Written by
Michael Gariffo, Staff Writer
Michael Gariffo
Staff Writer
Michael is a veteran technology writer who has been covering business and consumer-focused hardware and software for over a decade.
Full Bio
on January 13, 2022
| Topic: Laptops
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: January 2022
Pricing Summary
|
Model |
Retail price |
Best available price |
|
MacBook Air (M1) |
$999 |
$949 |
|
MacBook Pro 13″ (M1) |
$1,299 to $1,499 |
$1,149 to |
|
MacBook Pro 14″ (M1 Pro/Max) |
$1,999 to $2,499 |
$1,849 to $2,299 |
|
MacBook Pro 16″ (M1 Pro/Max) |
$2,499 to $3,499 |
$2,299 to $3,199 |
|
Mac Mini (M1) |
$699 to $899 |
$649 to |
MacBook Air (M1) for $949
Save $50
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.
More: MacBook Air (Late 2020) full review
$949 at Amazon
$999 at Apple
$999 at Best Buy
MacBook Pro M1 13-inch for $1,149 to $1,299
Save $150 to $200
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. Both currently available configurations of the M1-based MacBook Pro 13-inch are on sale right now. The base model (8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage) can be had from either Amazon or Best Buy for $1,149, while the upgraded model with 512GB of storage is also down $200, selling at both retailers for $1,299.
View now at Amazon
View now at Best Buy
View now at Apple
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch for $1,849 to $3,499
Save $150 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 you’ll have to rely on 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. 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.
More: First Look at the 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro
$2 at Apple
$2 at Apple
$3 at Apple
Apple Mac Mini for $649 to $829
Save $50 to $70
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 a bit more storage can also pick up the 512GB unit for a $70 discount at $829.
More: Mac Mini (Late 2020) review
$649 at Amazon
$829 at Amazon
View now at Apple
Interested in more tech deals and reviews? Subscribe to the ZDNet Recommends newsletter and let our expert reviewers scour the internet for only the top products, services, and deals for you.
ZDNet Recommends
Lenovo’s $300 Chromebook tablet can be yours for $99
Covid testing: The best at-home rapid test kits
The top Apple AirPods deals available right now
The best portable power stations: Emergency power when you need it
The best air purifiers of 2022: Fresh air in every room
Apple
|
Hardware
|
Reviews
|
Security
|
Mobility
|
PCs