Every time a new version of the MacBook comes out, it seems like everyone is talking about how it’s overpriced and not worth the cost. I have an older MacBook— from 2016—that I’ve been using for almost six years and I love it. I’ve never felt like I needed a new one, but sometimes I wonder if there’s something special about the newer models.
The primary upgrades to the MacBook line usually happen around once a year, so this year’s model was announced in July of 2022. At first glance, most people agree that it looks pretty similar to last year’s model. The most obvious difference between them is the processor: The M2 promises 18% better CPU performance and 35% better GPU performance, with greater memory bandwidth than its predecessor. The MacBook Air 2022 also is said to have 18 hours of battery life.
When it comes to laptops, Apple is the big name. They produce quality machines that run on the Mac operating system, and come with a number of useful programs installed.
Initially, the main draw of buying a MacBook is convenience. The software that comes with the machine allows you to do all sorts of things right out of the box. If you haven’t used a Mac before, you’ll probably want to read up on it before getting started. It’s more intuitive than other types of computers, but there are still some changes that require an adjustment period.
Read our guide on how to clean a MacBook screen to keep it looking its best.
For people who use their computer for productivity and entertainment, a Mac may be worth it—but not everyone needs one. If you’re just surfing the web and checking email, there really isn’t much difference between using a Mac or any other platform for that purpose.
If you want a faster machine, they do tend to be more expensive than PCs. But if you don’t need the best specs money can buy and want something portable and user-friendly, the MacBook could be worth it.
MacBook Pros are a great laptop, but they’re not the best for everyone.
Here are some things to consider before buying one:
1) If you don’t care much about aesthetics, there are other laptops that cost less and perform just as well.
2) If you aren’t going to use your laptop for design work or photo editing, there are less expensive alternatives with much more storage space for less money.
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3) You need to really want to be committed to Apple’s software ecosystem. While it’s getting better, it’s still not perfect and there are a lot of programs that won’t run on Macs. Also, if you’re buying music from iTunes, you’ll have to buy it in iTunes format—it’s not easy or possible to convert to other formats like MP3.
4) Unless you really need the built-in trackpad (or if you already have a mouse that you love), it may be cheaper to get a Windows laptop with an external mouse and keyboard instead of paying extra for the Apple ones.
5) It can be frustrating that newer Macs don’t come with an ethernet port.
Are MacBooks worth it? Are Apple laptops worth it?
MacBooks are expensive, so it’s no surprise that there have been plenty of debates over whether they’re really worth the cost. Some people just don’t like Apple products in general, some think they’re cool but not worth the cash, and others think they’re more than worth it.
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There are a lot of different factors to consider when the question of buying a MacBook comes up, and the answer is different for everyone. To make this decision, you have to look at your own needs, your habits, and what you feel comfortable paying for in terms of technology. You’ll also want to think about how much you use your computer—if all you do on a daily basis is check email or write papers once in a while, you probably don’t need to spend as much on a computer as someone who uses theirs for work and entertainment.
Here are some areas to consider:
Are you an Apple fan?
If you love everything related to Apple, from their sleek gadgets to their beautiful minimalist design, a Mac may be the way to go for you. From the hardware to the software, everything about Macs is designed and manufactured by Apple, so you can expect a seamless experience that other computers don’t offer, including better security features, easy-to-use programs, and a sleek appearance. If you want the best of the best and can afford the higher price tag, this might be the way to go for you.
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Are you planning on using it for schoolwork?
If you’re looking for a computer that will help you with your homework or classwork—especially if it’s in an area like graphic design or architecture—a Mac may be a good choice because these programs are built specifically for Macs, which means that they’re more intuitive than working on PC software. For example, while Microsoft Word has always been the gold standard of word processors, when it comes to writing papers, Pages is better tailored to those who write in long hand first rather than typing.
Are MacBooks worth the cost? It depends.
If you’ve declared yourself an Apple person and you’re eager to go with all of their products, then yes—the brand has a reputation for being high quality, and it’s probably worth the money. However, if you’re one of those people who only buys Apple products because they’re well known for being expensive, then no—you can get about the same quality from another computer company for much less.
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I’m not just talking about the overall quality of the product; I’m talking about the actual components and the way they work together to make it what it is. For example, while I was researching this article, I saw one post on a forum comparing Windows laptops that were $500 and $1500. The $500 computer had an Intel Celeron processor (a discontinued line) which had been used in cheap computers since 2004. The $1500 laptop had an Intel Core i7 (which is the current top-of-the-line processor). When you pay more for a computer, you’re not just paying for having a fancy name or cool design; you’re paying for better technology that will perform faster and be more reliable over time. So even though Apple computers are more expensive than other brands, they have excellent combination of software, hardware and build quality.
