Group member:
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Lê Thị Diệu Huyền
Nguyễn Trương Thanh Huyền
Huỳnh Quang Khải
Nguyễn Hoàng Lâm
Trần Nguyễn Thế Nhân
Đặng Nguyên Anh Thư
Assignment 1: Product Characteristics Analysis
MACBOOK AIR M1
1. Product Selection:
When compared to the competition, the MacBook Air M1 stands out thanks to its
combination of performance, design, and Apple's sync ecosystem among other
attributes. Thanks to that, our team decided to analyze this product when compared to
other competitors. Specifically as below:
2. Technical Attributes:
Here are the technical attributes of the MacBook Air M1:
1. Display:
- Screen Size: 13.3-inch Retina display
- Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels
- Technology: LED-backlit display with IPS technology
- True Tone technology for accurate color reproduction
2. Processor:
- Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU (4 high-performance cores and 4 efficiency cores)
- 8-core GPU for graphics-intensive tasks
3. Memory and Storage:
- 8GB or 16GB unified memory (RAM)
- Solid-state drive (SSD) storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
4. Graphics:
- Apple M1 chip with 8-core GPU
5. Operating System: macOS
6. Ports and Connectivity:
- Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
- Support for charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40Gb/s), USB 3.1 Gen 2
(up to 10Gb/s)
- 3.5mm headphone jack
7. Wireless Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless networking
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology
8. Battery:
- Up to 15 hours of web browsing or up to 18 hours of video playback
- 49.9-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
9. Weight and Dimensions:
- Weight: 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg)
- Height: 0.16–0.63 inch (0.41–1.61 cm)
- Width: 11.97 inches (30.41 cm)
- Depth: 8.36 inches (21.24 cm)
(outstandings functions)
1. M1 chip: MacBook Air M1 is one of the first products to use the M1 chip developed
by Apple. The M1 chip combines CPU, GPU, memory and other components on a
single chip, delivering strong performance and good energy efficiency.
2. Outstanding performance: With the M1 chip, MacBook Air M1 provides superior
performance compared to competitors in the same segment. It is capable of handling
multitasking smoothly, running heavy applications and even graphically demanding
applications smoothly and efficiently.
3. Energy efficiency: The M1 chip is designed based on ARM architecture, providing
better energy efficiency than previous versions. MacBook Air M1 is energy efficient
and offers longer battery life than many competitors.
3. Aesthetic Factors:
The MacBook Air M1, which will be released in late 2020, sports a clean and simple
design that has become synonymous with Apple's aesthetic philosophy. Its design
features clean lines, a slim profile, and a focus on simplicity and beauty. Let's take a
look at the aesthetics of the MacBook Air M1, its visual appeal, and how aesthetics
influence consumer perception.
● Design: The MacBook Air M1 has a unibody aluminum chassis, which not only
increases longevity but also contributes to its premium appearance and feel. The
overall design is slim and lightweight, making it incredibly portable and convenient
to transport. The tapered edges and rounded corners of the laptop give it a clean and
elegant appearance.
● Visual Appeal: The visual attraction of the MacBook Air M1 stems from its clean
and minimalist design language. The lack of visible screws, color and finish
homogeneity, and the modest Apple emblem on the lid all contribute to a sense of
harmony and cohesion. The thin design and edge-to-edge Retina display of the
laptop add to its visual appeal, providing an immersive viewing experience.
●
Aesthetics and Consumer Perception: Aesthetics influence consumer perception
and can have a substantial impact on purchasing decisions. The MacBook Air M1
is no exception to Apple's long-standing emphasis on design and aesthetics. The
laptop's sleek and attractive design provides a sense of refinement and modernity,
which may appeal to consumers who value style and fashion.
Finally, the MacBook Air M1 features a design that is both visually appealing and
consistent with Apple's design philosophy. Its elegant lines, thin profile, and premium
materials add to the feeling of elegance and class. These visual components, together
with Apple's brand name, can have a considerable impact on consumer perception,
making the MacBook Air M1 an appealing alternative for people looking for a
fashionable and high-quality laptop.
4. Product Economic Life:
A MacBook Air M1's expected economic life might change based on a number of
variables, including usage habits, changes in technology, and individual preferences.
We can, however, approximate broadly taking into account elements like robustness,
deterioration, and possible obsolescence.
● Durability: The MacBook Air M1 is renowned for its sturdy construction and longlasting components. The aluminum unibody design offers a strong and resilient
chassis that is suitable for daily usage. The MacBook Air M1 can survive for several
years without suffering substantial physical damage with the right handling and
care.
● Wear and Tear: All electrical devices will show signs of wear and tear with time.
The degree of usage, the surroundings, and upkeep can all have an impact on how
long a component lasts, including the battery, keyboard, and trackpad. Nonetheless,
given Apple's focus on quality and the general dependability of their goods, it
appears that the MacBook Air M1 can endure frequent use for a considerable
amount of time.
