A:Answer MacBook Air: Base: 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i3; High-end: 1.2GHz quad-core Core i7
M1 MacBook Air: M1 chip, 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU in the base model, 8-core in high-end, 16-core Neural engine
With the Intel-based MacBook Air, Apple shipped the $999 MacBook Air with a dual-core Core i3 Intel CPU that was barely powerful enough for even moderate activity. There was a higher-end quad-core Core i7 model but that was more expensive and had overheating issues.
When it comes to performance, the M1 MacBook Air is miles ahead of the Intel-based one. The performance leap is simply gigantic and it is something that one needs to experience themselves to understand just how big it is. Below are some performance improvements that Apple claims the new M1 MacBook Air offers:
Export a project for the web with iMovie up to 3x faster.
Integrate 3D effects into video in Final Cut Pro up to 5x faster.
For the first time, play back and edit multiple streams of full-quality, 4K ProRes video in Final Cut Pro without dropping a frame.
Export photos from Lightroom up to twice as fast.
Use ML-based features like Smart Conform in Final Cut Pro to intelligently frame a clip up to 4.3x faster.
Connectivity and Ports
MacBook Air: Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.0, 2x USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports
M1 MacBook Air: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports
so make sure you buy only the macbook air with the new M1 chip inside
