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Grad gift alert: Apple MacBook Air laptops are $200 off at Amazon

Teen with MacBook in park
Getty Images

Give your new grad a reliable new laptop computer without breaking the bank. The M1-powered Apple MacBook Air (2020) is a hardy but sleek laptop for everyday use. Right now, you can get the 2020 model for just $800, which is $200 off its regular price of $1,000. And that's not all: You can get the newer Apple MacBook Air M2 for $200 off as well.


Top Apple MacBook deals at Amazon:

Save on the 2020 model: Apple MacBook Air M1, $800 (reduced from $1,000) 

Save $200 on the latest MacBook Air: Apple MacBook Air M2, $1,000 (reduced from $1,200) 


Save $200 on the Apple MacBook Air M1

With this lightweight laptop with a lengthy 18-hour battery life, your grad can tackle homework, watch their favorite shows and keep up with friends and family. Its luxe 13.3-inch Retina display is crisp and bright, and its Magic Keyboard is clicky and comfortable to type on.

The Apple MacBook Air M1 features a Force Touch trackpad, which feels great to use. The high-quality webcam is perfect for attending remote classes or for FaceTiming Mom and Dad while away from home. Plus, the 256 GB SSD ensures your graduate has plenty of storage space for important documents (like job applications).

Apple MacBook Air M1, $800 (reduced from $1,000) 

Save $200 on the Apple MacBook Air M2

Alternatively, if you want to splurge a bit more on a laptop for your grad that has a little more get-up-and-go, you can't go wrong with the Apple MacBook Air M2. A step up in terms of processing power, the M2 version of the classic MacBook Air is an excellent way to ensure your grad has everything at their disposal to make and do anything with their laptop. It's on sale right now for $1,000, which is 17% off its normal price of $1,200. That's a savings of $200. 

It's thinner, more portable than ever, and faster than the other MacBook Air models. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is brighter than its M1 laptop cousin, and it features an 18-hour battery life as well. Think of it as the M1 MacBook, only faster, lighter, more capable, and refined to keep all the best stuff under the hood. There are also a few other colors with this model if you're not into plai Space Gray. It's well worth the extra cash if you have an additional $200 in your budget. 

Apple MacBook Air M2, $1,000 (reduced from $1,200) 

Apple MacBook Air M1 laptop

Apple MacBook Air M1
Amazon

Key features of the Apple MacBook Air M1 laptop: 

  • Has a great-looking 13.3 inch Retina display 
  • Boasts a 18-hour battery life for lengthy use sessions
  • Features a lightweight and portable frame
  • Uses Apple's comfortable and clicky Magic Keyboard
  • Includes a webcam for keeping up with friends and family

Apple MacBook Air M1, $800 (reduced from $1,000) 

Apple MacBook Air M2 laptop

MacBook Air M2
Amazon

Key features of the Apple MacBook Air M2 laptop: 

  • Has an even brighter Retina display 
  • Comes with an 18-hour battery life for lengthy use sessions
  • Built to be more portable and lightweight than its predecessor
  • More powerful M2 chip that can handle multitasking and more
  • Includes a webcam for keeping up with friends and family

Apple MacBook Air M2, $1,000 (reduced from $1,200) 


Best graduation gifts in 2023

Already got your grad's computer needs covered? There are plenty of other options to help make their transition to college or "the real world" even smoother. Check out the best gifts for him and the best gifts for her in 2023. Then check out our nine great gift card ideas for grads, plus gift card deals, our guide to the best headphone gifts for new grads, plus deals and our look at the best jewelry gifts for grads

Amazon gift card

Amazon graduation gift card
Amazon

Your favorite grads can get almost anything they need for their next phase with an Amazon gift card. Load this card (that comes in a fitting, graduation-cap gift box!) with an amount between $25 and $2,000. 

Amazon gift card, $25 and up


Apple AirPods Pro 2

airpods-pro-2.png
Apple

The latest Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds offer 30 hours of listening time with the included charging case. They have an upgraded wireless chip for improved audio functionality, a new low distortion driver for clearer audio and improved active noise cancellation. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 provide truly custom sound: You can use your iPhone's camera to analyze your unique ear anatomy and find the perfect audio settings for you.

The design of the AirPods Pro 2 is fairly similar to the previous generation, but Apple has introduced touch control to the AirPods Pro 2 to help users more seamlessly control their AirPods. Users will also get a new extra-small tip with their AirPods. The case did get a notable design upgrade with a new lanyard loop and a built-in speaker to help track the location of your AirPods case.

Apple AirPods Pro 2, $200 (reduced from $249)


Apple AirPods Max

apple-airpods-max.jpg
Apple via Amazon

The ultra-trendy Apple AirPods Max use active noise-cancellation technology to block out unwanted noise and feature a transparency mode so you can hear what you need to. These headphones feature 20 hours of listening. They come in a variety of colors including blue, green, red and silver. They're also compatible with Siri.

