It’s that time of year when retailers vie for students’ and parents’ attention with tempting laptop offers. Walmart currently has the M1‑powered MacBook Air kicking off at a wallet‑friendly $599, but if you’re itching for a sleeker chassis and a bit more grunt, Best Buy’s latest sale on the 13‑inch M2 MacBook Air is hard to ignore. For a limited time, you can snag the 256GB/16GB RAM configuration for just $699—a full $100 off and the lowest price we’ve seen to date﹘making this arguably the best back‑to‑school MacBook deal on the market﹘and packing twice the memory of the base M1 model.

Apple 13-inch M2 MacBook Air

Featuring a thin design, 16GB RAM, and improved display, the M2 MacBook Air at $699 is a smart back-to-school investment.

$699 at Best Buy

Apple’s M2 chip may have debuted back in 2022, but it remains a versatile workhorse for everyday computing. According to leaked Geekbench results, the M2 delivers roughly 12 percent faster single‑core performance and about 20 percent better multi‑core performance compared to its M1 predecessor, aligning neatly with Apple’s own marketing claims. That boost translates into snappier multitasking, smoother web browsing with dozens of tabs open, and noticeably quicker exports in apps like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Rush.

Beyond raw numbers, the M2 Air introduces several practical refinements:

• 1080p FaceTime camera: Finally, a webcam you don’t need to apologize for. The jump from 720p to 1080p yields sharper, more detailed video calls—particularly welcome for Zoom lectures and group projects﹘a feature the older M1 model lacks.
• Thinner, lighter build: At just 2.7 pounds and 11.3mm thin, the M2 Air is slightly leaner than the M1 version, with narrower bezels that make the 13.6‑inch Liquid Retina display feel more immersive.
• MagSafe charging returns: The proprietary MagSafe port ensures a fool‑proof connection (and easy breakaway in case of accidental tugs), freeing up both Thunderbolt‑USB 4 ports exclusively for data and video output.
• Improved keyboard: The Magic Keyboard sees subtle tweaks for a more comfortable typing experience, complete with full‑height function keys and Touch ID for secure logins.

All these refinements contribute to a laptop that looks and feels more premium than its numerical specs might suggest.

How it compares to the M1 base model

• Memory: The sale M2 configuration comes with 16GB of unified memory, double the standard 8GB on the M1 model. That extra headroom is a boon for Chrome‑heavy multitaskers and light Photoshop editing.
• Storage: Both start at 256GB SSD, but the M2’s faster controller often yields slightly better real‑world read/write speeds.
• Performance: In practical terms, everyday tasks like photo importing, spreadsheet calculations, and casual gaming (think Stardew Valley or Minecraft) feel more responsive on the M2.
• Price: M1 at $599 vs. M2 at $699—a $100 premium nets you tangible speed and feature gains, making the M2 model the smarter pick for longevity.

If your workflow rarely extends beyond word processing and streaming, the M1 remains a capable choice. But for anyone planning to use their laptop beyond the first semester, the M2’s added horsepower and improved webcam make it a more future‑proof investment.

The latest MacBook Airs: what you sacrifice (and what you gain)

Apple’s newest MacBook Airs, powered by M3 and M4 chips, push the envelope further:

• Dual external display support: Unlike the M2 Air, which tops out at one external monitor, the latest models can drive two, ideal for creatives and coders juggling multiple windows.
• 12 MP Center Stage webcam: The M4 Air’s 12‑megapixel sensor with Center Stage ensures you stay centered in the frame, even as you shift around your desk.
• Apple Intelligence features: Native AI‑driven capabilities (like on‑device transcription and enhanced image editing) require the latest chip architectures.

These bells and whistles come at a steeper price, though: the baseline M3 Air starts at $999 with 8GB RAM/256GB SSD, while the M4 Air with 16GB/512GB kicks off north of $1,200. If those advanced display or camera perks matter to you — or you simply want the absolute fastest Apple silicon in a thin‑and‑light form factor — it’s worth stretching the budget. Otherwise, the M2 deal remains compelling for most students and casual power users.

Who this deal is for

• Students on a budget: The $699 price with 16GB RAM offers a comfortable balance of performance and value, suitable for essay writing, basic video projects, and online classes.
• Everyday creatives: Casual photo editors, hobbyist videographers, and digital artists will appreciate the extra memory and improved display without blowing the bank.
• Apple ecosystem enthusiasts: If you already own an iPhone, iPad, or AirPods, sticking with macOS streamlines continuity features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and AirDrop.

If you frequently push your machine with heavy rendering tasks or demand top‑tier AI acceleration, consider saving up for an M4‑based model. But for the majority of back‑to‑school scenarios, this M2‑powered MacBook Air at $699 hits the sweet spot.

Disclaimer: Prices and promotions mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change based on the retailers’ discretion. Please verify the current offer before making a purchase.