Should You Buy a MacBook for Your Studies? 3 Things to Consider

One tech gadget that every college student can probably benefit from is a laptop. No matter what degree you’re pursuing, you’ll likely need a laptop to write essays, attend online classes, and submit assignments through submission portals like Google Classroom and Canvas.

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For many students, the MacBook is a popular choice, myself included. After all, it’s hard to resist the allure of that ideal study aesthetic: a MacBook, textbooks, and an iced coffee in a cozy coffee shop or library. While a MacBook may seem like the perfect college companion, it may not be the best choice for you. Unfortunately, many students realize this too late and end up regretting purchasing a MacBook instead of a PC that would better suit their needs.

So, if you’re gearing up for the new school year and considering buying a MacBook, here are some questions you might want to ask yourself, as well as some factors you should consider before heading to the Apple Store.

One of the most important questions you should ask yourself is whether you “want” a MacBook for your studies or whether you “need” one. Remember, there is a huge difference between the two! With high tuition fees around the world, most students are looking for an affordable and durable device. While MacBooks are generally durable when treated well, they don’t necessarily fall into the cheap category.

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Take some time to think about the tasks you’ll be performing on your laptop. Could you do those tasks just as easily on another laptop? For example, if you’re in an engineering program and plan to go into app development, a MacBook might be beneficial in the long run, as you might decide to develop iOS apps. If portability is important and you plan to work on the go, the lightweight design of a MacBook might be right for you.

However, if you’re just planning on writing an essay or attending a Zoom meeting every now and then, it’s probably not worth spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a MacBook. Google Chromebooks are packed with great features that should meet all your basic needs as a student and are some of the best laptops you can get without breaking the bank.

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If you’ve decided that you need a MacBook and you don’t want just any model, the next step is to determine if it’s right for your field of study. Unfortunately, some software and programs that you might need for your major aren’t yet optimized for macOS. This can be a major problem, especially if you’re a STEM student.

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For example, if you are a computer science student and your program involves a lot of programming. For example, in my particular program, we started with C, and my university limited us to coding on a program called Dev C++ only, which is not available on macOS. While an easy alternative is to use an IDE available on macOS like VS Code, you won’t always find alternatives for university-specific programs.

In such situations, unless you have a spare Windows PC handy, the only option you’ll have left is dual-booting, which is basically running Windows on your MacBook. While this allows you to easily run Windows-exclusive software on your Mac and then switch to macOS when you’re done, it can affect your Mac’s performance. So, before you buy a Mac in a program that requires PC programs, decide whether you’re comfortable with dual-booting.

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If none of these options work for you, check to see if your institution offers access to Windows PCs on campus. Ultimately, you need to evaluate what software your program will potentially need. While it shouldn’t be too much of a problem if your program requires one or two Windows-specific programs, the constant search for other options could outweigh the benefits of using a Mac.

If a MacBook is compatible with your chosen academic program, the last thing to consider is whether it’s the right choice for you. While Apple products can be used separately, they really shine when used together. One of the main reasons I chose a MacBook, despite being a STEM major, was because I already owned an iPhone, iPad, and AirPods.

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Even if you only own an iPhone or iPad, you’ll still be able to take advantage of Continuity features like AirDrop and Universal Clipboard, two features I can’t imagine living without these days. The ease with which I can copy a paragraph on my MacBook and then paste it into my digital notebook on my iPad is unmatched. These features may seem minor, but they’ve had a huge impact on my productivity. So if a MacBook meets your academic needs, I recommend it if you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Another important thing to consider is your interests outside of academia. For example, if you’re into gaming, know that while Apple has made strides in improving the gaming experience on MacBooks, it still falls short of the mark when it comes to gaming PCs or laptops. A PC can easily meet both your educational and gaming needs, so it may be a better option for you.

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MacBooks are certainly a great investment, but they are often more expensive. While a MacBook may be worth it to some, it may not be worth it to you. Before you rush out and buy one, make sure to consider all of the factors I mentioned above. A good laptop can last for years, but you want to make sure it meets your needs. Otherwise, you may end up with a spare laptop, wasted money, and a lot of regret.