Is Macbook Air Or Pro Better For College

Do Macbook Laptops Have Good Battery Life

Yes, they do. Modern Macbook laptops, be they Macbook Pros or Macbook Airs, boast excellent lithium batteries that can last at least nine or ten hours without needing a recharge. This long battery life makes them great for college students, as do their gorgeous Retina screens. If you go to school, a Macbook is a fine choice as they can run Apples entire line of software.

Apple Macbook Pro Pricing And Configuration

I had a blast reviewing the $1,899 configuration of the MacBook Pro which has the new Apple M1 SoC, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and Apple M1 graphics. The base model costs $1,299 and has the Apple M1 SoC , 8GB and a 256GB SSD. The $2,299 version bumps the storage up to 2TB. Each laptop comes with a 13-inch, 2560 x 1600 Retina display.

Best Large Screen: 16

Internally, the second-generation 16-inch MacBook Pro is the best MacBook you can currently buy. Like the 14-inch MacBook Pro , this model offers an M1 Pro or M1 Max SoC with up to 64GB of unified memory and 8TB of SSD storage. That’s a lot of storage for your photos and videos. In addition, you can get up to a 10-core CPU and 32-core GPU.

But there’s much more. The latest 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with a Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. It’s also packed with up to 21 hours of battery life between charges and comes with an all-new 1080p FaceTime HD camera with an advanced image signal processor and computational video.

The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook models , some of the best MacBooks available, also see the return of MagSafe, HDMI port, and an SDXC card slot, besides its three Thunderbolt 4 ports. If you’re looking for any negatives, understand this is the heaviest MacBook Pro in many years . It’s also costly, even at the base level.

Read Also: Uei Accreditation

Is Macbook Air Or Pro Better For College

We might be experiencing tough times, but its becoming more and more exciting to look for a new MacBook for college now that Apple has been busy working on its latest M1 chips.

You are reading: Is MacBook Air Or Pro Better For College?

Since the launch of M1, also known as Apple Silicon chip, a new development regarding performance to battery life ratio has been the news around hyper-portable ultrabooks.

Since Apple Silicon chips can maximize performance while maintaining a low power consumption, it perfectly suits a college students needs.

In this article, I will provide in-depth information about Apples new M1 chips and reasons as to why this is the best processor to go in choosing a MacBook for college use.

I decided to write about this topic because this question is the one I am being asked a lot. For example, recently I received this email:

Hello, dear friend! I cant decide what to buy for my girlfriend as a gift: MBP or MBA 256 GB. Although my girlfriend needs nothing but a browser, easy photo editing, office work, and movie watching. I want my computer to last longer and given the trends in application development, it may be more profitable to take on more power, as the power consumption of applications increases every year. What do you think?

If you are curious to know what this guy ended up buying, then scroll to the bottom of the post.

Macbook Air Vs Pro: Which Should You Buy

The Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are both fantastic laptops that are better than ever thanks to Apple silicon and the magic keyboard. Comparing the laptops is tough, but you’ll need to know exactly what each is capable of when deciding which one is right for you.

The choice is now more complicated due to the multiple models available in the lineup. There’s the MacBook Air M1 and the entry-level MacBook Pro M1 but also the newer $1,999 MacBook Pro 14-inch, which offers M1 Pro/M1 Max chips that are more powerful than the M1 in the 13-inch MacBook Pro, a larger mini-LED display, more ports and a sharper 1080p webcam.

There’s also a new 16-inch MacBook Pro with all of the same upgrades plus a larger, sharper display and longer battery life.

Apple’s reaping the rewards of ditching Intel’s processors for its own Apple silicon and the results are staggering, ensuring all of these laptops have a spot in our best laptop list. As we’ve seen in our MacBook Air with M1 review and MacBook Pro with M1 review, upgrading these MacBooks with Apple silicon has given them surprising speed and crazy battery life.

• These are the best laptops to buy now

You May Like: Umaine Bookstore Buyback

Macbook Air Or Macbook Pro: Which Is Best

Both the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro are excellent laptops in their own right, but which one to opt for depends on what youll be using it for.

• The Air is the thinnest, and it’s lighter than the Pro models
• The Air is a better choice for simple day-to-day use such as browsing and email
• The 13-inch Pro is the cheapest Pro model
• The Pro 16-inch is the most expensive model, aimed at design professionals
• The Air only comes with a 13-inch screen, whereas the Pro comes in either 13 or 16-inch sizes, both with sub-variants for processors and RAM
• All Pro models now have the unique Touch Bar above the keyboard

Both the Pro and the Air are beautifully designed and offer excellent battery life, at around 15 17 hours between charges. This makes them excellent travel companions, no matter which model you go for.