Are MacBooks worth for gaming?
I believe it’s fair to say that Macs have been spreading like wildfire in the past decade. With the release of their MacBook Pro with Retina Display, they’ve even captured the hearts and wallets of many PC gamers. However, whether or not Macs are suitable for gaming is still a hotly debated topic. Here are some areas to consider:
Macs run less than half as many games as Windows PCs on average, which means there are fewer games to choose from. There are also fewer bundles and deals, which means that you most likely won’t be able to get a bundle discount on a new game when purchasing your Mac.
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Macs have less than 1/6th of the market share of PCs, which means that there is less support for games in general (no mods, few guides, etc.).
On average, Windows PCs have 2.3 times the system memory and 2.8 times the graphics processing power of Macs . This makes it very difficult for developers to optimize their games for OS X, meaning that every game may not perform as well as it could under Windows.
Macs only support true 3D-accelerated gaming on recent Intel HD Graphics cards, which can only handle newer games at lower FPS.
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In particular, because it isn’t designed for gaming and lacks some of the processing power of a desktop computer, Macs are usually not great for video games. To know what you can expect from a MacBook for gaming, you have to know what features matter to gamers and how they translate on the MacBook. Consider:
One of the most important things in a gaming laptop is an NVIDIA graphics card. This helps with both performance and battery life while you play games. Because MacBooks are thin and light devices, they don’t have room for big graphics cards that consume a lot of power. T
If you’re planning on playing any graphics-intensive games on your MacBook, you won’t get much out of them compared to what you might find on a Windows machine that’s been designed for gaming.
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The processing power needed for video games is pretty intense compared to most other computing tasks.
The MacBook is a popular choice for gaming, though it’s not for everyone. There are many advantages to having a gaming-capable Mac, especially when compared to a more powerful Windows laptop—namely, that you can run full versions of both Steam and Blizzard without any modifications or additional drivers. The MacBook is also lighter and more sleek than most gaming laptops. However, if you plan on using your laptop primarily for gaming, you may want to consider whether or not the MacBook gives you enough power.
Are MacBooks worth for Programmers and Coding?
If you’re a programmer or a coder, there are many factors that you should consider when thinking about getting a MacBook. For example:
- Do you need to be mobile?
- Do you want to use Linux?
- Can you do everything on your Macbook?
Apple laptops are known for their sleek and minimalist design, but do they have what it takes to stand up to the pressure of everyday coding and development?
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In order to answer this question, we need to look at the benefits of both Apple and Windows laptops for coders.
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Apple Laptops:
- Apple laptops come with Mac OS which is an UNIX-based operating system. This is an advantage for developers as it means that any process or tool you use will have a native version on the operating system.
- The software that comes bundled with Apple laptops is also focused on developer needs. For example, XCode, a set of tools that includes a compiler, debugger and IDE (Integrated Development Environment), among other features is included with every Mac.
- What’s more, there are various other tools that can be installed via the App store (which is actually not just a place to buy apps but also includes several useful developer tools).
- Besides being easy to work with, Mac computers are generally easier on the eyes than Windows laptops. So if you’re spending long hours in front of your computer screen coding, this might be a deciding factor between the two systems—you’re less likely to get eye strain from working on a Mac laptop.
When it comes to choosing the best computer for your needs, there are a million different factors to consider. How much will you be spending? What kind of software will you be running? Are you okay with having a smaller screen? Sometimes though, we get so caught up in all the details that we forget about the big picture: what’s going to make your life easier and choose something that does it better?
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For a lot of people, the answer is an Apple laptop. Macs have a reputation for being more intuitive and user-friendly than Windows laptops, and they tend to have longer uptimes without needing to be rebooted. If you’re going to be using your computer for a lot of coding, these are definitely features worth considering—and if you’re just getting started with coding and aren’t sure whether or not it’s something you want to put serious time into, maybe having an easy-to-use computer that won’t slow down as often is a good way to test the waters without committing too far.
Are MacBooks worth for Business work?
A lot of people ask whether a MacBook is worth it for business work—especially those who are looking for a laptop to do more than just the basics. There are some things you have to keep in mind when you consider whether one of these machines can fit into your needs, but ultimately the answer to that question may not be as simple as it seems at first.
Whether you’re a student or a professional, you might have found yourself wondering if a MacBook is the right laptop for you. If you’re considering making the switch, there are some important questions to ask yourself before making that decision.
