2022 MacBook Air

Apple just announced the "all-new 2022 MacBook Air, supercharged by the new M2 chip."

Apple's newest notebook comes with a larger 13.6" Liquid Retina display, 1080p FaceTime HD camera, three-mic array/four-speaker sound system, in a streamlined chassis that resembles the 2021 MacBook Pro but available in two new mediocre colors.¹ At the heart of the 2022 MacBook Air is the new M2 chip which boasts 18% percent faster compute, and 25% faster graphics than the previous M1; while containing the same media engine found in Apple's larger M1 Pro/Max notebooks.

Available in July, the 2022 MacBook Air is the Mac I would get provided you are not a video editor, 3D graphics professional, or need two external displays.² Just be sure to get a model with at least 512 GBs of storage, 16 GBs of RAM, and in anything but Space Grey.³

Power Adapter

As for the choice between the 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter and 67W USB-C Power Adapter, get the adapter with the higher wattage. The 67W USB-C Power Adapter can charge the 2022 MacBook Air's battery 50% in 30 minutes, and you can always charge another device by way of one of the MacBook Air's two USB Type-C ports.

AppleCare+

I don't buy AppleCare+ for my computers, and you shouldn't either. Unless you need the 24/7 expert technical support from Apple there are better extended warranties out there.

Dongles

You are going to need a USB-C to USB Adapter, but you can do better than Apple's $19.00 option with a single port. Personally I like AmazonBasics USB 3.1 Type-C to 3 Port USB Hub with Ethernet Adapter, but other models with more ports, SD card slots, and video out are also available.

Price

Dongles aside my custom 2022 MacBook Air would cost $$1,699.00. Just don't forget about the $120 off educational discount.