As for which is best? Weve got you covered. Our guide will help you work out exactly which model will work best for you.

How To Choose The Best College Laptop For You

Portability and battery life are often more important than performance, screen quality, or any other attribute when you’re shopping for a laptop that’s great for school. Luckily we put every laptop we review through our Tom’s Guide battery test, which involves continuously browsing the web over Wi-Fi with the screen brightness set to 150 nits.

Based on those results, we recommend budget shoppers consider purchasing the Acer Aspire 5, Asus Chromebook Flip C434 and Microsoft Surface Go 2, as all come in at less than $600 and that’s with the Surface Go 2’s Type Cover Keyboard . Picking between these three is simple. If you prioritize performance, get the Aspire 5. Need a Chromebook? The Flip C434’s your next laptop. Want a tablet? Go get a Surface Go 2.

The next price tier of laptops, both under $700, has the Acer Swift 3 and the Google Pixelbook Go, which brings up an interesting choice. The Swift 3 is fast for its price tag, but its screen is not that bright. If you can do all your school work via Chrome and Android, the Pixelbook Go’s premium build and excellent screen are a solid combination.

Read Also: Ashworth College Scam

The Pros And Cons Of A Mac For College

If youre wondering Should I get a Mac for college? there are a few things to look for, which may indicate this technology is the best choice for you.

Macs are fantastic, innovative tools. Apple was one of the first companies to invent the GUI-based technology which makes it easy to run your computer programs and access features on your device. It took nearly two years for Microsoft to replicate the same system.

Macs have an excellent design, and a fantastic commitment to support, with things like the Genius lab, where you can take your device if it stops working. Macs are also great for connecting with your iPhone if you want to share files between your laptop and mobile device.

So, are Macs good for college?

Here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Macs are excellent for security and data protection. Theyre way ahead of Windows and PC makers in this environment.
• Mac operating systems are generally more stable and run faster than Windows. Not everyone loves a Windows operating system.
• Macs usually boot faster than PCs, and generally have fewer issues with drivers.
• Macs are great for running fast-paced applications for graphic design and animation.
• Macs look beautiful although this wont be an important factor for everyone, its great to be proud of your computer.
• Macs can run windows software , while also accessing a range of solutions only available for Apple users.

Cons:

MacBook Pro:

You Get Magsafe Charging On Air Not On Pro

Youd think this is a joke, but for the first time, a MacBook Pro is lagging behind its Air counterpart in many areas, especially the ports and connectivity. Apple brought back the popular MagSafe charging port with the M1 Max/Pro MacBook Pro in 2021, leaving out the USB-C ports for connecting your docks or SSDs. Most people, including me, expected to see the same tech for 2022 MacBooks, but it turned out worse.

The 2022 MacBook Air M2 has a MagSafe 3 charging connector, which leaves out two USB C ports unused so that you can connect multiple displays and USB docks to them. But Apple intentionally didnt include a MagSafe connector for the MacBook Pro M2 they just ridiculed the demand for a better MacBook Pro this year. You will be left with one vacant USB port if you plan to buy the new MacBook Pro and plug it in while using it.

Related:10 Best MagSafe USB-C Adapters for MacBooks & iPads

Recommended Reading: Cheapest Universities In Illinois

Mac Mini Best Mac For Students On A Budget

The Mac mini is another budget device by Apple thats great for homeschoolers and students on distant learning programs. This small and light desktop computer packs a lot of power in it and is a great alternative for those who want that special Apple experience for little money. Prices start from $699.

Weve chosen the M1 version here, because its so well priced, and it uses Apple fast, future-proof chip. But you can still buy a more expensive Mac mini with a six-core Intel Core i5 processor. In some cases that might be a better option, like if you want to run Windows in Boot Camp.

But for most people, the M1 Mac mini will be ideal. As well as the Apple processor, it comes with a 256GB SSD configurable up to 2TB, and 8GB of unified memory.

The only downside is that the Mac mini doesnt come with a display. However, you can connect two displays at a time: one with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz via Thunderbolt and another with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz via HDMI. It also has a couple of traditional USB-A ports for peripherals and so on.

Macbook Air I5 13 For College

Award:BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly laptop that still packs a wallop, with 8GB of RAM, an Intel Core i5 processor, 128GB of solid-state storage, and a fantastic battery that can go nearly 12 hours without needing a recharge.

• Speakers on the weaker side
• Over 4lb

This Macbook Air comes in at a budget-conscious price while still offering features in line with some of the newer and more expensive models, including a powerful Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of dedicated RAM, and 128GB of solid-state storage. We also appreciated the excellent lithium battery, which can last up to twelve hours before needing to hit a power outlet for a recharge.

