
Apple’s thinnest and lightest laptop continues to be one of the best and most universally recommended options for any laptop shopper, especially with the M1 chip on board. Its combination power and battery life is shocking for $1,000. Luckily the latest sale from Amazon pushes the base model MacBook Air even lower, dropping its entry cost by $50 to $949. While some may have a hard time believing the base model M1 Air is as capable as it is, the default 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM integrated into the 2020 model’s M1 chip is more than enough computer for most users. Our Cliff Joseph found it to be an exceptional all-around computer for travel and at-home use.
Save $199
Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Pro was the only other laptop model to be updated to the new M1 chip alongside the MacBook Air. Despite looking the same as its intel-based predecessor on the outside, our Jason Cipriani found the updated notebook’s performance to be a massive improvement, with enhanced battery life, and almost no impact on app support caused by the switch from an x86 to an ARM-based core.
The best deal on the 13-inch MacBook Pro right now is on Amazon, with the 512GB configuration selling for just $1,300 ($199 off when added to your cart). That’s only $10 less than what you’d pay for the 256GB model.
Save $50 to $300
The M1’s success led to an almost immediate hunger to know what Apple had up its sleeve next. Predictions around a possible “M2” or “M1X” ran rampant for months until Apple finally unveiled its 2021 MacBook pro updates that brought the M1 Pro and M1 Max to consumers via its 14-inch and 16-inch lines. The M1 Max is only available in the top-end configuration of the 16-inch model, while the impressively speedy M1 Pro powers the remainder of both lines, and offers speeds and battery efficiency that should excite everyone from casual users to on-the-go video editors.
Sales on these still very new machines remain few and far between, meaning the best offer comes from Apple’s education pricing, for now. But, if you have a teacher or student that qualifies, this means you can save as much as $150 on the 14-inch model ($1,849), or $200 on the 16-inch unit ($2,299) for its base config. Even the M1 Max-packing edition of the 16-inch version is available at a $300 discount for $3,199. Otherwise, you can look to Amazon’s listings which has discounted both sizes by $20 to $50. Whichever you choose, you’re likely to be pleased with the incredible battery life and the return of both MagSafe charging and more diverse ports.
Save $50 to $150
Apple’s M1 Mac Mini arrived at just the right time. 2020 saw the kick off of the supply chain shortages and scarcity that we still find ourselves dealing with. In the midst of that, Apple’s little powerhouse PC provide a relatively inexpensive, all-in-one unit that can serve as everything from a homework machine, to a media consumption hub, to a surprisingly capable photo editing device, all without dealing with the price gouging or endless out-of-stock notices that plague so many aspects of the PC market. Our Cliff Joseph praised its versatility, calling it a “compact and affordable machine for working from home.”
Right now, Amazon has the base model mini for a $50 discount, bringing it to just $649. Those wanting double the storage can pick up a 512GB unit for $749 ($150 off).
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