The first thing to consider is what kinds of things you’ll be using your laptop for. Will it be mostly for business-related tasks like word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets? Will you need something that’s powerful enough to run multiple programs at once? Or will your laptop be something that you use primarily for fun—browsing the internet, watching movies, or listening to music?
It’s important to figure out how much work you’ll really be doing with your new computer and what kind of software you’ll be using on it as well.
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From there, it’s smart to think about what kind of features would make your life easier. For example, if you spend most of your time in Word documents and spreadsheets, it makes sense that having a laptop with a larger screen would make your life easier.
If you use programs like iMovie and GarageBand to record audio or video files frequently, having a built-in microphone and webcam would be incredibly convenient.
Macs are very popular in business settings and with those who work from home, but many ask if they’re worth the cost. It’s a tough question, especially since you can get a perfectly good computer for much less. The reason Macs are so popular is that they’re well-known for being reliable, for having great customer service, and for not getting viruses and other malware. Even if you have an extra $1,000 to spend on a new computer, it’s worth considering the added benefits of a Mac.
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If you’ve ever had to deal with Windows updates, slow boot times, or annoying pop-ups while using your computer, then you know why Macs are appealing: they don’t require any programming knowledge to use, they update themselves automatically, and they’re quite secure thanks to their lack of viruses and other malware… even as Apple devices become more popular with hackers worldwide.
Are MacBooks worth for College and University students?
When it comes to college and university, the MacBook is an all-time favorite. Students love their portability, ease of use and the countless opportunities it opens up for them. Having said that, you should know whether or not a MacBook is really worth it for your needs. Below are some points to consider when planning for your educational needs:
- Are you a gamer?
- Do you need sophisticated programs?
- Do you want to store a lot of videos?
- Do you need it for digital art?
- Do you want to do presentations?
If you’re a college student, you’re likely facing a lot of expenses already. Add in other costs like textbooks and your dorm bills, and you might find yourself feeling like there’s not much left over to spend on a laptop.
There are plenty of options out there for students—if Apple is the route you want to take, then it might be worth considering for these reasons:
- Security: Macs have long been known as one of the most secure platforms available because of the level of care that goes into their development. This means that a Mac is less likely to become infected with viruses and malware than a PC, which can help keep your online presence as safe as possible.
- Particular software: Many university-specific programs (like Blackboard) automatically format themselves to work on a Mac instead of making you do it manually. This means that your software will be working seamlessly with your new computer from day one, saving you time and hassle.
- Less software issues: Because Apple has such a tight grip on the quality control on all their products, they don’t need to rely on frequent software updates in order to fix bugs—it’s part of the inherent quality of their products that most problems can be resolved by simply updating hardware instead.
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The short answer is yes: MacBooks are absolutely worth it, if you have the money to pay for one. The longer answer depends on what you’re paying for your Mac, and what you’re getting in return. With the current tuition costs of a four-year university or college degree (often upwards of $100,000), the price of a laptop is pretty insignificant as far as educational expenses go. If you’re lucky enough to be going to school for free (or at least getting some sort of scholarship or financial aid), then you’ll probably be able to purchase a Mac with cash, and then sell it when you’re done with it. For the rest of us, though, we have to consider the cost in terms of taking out loans.
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Macbooks are designed for easy portability between home and university or college campus; that’s why they’re so thin, light, and durable. It’s also why Macbooks have such a low battery life compared to other laptops—because it’s so easy to plug them in when they run out of juice. Because they’re so portable, it’s easy to take them between home and school.
Are MacBooks worth for graphics designing?
Macs have been considered the de facto standard for creative professionals for years, and the Apple Store is full of satisfied graphic designers and artists. But are Macs really worth it?
First off, I’m a big fan of Apples. I’ve been using Macs for my entire graphic design career so far and I’ve had nothing but good experiences. With that being said, there are certainly some things to consider if you’re looking at the Apple MacBook Pro line as a starting point for your graphics design career.
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The first thing to consider is what kind of programs you’ll be using. There are many different kinds of designers and many different kinds of design software out there, but it’s safe to say that probably not all of those will run on your new MacBook.
If you’re going to be working mostly in Flash, Illustrator or Photoshop, then you’ll want to make sure that your MacBook has enough processor power and ram for your needs. For example, the newest MacBook Pro comes with a M1 processor and 16GB of RAM; this combination is great for Photoshop and Illustrator and also quite enough for professional-level video editing . Be sure to know exactly what software you’ll be working with before buying any computer—you’ll waste money on a computer that doesn’t have enough RAM or processing power if you aren’t making an informed decision!