Due to the fact that this is an older budget Macbook Air, the speakers have not been updated and, as such, are on the weaker side. Also, this is a fairly heavy Macbook, clocking in at nearly 4.5 pounds.

You May Like: Size Of Dorm Room

Asus Chromebook Flip C: The Best Chromebook For Students

Another solid Chromebook option is the Asus Flip C436. Its significantly more affordable than the Pixelbook, and it has the added benefit of a two-in-one design. The Flip C436 has a 14-inch screen, and the extra real estate might make a difference. Youll also get one year of access to Google One when you grab a Flip C436, which means an additional 100GB of free cloud storage.

The C436 finds a spot on many of our best Chromebook lists, and it is one of the finest Chromebook offerings available right now. Asus makes some great laptops, and the C436 is proof its Chromebook offerings are equally as impressive. You can pick between an Intel Core i3 or i5 CPU.

Best Laptops For College Students In 2021

MacBook Air M1

Pro 13-inch

ThinkPad X1 Nano

The best laptops for college students are powerful enough to let you tackle all your school projects, with enough portability and power capacity to get you through a full day of classes. Whether you’re going back to school in person or attending classes remotely, having the right laptop is key.

Our best college laptop picks all share a few common traits. They have excellent battery life, which is crucial when running between classes on campus all day. These laptops are also affordable, with many models under $1000 though we’ve also listed some higher-priced laptops that are great investments.

• The best laptops you can buy now
• Don’t miss our guide to the

If you’re worried about spending over $1,000, know that our picks are made with your future in mind. The MacBook Pro isn’t cheap, for example, but mine has lasted for 8 years, which is enough time for undergrad and graduate school .

Read on for our picks of the best college laptops you can buy now.

Also Check: Bachelor’s Degree In Mortuary Science

Which Macbook Is Best For You

Of course, MacBook Air is the best for college students.

Since it can maintain multiple processes without consuming too much power, you can certainly never go wrong with it, especially if you are in the middle of your research, project, or conference call.

In addition, since Apple ditched the Butterfly keyboard from previous MacBook iterations, typing on its Magic Keyboard can reinvigorate your pleasure in typing on a MacBook.

However, the MacBook Air may fall short when it comes to more demanding tasks such as video editing or 3D rendering. It is still not a one-size-fits-all MacBook for everyone.

While it is true that it is the best choice for most college students, different fields of study will require additional and specific computing needs.

True enough, Apple has different MacBook versions and configurations that can satisfy these various needs.

From screen size to graphics requirement, Apple MacBooks are built to function seamlessly for specific situations.

The following will tackle different configurations and specifications that can be best suggested for other college students.

What Is The Best Macbook For College

The best Macbook for education depends on the student and what they are looking for. No matter your preferences, however, you cant go wrong with a powerful processor, plenty of RAM, and a large SSD, offering 256GB of storage or more. Youll also want to make sure the laptop is as light as possible, for the purposes of transport. Make sure the Macbook you choose features a Magic Keyboard and Touch ID, in addition to offering the ability to run the latest Mac operating system.

You May Like: How To Build Credit In College

Macbook Pro I5 13 For College

Award:BEST VALUE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-conscious Macbook with a suite of powerful features, such as an Intel Dual-Core i5 processor, 8GB of dedicated RAM, and 256GB of solid-state storage.

• Retina display is gorgeous, but only 13.3
• Upgrades must be conducted at point of purchase

This Macbook Pro ships at a value-friendly price while offering a robust feature set in line with more expensive competitors, including a powerful 10th gen 2.7 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor that can turbo boost up to 3.1 GHz. The related specs are also decent, thanks to 8GB of dedicated RAM, 256GB of solid-state storage, and a lithium battery that can last up to ten hours on a single charge.

Though the Retina display on this 13-inch Macbook Pro is gorgeous, it is on the smaller side, at only 13.3-inches wide. Additionally, any upgrades you want to perform to the RAM or storage must be done at the point of purchase, due to the fused nature of the design.

Difference Between Macbook Air And Macbook Pro

The main difference between Apples MacBook Air and MacBook Pro is that the current MacBook Air is a fanless system while the MacBook Pro uses a fan for its CPU for an active cooling system.

The MacBook Air is slightly lighter than the MacBook Pro because it does not have a fan to blow out the heat from its CPU.

Instead, it uses MacBooks Aluminum Apple UniBody chassis technology, which dissipates the CPUs heat, keeping it cool even under heavy load.

This is possible due to Apples new low-powered silicon chips. It can perform heavy tasks without much heat, rendering fans on the MacBook Air obsolete.

However, the MacBook Pro can better maintain peak performance without throttling due to CPU heat when doing heavy tasks.

Don’t Miss: What Size Are Dorm Room Mattresses

The Most Important Features To Consider