Choosing the Best Mac for a College-Bound Student in 2024
Is your child heading off to college soon? Now is the perfect time to consider getting them a new Mac, especially if their current computer is old, unreliable, shared with family members, or a school loaner. If you’re unsure which Apple Mac model is the best choice, this guide will help you decide.
Check College Requirements Before Buying a Mac
Before purchasing a Mac, check with your child’s college. Some departments may have specific requirements based on the software used in classes, often involving processor type, RAM, and storage space. Most current Macs should meet or exceed these requirements. If the college requires a Windows machine, find out if it’s due to specific Windows-only software needs or just a preference for a uniform support environment. Also, see if the college offers educational pricing to save on costs. Apple’s Back to School offer offer can also provide significant savings.
Why a Laptop is Better Than a Desktop Mac for College Students
For college students, a laptop is usually a better choice than a desktop Mac. Students need the flexibility to work in various locations on campus and during breaks. Carrying around a desktop like an iMac or Mac mini can be impractical. While some students may manage with an iPad and a desktop Mac, most will benefit more from the portability of a laptop.
Check College Requirements Before Buying a Mac
Before purchasing a Mac, check with your child’s college. Some departments may have specific requirements based on the software used in classes, often involving processor type, RAM, and storage space. Most current Macs should meet or exceed these requirements. If the college requires a Windows machine, find out if it’s due to specific Windows-only software needs or just a preference for a uniform support environment. Also, see if the college offers educational pricing to save on costs. Apple’s Back to School offer can also provide significant savings.
Why a Laptop is Better Than a Desktop Mac for College Students
For college students, a laptop is usually a better choice than a desktop Mac. Students need the flexibility to work in various locations on campus and during breaks. Carrying around a desktop like an iMac or Mac mini can be impractical. While some students may manage with an iPad and a desktop Mac, most will benefit more from the portability of a laptop.
Best Mac Laptops for College Students
1. MacBook Air for Most Students
- 13-inch M1 MacBook Air (2020): This is the most budget-friendly option at $699 (available exclusively from Walmart). It’s a good choice if keeping costs down is crucial.
- 13-inch M2 MacBook Air (2022): Priced at $999, this model offers improved performance and longevity.
- 13-inch or 15-inch M3 MacBook Air (2024): The latest models, starting at $1099 and $1299 respectively, feature faster performance, a 24 GB memory ceiling, and up to 2 TB of storage. Choose the 15-inch model if a larger screen is desired.
2. MacBook Pro for Better Specs
- 14-inch MacBook Pro: Ideal for processor-intensive tasks like video editing, this model features powerful M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max chips and can be configured with more memory. It starts at $1599.
- 16-inch MacBook Pro: Suitable for students needing even more power, this model is available with M3 Pro and M3 Max configurations but is often more than most students need.
Windows Compatibility Considerations
Running Windows on Apple silicon Macs is more challenging. For essential Windows compatibility, use virtualization software like Parallels Desktop (discounted for students) or VMware Fusion (free for personal use) with the Arm version of Windows 11. If Windows compatibility is critical, consider a used Intel-based MacBook Pro or a PC laptop.
Choosing the Right Specifications
1. Processor
- 13-inch M1 MacBook Air: Comes with an 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU.
- 13-inch M2 and M3 MacBook Air: Both have an 8-core CPU, with an option to upgrade from an 8-core GPU to a 10-core GPU for $100.
- 15-inch M3 MacBook Air: Always includes a 10-core GPU.
- 14-inch MacBook Pro: Offers M3 Pro and M3 Max chip options.
2. Memory
- 13-inch M1 MacBook Air: 8 GB, suitable for most students.
- M2 and M3 MacBook Air, 14-inch MacBook Pro: 16 GB or 24 GB options. Consider 16 GB to prevent memory from becoming a performance bottleneck.
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro or M3 Max: 18 GB standard, with options to upgrade up to 128 GB depending on the chip.
3. Storage
- MacBook Air: Starts at 256 GB, upgradable to 2 TB.
- 14-inch MacBook Pro: Starts at 512 GB, upgradable to 8 TB. Choose storage based on budget and usage needs, especially for audio/video production or large photo libraries.
Recommended Mac Configuration for College Students
For most students, the best Mac is the 13-inch or 15-inch M3 MacBook Air with a 10-core GPU, 16 GB of memory, and 512 GB of storage. The 15-inch model offers a larger screen but is heavier and less portable. Don’t forget to budget for AppleCare+, to cover accidental damage.
Final Tips
Discuss with your child their specific needs and compare them with the college’s recommendations. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for further advice.
(Featured image based on an original by Apple)