● Technological Obsolescence: Because technology is developing quickly, a gadget
may become outdated due to changing hardware and software requirements. In
order to prolong the useful life of their products, Apple usually offers software
updates for a number of years. The switch to Apple Silicon and the M1 processor
also guarantees future macOS upgrades and apps made for the M1 architecture will
work together. It's crucial to remember, nevertheless, that the MacBook Air M1 can
eventually run out of power to effectively manage the demands of the newest
software and apps when newer technologies become available.
With these things taken into account, a MacBook Air M1's economic life should be
estimated to be between five and seven years. This estimate is based on the assumption
of consistent use, appropriate upkeep, and flexibility to accommodate changing
software needs. It's important to note that different people may have different
experiences, and that the real lifespan of the item might be impacted by things like usage
habits, developments in technology, and shifting user requirements.
5. Product Reliability:
The MacBook Air M1 has generally received positive customer reviews and high
reliability ratings.
● Customer Reviews: The MacBook Air M1 has garnered positive reviews from
consumers and IT enthusiasts. Its outstanding performance and power efficiency
have received accolades from many users. Because the M1 chip combines a potent
CPU, GPU, and machine learning capabilities, it performs multiple tasks fluidly
and quickly. Long battery life and enhanced heat management of the MacBook Air
M1 have also been praised.
● Reliability Ratings: Apple goods, like the MacBook Air M1, have a reputation for
being dependable and well-built, while exact dependability ratings may differ. A
steady and dependable user experience is facilitated by the M1 chip's thermal
efficiency and Apple's control over the integration of hardware and software.
● Known Issues or Recalls: There were no widespread or significant known issues
or recalls associated with the MacBook Air M1 reported by Apple. However, it's
crucial to remain current with the most recent information from reliable technical
media or Apple's official sources.
Comparing the product reliability of the MacBook Air M1 with its competitors in the
laptop industry
● MacBook Air M1
- Customer Reviews: MacBook Air M1 has generally received positive reviews
for its reliability. Apple's commitment to hardware and software integration
often leads to well-optimized, stable systems.
- Known Issues: While no product is entirely issue-free, MacBook Air M1 has
fewer known reliability problems compared to some competitors.
- Company Reputation: Apple is widely recognized for producing reliable and
long-lasting devices.
● Dell:
- Customer Reviews: Dell laptops, especially those in the Latitude and XPS series,
receive favorable reliability ratings. Dell's commitment to business-class laptops
often results in reliable machines.
- Known Issues: Dell laptops, like any others, may face occasional issues,
including driver and hardware-related problems.
- Company Reputation: Dell is known for delivering reliable and robust laptops,
particularly in the business and professional segment.
● HP:
-
Customer Reviews: HP laptops, such as models from the EliteBook series,
receive mixed reviews, with some praising their reliability, while others report
issues.
- Known Issues: HP laptops may encounter hardware and driver-related issues.
- Company Reputation: HP is generally seen as a reliable laptop manufacturer,
especially in the business and consumer sectors.
● Lenovo:
- Customer Reviews: Lenovo laptops, particularly those in the ThinkPad series,
enjoy a strong reputation for reliability and longevity.
- Known Issues: While Lenovo laptops can still experience issues, they tend to be
fewer in number and less severe compared to many competitors.
- Company Reputation: Lenovo is widely recognized for producing durable and
reliable laptops, especially for business and professional use.
6. Product Safety:
● Safety Features:
The MacBook Air M1 incorporates various safety features to ensure a secure
user experience. Some of these features include:
- Secure Enclave: The M1 chip includes a secure enclave for data encryption and
security.
- Secure Boot: It uses a secure boot process to verify the integrity of the operating
system.
- Privacy Features: Features like hardware microphone and camera indicators
enhance user privacy.
- Fingerprint and Face Recognition: The MacBook Air M1 includes Touch ID for
secure biometric authentication.
- Activation Lock: This feature links the laptop to the user's Apple ID, making it
more challenging for thieves to resell stolen devices.
● Safety Certifications:
Apple typically obtains various safety certifications for its products:
- CE Marking (Europe): Indicates conformity with European safety standards.
- FCC Certification (U.S.): Ensures compliance with Federal Communications
Commission regulations.
- ENERGY STAR: Demonstrates energy efficiency and environmental
responsibility.
- RoHS: Compliance with restrictions on hazardous substances.
● Potential Risks:
While MacBook Air M1 is designed with safety in mind, potential risks may
include:
-
Data Breach: If the user's account credentials are compromised, sensitive data
may be at risk.
Physical Damage: Like any laptop, the MacBook Air M1 can suffer damage from
falls, spills, or physical stress.
Battery Safety: Lithium-ion batteries carry a risk of overheating or swelling,
although Apple has safety mechanisms in place.
Vulnerabilities: Software vulnerabilities may be exploited by malicious actors,
although Apple regularly releases security updates to mitigate these risks.
● Company's Commitment to Product Safety:
Apple is known for its commitment to product safety. The company invests significantly
in research and development to ensure that its products meet safety standards and
regulations.
- Regular Updates: Apple issues regular software updates to address security
vulnerabilities, enhancing the overall safety of its products.
- Environmental Responsibility: By designing energy-efficient devices and using
sustainable materials, Apple demonstrates a commitment to both user safety and
environmental safety.