Apple AirPods Max, $480 (regularly $549)


Apple AirPods (2nd generation)

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
Apple

Looking for a budget alternative to pricier AirPods models? Your grad will love these Apple AirPods. They're not the latest model, but they're still one of the most sought-after earbud sets on the market. 

Retailing for $159 at Apple, they're on sale at Amazon right now for $99. Thanks to their wireless charging case, these AirPods can deliver more than 24 hours of listening time. They boast a foolproof, one-tap setup for Apple device owners.

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation), $99 (reduced from $159)


Apple MacBook Air (2020 edition)

Apple MacBook Air
Apple

Whether they're off to college or off to work, any grad will appreciate a new MacBook. The Apple MacBook Air is Apple's entry-level MacBook. It's a great option if you need a basic, day-to-day laptop. Boasting a 13.3-inch Retina display screen, and weighing 2.8 pounds, it's the lightest and most portable MacBook. It retains a premium feel, thanks to an aluminum body (available in silver or space gray), and backlit keyboard. It's powered by Apple's snappy M1 chip, so it will see you through basic photo editing, and light video editing. Its battery lasts up to 18 hours.

Apple MacBook Air (Apple M1, 8 GB RAM, 256GB SSD), $800 (regularly $1,000)

Is your grad a graphic designer or someone who works with a visual medium? Then the MacBook Air model with 512GB of storage, not to mention an 8-core CPU, may be for them. This version of the laptop is better suited than the 256GB model for graphics-intensive tasks, such as photo editing and graphic design.

Apple MacBook Air (Apple M1, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD), $1,100 (reduced from $1,249)


Apple Watch Series 8 GPS

apple-watch-8.png
Apple

The Apple Watch Series 8 features the new Apple S8 chip for improved performance over older models. It also includes an always-on display and new watch face options. The Apple Watch 8 will has a larger battery than previous models: Battery life can be extended to 36 hours when in low-power mode. The Apple Watch 8 features a durable design and is swim-proof, dust-proof and crack-resistant. 

The Apple Watch 8 has a number of health-tracking features, including an optical heart sensor, electrical heart sensor for ECG, blood oxygen sensor and a new body temperature sensor.

The Apple Watch 8 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizing options. Shoppers can choose between stainless steel or aluminum casing and several different colors. 

Apple Watch 8 GPS (41mm), $329 (reduced from $399)

Apple Watch Series 8 GPS (45mm), $359 (regularly $429)


Apple Watch Ultra

apple-watch-ultra.png
Apple

This is it: the most advanced Apple Watch ever.

The Apple Watch Ultra is designed to be a more rugged and durable option for student athletes and adventurers. It provides up to 36 hours of life on a single charge with standard use, or 60 hours of battery life with the soon-to-be-released battery optimization setting. It is made with a stronger titanium alloy material for improved impact resistance. It also offers a larger (49mm), brighter display and a second speaker for better sound and display visibility during outdoor use. Apple says it's also optimized for diving and water sports.

The Apple Watch Ultra provides enhanced GPS functionality to trace your steps and improve navigation for outdoor expeditions. There is also an action button that can be used to more accurately track your workouts by marking segments of your workout.

Apple Watch Ultra, $779 (reduced from $799)


Samsung's "The Frame" smart TV

the-frame.jpg
Samsung

Your grad likely doesn't have the money for a new TV. That's why you're going to gift them this awesome Samsung smart TV.

The 2022 "The Frame" (the latest model) offers gorgeous quantum-dot picture and intelligently upscales TV and movies to 4K. The smart TV boasts a new matte display with anti-glare, anti-reflection and anti-fingerprint properties. 

When you're not streaming show or movies on "The Frame," the set displays preprogrammed artwork, from Picasso to Basquiat, or pictures from your family vacation (that you've uploaded to "The Frame" from your phone or USB flash drive). So, yes, this TV puts on a show whether it's on -- or off. 

You can get a 50-inch Samsung 'The Frame" TV for $1,297 at Amazon, but the best deal is on the 65-inch version -- it's almost $500 off.

65" Samsung "The Frame" QLED TV 2022, $1,678 (reduced from $2,000)


Away The Large Flex

Away The Large Flex
Away

Does your grad have travels or a moving day coming up? If so, it's hard to go wrong with a large, high-quality, hard-shell suitcase. Away's The Large Flex is the brand's largest model. It can be expanded, too, making it even bigger. Find it in five colors.

Away The Large Flex, $425


Diamond Nexus round cut stud earrings

Round Cut Stud Earrings
Diamond Nexus

Classic diamond earrings are a gift your grad can wear for a lifetime, so they're worth investing in. With these diamond-alternative earrings from Diamond Nexus, you have your choice of precious metal type, center stone size and certification status. The diamond alternatives on these earrings are lab-created, but indistinguishable from a perfect diamond.

Diamond Nexus .66 cts round cut stud earrings, $279 (reduced from $340)


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