Why You Should Buy a Used MacBook Air 13" M1 (2020) Japan Set

Despite newer MacBook models entering the market, the MacBook Air 13" M1 (2020) remains one of the most celebrated laptops Apple has ever released. The Japan Set version offers the same great performance with the added appeal of a Japanese JIS keyboard layout and premium build quality. Buying one used is a practical choice for budget-conscious users who want strong performance without the new-unit price tag.

The MacBook Air M1 2020 is iconic because it was the first MacBook equipped with Apple's revolutionary M1 chipset, marking the start of Apple's move away from Intel to its own custom silicon. With its unified memory architecture, 8-core CPU, and a 7-core or 8-core GPU depending on configuration, the M1 chip delivers strong speed and responsiveness while keeping power consumption low — efficient enough that the machine stays completely fanless, running silently even under everyday workloads. RAM configurations run from 8GB up to 16GB, with storage options from 256GB up to 2TB, so you can pick a unit that matches how much you actually need to store rather than paying for space you won't use.

For everyday use — browsing, office work, studying, video streaming, and light creative tasks — the MacBook Air M1 handles everything with ease, and it's capable of 4K video and photo editing thanks to its GPU and optimized system architecture. The 13.3-inch Retina display runs at 2560x1600 resolution with True Tone support, keeping colours accurate whether you're editing photos or watching videos. Battery life is rated for up to 18 hours of video playback on a single charge, and connectivity includes two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, a headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0.

The Japan Set version's main draw is its JIS keyboard layout. It has two dedicated keys beside the spacebar for switching input language — one instantly switches to English, the other to Japanese, without cycling through settings menus. It also has a dedicated Yen key next to Return, a taller L-shaped Return key, and a separate key for the @ symbol. If you regularly type in Japanese, this layout is genuinely more convenient than switching input modes on a standard keyboard.

This model also runs on stable, well-optimized macOS software, so you can use the latest apps and updates without any issues. Apple continues to provide regular macOS updates and security patches for it, keeping the machine secure and current well after the point of purchase, even on a secondhand unit.

The MacBook Air's design remains thin, light, and easy to carry — at only 1.29 kg, it suits commuting students, travellers, and professionals who need a laptop that doesn't weigh them down. It's available in Gold, Silver, and Space Gray finishes, and the aluminum chassis still looks and feels current years after release.

Overall, the used MacBook Air 13" M1 (2020) Japan Set offers solid performance, dependable software support, and a distinct keyboard layout for anyone who specifically wants it — making it one of the better-value used laptops available today.