Evaluating the MacBook Air Display in 2023: Has It Really Deteriorated?
The debate over the MacBook Air's display has been ongoing, with many expressing concerns about its quality. While it is true that the display has faced scrutiny over the years, a closer examination reveals that it is neither terrible nor great by today's standards. This article explores the evolution of the MacBook Air's display, its current performance, and whether it has indeed deteriorated over the years.
The Recent Experience with My Non-Retina MacBook Air 2017
One of the most prominent issues that arose after upgrading my MacBook Air from macOS Mojave to Catalina was the difficulty in reading system fonts in the Finder and Safari bookmarks bar. The text appeared blurry and strained my eyes. Even documents created in Pages after the upgrade were rendered unclear. However, there is a silver lining: the blurry text issue that has persisted since Mavericks seems to have been resolved in Catalina, leading to better PDF display on a non-retina screen.
The Current Standing of the MacBook Air Display
The non-retina display on the MacBook Air is not terrible, but it is far from great for a high-end device. At its release in 2008, it was one of the better displays on the market. It was crisper, more color-accurate, and more reliable than most competitors of that time. However, with the passage of time, the MacBook Air display has not seen significant improvements. Other manufacturers have made significant strides in display technology, but the MacBook Air has largely remained stagnant.
Compared to its more recent and advanced siblings, such as the MacBook Pro and 12-inch MacBook, the MacBook Air's display seems dated. The MacBook Pro and 12-inch MacBook feature some of the crispest, brightest, and most vivid displays available today, but these panels have yet to make their way to the MacBook Air. This means that the MacBook Air, while decent, falls short of what is expected from a high-end device today.
The Evolution of the MacBook Air Display
When the MacBook Air was first introduced in 2008, its display was indeed one of the better options available. It excelled in terms of crispness, color accuracy, and reliability. However, as technology advanced, the MacBook Air's display has not kept pace. While other laptops have improved their display quality consistently, the MacBook Air has stagnated. This is particularly evident when comparing the 2008 model to today's alternatives, which now offer superior contrast, color accuracy, and viewing angles.
Conclusion
The MacBook Air display has faced criticism, and it is true that it has not seen much improvement over the years. However, it is not entirely terrible. For 2008, it was a fantastic screen, but for today's standards, it falls short. When choosing a laptop, one should consider not only the price but also the latest display technology. If you are looking for a high-end device with top-tier display quality, the MacBook Air may not meet your expectations.