if you are going to get the base model, the m1 has a batter value and a better performance than the m2.

How did that happen ? are u using a case for the laptop ? because it can break the screen avoid using one, and no if you take care of it wont spread.

True, i remember m1 8gb vs 16gb had no difference in performance, but here with the m3, the gap is huge, most likely apple limited the swap speed to push people to buy high end models.