Apple kind of shot themselves in the foot with the M1 processor. It sounds daft but it was almost too good at launch to the point that unless you're on an ancient Intel model and desperately want the latest, $ for £ you'd be better off buying an M1 model and saving a few notes.

Refurb Apple stuff is great value for a customer. Here in the UK I can buy a refurb M1 Macbook Air with a 2-year warranty for as little as £600 and for 99% of my needs this would do the job.