In a word, yes! Macs are known for their ease of use, high-quality displays, and long battery life. If you’re a graphic designer who’s used to working on a computer all day, these factors can be crucial. They also offer excellent customer support and high quality hardware, which may be appealing if you’re considering working with large files or rendering video or animation—the powerful processor in a Mac will be able to handle much more than what a standard Windows machine can do.
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If you’re not sure whether to go with a Mac or a PC, consider how much time you spend on design software; if you’re constantly switching between Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, it may make more sense to go with a Mac since those are the two programs that are most commonly used by designers. Otherwise, consider how much time you spend at your computer (more than 10 hours per day? More than 5 days per week?), what design software you’ll be using most, and whether you need to be able to run multiple programs at once (like Adobe Premiere).
Macs are worth it for creative professionals, especially when you factor in the time and money you can save with a Mac. But it’s not just about what will help you save time and money—you need to think about what matters most to you in a computer.
The three main things that matter to creative professionals are:
- Speed (how quickly the computer responds to your input)
- Software support (what programs are best suited to your industry)
- User experience (how easy the computer is to use, both in terms of general software usability and the physical hardware itself)
When it comes down to it, Macs have better specs for all three of these than PCs do. They’re cheaper, too. As a graphic designer, being able to work fast means that you can be more efficient. You can design more and do less back-and-forth with clients—which is ideal for not only saving time but also for relationships. If your clients see that you’re getting their work done quickly and effectively, they’ll continue coming back. That’s how designers build reputations and successful businesses!
Are MacBooks worth for video editing?
Macs or PCs: the eternal question. And while the answer is not always straightforward, it’s pretty clear that Macs are great for video editing. The intuitive, streamlined software and excellent support network of Apple products are just a few of the reasons why so many people choose Macs. But what else makes Macs so great? Here are some areas to consider:
Let’s start with storage, because Macs hold all the cards in this category. First, Macs have a long history of being able to run off flash storage—a much faster method of storing and accessing files than traditional hard drives. This is a huge advantage for anyone using their computer for video editing, because the time it takes your computer to load applications and process files will be drastically reduced when you’re using flash storage over a traditional hard drive. Flash storage is also able to access files faster, meaning you can get more done in each sitting without taking breaks for long waits on your computer.
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There are other advantages to running off flash storage as well—flash drives don’t heat up like hard drives do, which means that they’re safer in terms of fire hazards and overheating.
The short answer is yes, MacBooks are very much worth using for video editing. In fact, they’re a solid choice for just about any kind of computer use, from writing to photo manipulation.
They’re extremely reliable, portable, and have gorgeous screens that make it pleasant to look at media or code on them. MacBooks are also fantastic computers for video editing—as long as you’re not doing anything super demanding.
I think the biggest misconception people have is that they think a MacBook will work just as well for video editing as an iMac or a tower PC, but it’s not true! You won’t get nearly the same performance you would on a desktop computer, so keep that in mind when you’re looking into a Mac laptop.
If you’re mostly editing in Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X, you’ll be able to edit most projects in 1080p on a 13-inch MacBook Pro with no problem. If you want to go above that resolution for things like 10-bit 4K video, adding effects to your video (like motion graphics), or even exporting longer videos at a high quality, then you’ll need to upgrade to a 15-inch MacBook Pro.
Conclusion
If you’ve been considering purchasing a new Mac laptop and reading research on the subject, you have likely encountered mixed reviews. Some swear by Apple’s laptops, others swear at them. There are however a few general consistencies among reviews. If you must have an IT specialist set up your computer for you, then yes, a Mac is worth it. if you are willing to take the time to learn about your Mac and set up the specific preferences that will make your experience more seamless and safe, then yes, a Mac is worth it.
It has the ultimate longevity of use and is aesthetically pleasing from day one. The true beauty of these computers is that they can be customized to best suit your needs; they are incredibly durable and reliable and offer intuitive user interfaces that make browsing very easy.
Macbook Pros certainly look and feel like the more premium option when it comes to Mac laptops, but there are a few factors that you need to take into consideration. For one thing, you will have to deal with the high price tag of Macbook Pros. Don’t let yourself be bamboozled though; once you factor in the cost of a laptop plus its required accessories, say a keyboard and mouse, there’s really not too much of a price difference between a Macbook Pro and an Air – maybe $100 on top of your purchase. Ultimately, it all comes down to what kind of computer user you are and what kind of tasks you plan on doing most often on your laptop. Are you concerned about both mobility and power? Then go for an Air; are you more concerned about power and working with graphics? The Pro might be the better choice for you.