### Why the MacBook Air Deal Has Us Rolling Our Eyes (And Laughing)
Ah, the MacBook Air. The laptop that tech enthusiasts rave about and budget-conscious shoppers dream of. And now, it’s on sale! *Gasp!* But before you grab your wallet and sprint to checkout, let’s take a closer look at this “deal” that’s making waves. Spoiler alert: you might not want to cancel your weekend plans for this one.
#### The “Deal” in Question
So here’s the scoop. You can now snag a **13.3-inch MacBook Air (2017 model)** armed with 8GB of RAM and a whopping 128GB of storage for what some would call a “bargain” price. According to the article on Mashable, the laptop is discounted to $749.99, down from its original $999.99. Oh, the generosity! Apple, you really shouldn’t have.
Let’s break that down, shall we? You’re essentially being offered a five-year-old laptop with less storage than the average teenager’s smartphone for the mere price of a brand-new, feature-packed, non-Apple laptop. Intrigued? Us too. But not in the way you might think.
### Why This “Deal” Is Less Than Exciting
Okay, let’s be fair here. The MacBook Air isn’t a bad machine. In fact, it was a game-changer when it first launched. But the 2017 model in 2023? That’s like trying to sell us a flip phone and calling it “vintage chic.”
Here’s why this deal might not exactly be the steal of the century:
#### 1. **128GB of Storage? Seriously?**
Let’s put this into perspective. After the operating system and mandatory updates, you’ll be left with about 90GB of usable space. That’s enough for a handful of apps, some photos, and maybe a couple of episodes of your favorite Netflix series downloaded in standard definition. But hey, who needs storage when you’ve got *the cloud,* right? Just don’t forget to budget for those iCloud subscription fees.
#### 2. **Outdated Specs**
The 2017 MacBook Air is powered by Intel’s 5th-generation processors. To put that in context, we’re now on Intel’s 13th gen. Using this laptop today is like driving a car with manual roll-down windows—it works, sure, but it’s not exactly cutting-edge.
#### 3. **The Price Doesn’t Add Up**
For $750, you could easily buy a brand-new, modern laptop that doesn’t look or feel like it belongs in a museum. Consider alternatives like the **Dell XPS 13** or the **Microsoft Surface Laptop 4**, both of which offer better specs and more value for your hard-earned cash. Or, if you’re married to the Apple ecosystem, save up an extra $250 and get the latest MacBook Air with Apple’s M1 chip—a laptop that actually justifies its price tag.
### Pros & Cons
Because we’re all about balance here, let’s lay out the pros and cons of this “deal”:
#### Pros:
– It’s a MacBook, so you get that shiny Apple logo.
– Lightweight and portable design.
– macOS is still a solid operating system, even on older hardware.
#### Cons:
– Outdated hardware that struggles with modern tasks.
– Limited storage that fills up faster than your inbox on a Monday morning.
– Price is laughably high for what you’re getting.
### What Are Your Alternatives?
If you’re in the market for a new laptop but don’t want to feel like you’re being swindled, here are some alternatives worth considering:
– **Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020)**: For just $999, you can get the model with the M1 chip, which blows the 2017 version out of the water in terms of performance, battery life, and overall value.
– **Dell XPS 13**: Sleek, modern, and powerful, this laptop is a favorite among Windows users for good reason.
– **Microsoft Surface Laptop 4**: A great balance of power and portability, plus a touchscreen to boot.
### Final Thoughts
Look, we get it. Not everyone has $1,000 lying around for a new laptop. But if you’re going to spend $750, make sure it’s on something that will last you more than a couple of years. The 2017 MacBook Air might have been a star in its day, but in 2023, it’s more of a relic.
So unless you’re collecting vintage tech or just *really* love the feel of butterfly keyboards, maybe sit this one out. Your wallet—and your sanity—will thank you.
### Call to Action
Have thoughts on this “deal”? Let us know in the comments below. And if you’re in the market for a laptop, check out our **[guide to the best laptops of 2023](#)** for some truly exciting options. Don’t forget to share this article with your tech-loving friends—because what’s better than a good laugh at a bad deal?
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