- Transparency: Apple is known for its transparency in disclosing security
vulnerabilities and addressing them promptly.
- Customer Support: Apple offers customer support and warranties to address any
issues related to product safety, including battery concerns and hardware defects.
7. Level of Pollution Caused by Product:
To evaluate the pollution level of MacBook Air M1 based on the factors you mentioned,
we consider the following:
● Emissions:
- Apple has announced that it has reduced carbon emissions in the production of the
MacBook Air M1 thanks to the use of 100% recycled aluminum alloy.
- They have also committed to fully using renewable energy in their manufacturing
plants, reducing emissions from energy sources.
●
Energy efficiency:
- The M1 chip is designed for high performance and low power consumption. This
not only helps the device have longer battery life but also reduces energy consumption
during use.
● Recyclability:
- Apple has invested heavily in recycling materials and equipment. MacBook Air
M1 uses recycled aluminum, helping to reduce the environmental impact of raw
material mining.
- Apple also has a recycling program for old products, helping to recover and reuse
many materials.
● Product contribution to pollution:
- With measures such as the use of renewable energy, recycled aluminum and the
efficient M1 chip, the MacBook Air M1 appears to have a reduced environmental
impact compared to previous models and some competitors.
●
Sustainability:
- Sustainability is not only related to production but also to the longevity of the
product. M1, with its performance, can extend the service life of MacBook Air, reduce
the need for frequent replacement, and reduce the amount of electronic waste.
In summary, the MacBook Air M1, under Apple's leadership, has made many
significant improvements in environmental protection compared to previous models
and competitors. However, like all electronic products, it still has an impact on the
environment.
8. Product Usability:
The MacBook Air M1 is a popular choice among consumers due to its practicality and
user-friendly design. Let's assess its usability by looking at criteria like userfriendliness, setup convenience, user interface, and user-centered design features.
● User-Friendliness: The MacBook Air M1 is intended to be user-friendly,
especially for those who are unfamiliar with the Apple environment. The setup
procedure is simple and easy, leading customers through the procedures required to
get the laptop up and running. The macOS operating system provides a uniform and
familiar user experience across Apple devices, allowing customers to readily adjust
to the MacBook Air M1, particularly if they have previously used Apple products.
● Ease of Setup: In general, setting up the MacBook Air M1 is a breeze. The laptop
comes with macOS preinstalled, and the initial setup procedure consists of easy
steps like connecting to a Wi-Fi network, signing in with an Apple ID, and
personalizing settings. Users can easily transfer their data and settings from an
existing Mac or iOS device using Apple's migration tools and iCloud services,
greatly simplifying the setup procedure.
● User Interface: The MacBook Air M1 runs macOS, which is well-known for its
user-friendly interface. The operating system includes a dock for easy access to
frequently used applications, a top-of-the-screen menu bar for system settings and
notifications, and a desktop environment for organizing files and folders. The
macOS interface integrates familiar movements, like multi-touch trackpad gestures
and smooth scrolling, to improve the user experience and make navigation easier.
● User-Centered Design Features: To improve usability, Apple has included
various user-centered design elements into the MacBook Air M1. The Retina
display, which provides clear and colorful visuals, makes it easier for consumers to
read text, view photographs, and watch movies. The MacBook Air M1 also has a
backlit keyboard, which improves visibility in low-light situations.
Overall, the user-friendly design of the MacBook Air M1 is exemplified by its ease of
setup, intuitive user interface, and user-centered features. Apple's focus on usability
guarantees that consumers can immediately adapt to the laptop, effectively manage the
operating system, and enjoy a seamless experience within the larger Apple ecosystem.
9. Economy Regarding Product Usage:
1. Purchase Price:
The MacBook Air M1 is known for its premium pricing. The exact cost may
vary depending on the specific model and configuration, but it generally falls in the
higher price range for laptops.
2. Maintenance and Repairs:
Maintenance and repair costs for the MacBook Air M1 are typically lower
compared to some other laptops. This is partly due to Apple's commitment to build
durable and reliable products.
Apple provides a one-year limited warranty and the option to purchase
AppleCare for extended coverage. The cost of AppleCare varies based on the specific
MacBook model.
It's worth noting that Apple's build quality and integrated hardware/software
often result in fewer maintenance issues.
3. Operating Costs:
Operating costs for the MacBook Air M1 are relatively low compared to many
alternatives. The M1 chip is highly energy-efficient, leading to extended battery life and
lower electricity consumption.
MacOS, the operating system, receives regular updates at no additional cost,
enhancing security and performance over time.
Productivity software like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are available for free, reducing
the need for additional software purchases.
4. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO):
The TCO for the MacBook Air M1 includes the purchase price,
maintenance/repair costs, and operating costs over the expected ownership period.
Apple's laptops are known for their longevity, which can contribute to a lower
TCO over time compared to cheaper laptops that may need replacement sooner.
5. Comparison to Alternatives:
When comparing the MacBook Air M1 to alternatives, it's essential to consider
the specific use case. While the MacBook Air M1 may have a higher initial cost, it can
provide better long-term value.
Cheaper laptops might have a lower upfront cost but could result in higher TCO
due to faster obsolescence and maintenance needs.