MacBook Air for college?

[Anonymous]

Planning to buy my HS senior a new new laptop for college. He wants an Apple and I don't know anything about them, I've only ever bought/used Windows based laptops and I don't have an iPhone (he does). I asked him to do some research and I'm also doing a little myself but I'd love to hear from other people with more experience/knowledge of Apple products.

I'm reading a lot of articles that recommend the MacBook Air. I see that Apple hasn't made a new version in a few years, is this still considered a smart choice? The battery life is pretty amazing and it's small and lightweight - perfect for hauling to classes/library/etc.

[Anonymous]

I LOVE my MacBook Air. However, please have him find out whether his college’s IT is compatible with Mac if he will need to download any software for his classes. Some unis say their required software programs can’t be installed on a Mac. Assuming that’s all good, I would buy the lightest new MacBook you can find. Make sure to buy a good carrying sleeve to go with it so it doesn’t get banged up while he hauls it around.

[Anonymous]

Apple product is a safe bet for college because 1.) longevity (got my mac air since 2014 and still running strong); 2.) not as prone to viruses; 3.) syncs with your son's iphone. However, make sure if he'll be doing any graphic/software intensive coursework during college, like if he is majoring in computer engineering or graphic design. That will require a stronger processor, i.e., the Macbook Pro, which you already should know is leaps and bounds more expensive. One downside of Macs is that it might potentially not be compatible with a lot of hardware and software used by the school or other classmate , but that was when I was in college which was more than 10 years ago.

[Anonymous]

If your kid is accident prone, doesn't take very good care of their stuff, or loses things I wouldn't go the Air route. It's an awesome computer, but if your kid isn't going to take care of it you may be better off another route. Sony's are decent systems, and similar to Mac's in many ways, just without the huge price tag.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the suggestion, I will make sure we check with his school before purchasing anything; hadn't thought about that!

He wont' be doing any computer engineering or graphic design stuff so no worries there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the suggestion, I will make sure we check with his school before purchasing anything; hadn't thought about that!

He wont' be doing any computer engineering or graphic design stuff so no worries there.

His school may have deals.

[Anonymous]

I would do a MacBook Pro vs an Air. The Pro will get him through 4 years of college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would do a MacBook Pro vs an Air. The Pro will get him through 4 years of college.

This. I'd get a Pro - mid level specs. They last much longer than PC's now. I have a MacBook and it is nice but really underpowered compared to the MacBook Pro's. At the time the Pro's were very heavy but they have changed. The screen and other features are much better on the Pro Vs. Air, but the Air is a nice computer. Get a really good hard case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would do a MacBook Pro vs an Air. The Pro will get him through 4 years of college.

OP here, the Air won't? The Pro is more expensive, wasn't sure if it was worth it. FTR, he currently has a $400 HP that he's had since 9th grade and he's never had a problem with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I LOVE my MacBook Air. However, please have him find out whether his college’s IT is compatible with Mac if he will need to download any software for his classes. Some unis say their required software programs can’t be installed on a Mac. Assuming that’s all good, I would buy the lightest new MacBook you can find. Make sure to buy a good carrying sleeve to go with it so it doesn’t get banged up while he hauls it around.

The spec's on the MacBook are not that great. Mine is great but if I was doing school work or a job on it, I'd want better. The new Pro's are very lightweight now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I LOVE my MacBook Air. However, please have him find out whether his college’s IT is compatible with Mac if he will need to download any software for his classes. Some unis say their required software programs can’t be installed on a Mac. Assuming that’s all good, I would buy the lightest new MacBook you can find. Make sure to buy a good carrying sleeve to go with it so it doesn’t get banged up while he hauls it around.

The spec's on the MacBook are not that great. Mine is great but if I was doing school work or a job on it, I'd want better. The new Pro's are very lightweight now.

You can dual boot your Mac to a PC computer.

[Anonymous]

My college junior has a MacBook Air she got during senior year of high school - it is perfectly fine for her for writing papers and creating presentations in a non-STEM field. I expect it to last until the end of college and beyond. Kids in certain majors are going to need a computer with more oomph.

I think Apple has been focusing their updates on the MacBook and MacBook Pro. A MacBook is somewhere in between price wise.

[Anonymous]

I got my DD a Mac Air for her 16th birthday. She turned 21 last month and it is now giving her problems, so that's a pretty long run for a teen/college student.

We're getting another one. Buy it online at the Apple site for students to get a discount of about 15 percent.

https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would do a MacBook Pro vs an Air. The Pro will get him through 4 years of college.

+1 DS had a MacBook Air for about 2 years and would definitely not recommend it. If he really wants a Mac rather than a Windows machine, spend the extra and get the MacBook Pro.

[Anonymous]

I had a MacBook Pro bought in 2013 and had hard drive and keyboard problems by 2017. I had to replace the hardrive $300 and then the keyboard needed to get replaced for $500. I decided to buy a MacBook Air instead. I’ve it for a year so all I can say is I would not get another MacBook Pro. However, the air I bought was made in 2015 so technically my laptop is 3 years old now. I highly suggest getting him a non Apple product. Apple products are expensive and not all will last you so long. My friend had a 2014 MacBook Pro and she already needed to buy another one too.