➤What is the best Mac for a student? 🕹

Summary

> How to choose a Mac?
> Best MacBook (or Mac) for your studies
> macOS Laptop vs macOS Desktop
> The MacBook Air vs the MacBook Pro for his studies
> iMac vs Mac mini
> Back to School Discounts
> What is the perfect Mac for a student?

For your back to school, you want to equip yourself with a Mac, but you don't really know which one to choose? Read our buying guide now to find the Mac that's right for you.

How to choose a Mac?

Macs can seem very expensive, especially compared to $300 laptops.

So what explains such high prices at Apple? The apple brand makes it a point of honor to manufacture quality products that last over time (which can be a real asset for long studies).

However, deciding which Mac to choose is not an easy task. Indeed, you have to take into account the type of studies you are following (law, foreign languages, graphic design, engineering, architecture, etc.) and of course your budget.

To help you with this task, we take a detailed look at Apple's Mac lineup and the offerings you might find useful.

Best MacBook (or Mac) for your studies

Choosing the best Mac for your studies depends on your major as well as your budget.

We've created this student Mac buying guide to help you find the best Apple computer. We considered what students are likely to expect from their Mac and the different features, capabilities. We also give some tips to save a few euros.

Let's start by talking about the Apple Store Education, it is a program dedicated to students and education staff, thanks to this you can benefit from various reductions on Apple products, but also through the operation Back to School from Apple.

Regarding the choice of a Mac, it must be taken into account that as a student, you will have to move around a lot (going to lectures, going to the library, revising during the holidays ...), it makes perfect sense to prefer a laptop over a desktop.

The screens of the MacBook range are, of course, smaller than that of the iMac. To enjoy a bigger one, you can use a cheap screen or your TV and connect this external screen to your MacBook.

The MacBook Pro could easily be dropped from your shopping list (if it hasn't already been). It is very expensive and powerful. If its price doesn't scare you and you want to do professional video editing, then why not... The iMac Pro is also a powerful (and expensive) machine, and it would be excessive for a student lambda.

In the vast majority of cases, it is more interesting to opt for a cheaper model, especially if you plan to buy a screen, a keyboard and a mouse.

If you're looking for a reliable model that won't crash every time you try to save your work, then consider the MacBook range. She is incredibly efficient.

Before you begin, we recommend taking a look at the available Macs/Macbooks:

MacBook Air : In November 2020, Apple updated the Air with the brand's first silicon (M1) processors. There are two MacBook Air models with the M1 chip: one with a 7-core GPU and 8-core 256 GB CPU, and the other with an 8-core GPU and an 8-core 512 GB CPU. Go.

MacBook Pro : There are 2 models of 13-inch MacBook Pro, 2 14-inch and 3 16-inch. Chances are the 13-inch ones are enough for your needs.

These 7 MacBook Pros are equipped with Apple's silicon chips. The standard M1 for the two 13-inch models, the M1 Pro for the 14-inch models, the 16-inch models with 16-core GPUs carry an M1 Pro and the one with 32-core GPUs has the most powerful Apple chip to date. , the M1 Max.

You might only be interested in a Mac laptop, in this article we'll be looking at whether the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro is a better choice for students, but there are other Macs worth looking into. to be taken into account.

iMac : Apple gave the processor a boost to the 27-inch iMac in August 2020. The 21,5-inch model didn't get a new processor, but it got a big change, Apple stopped powering iMacs hard drives, but an SSD of at least 256 GB. In April 2021, Apple released a completely redesigned iMac, the 24-inch iMac, it is colorful and incorporates the M1 chip from the parent company.

Mac mini : The Mac mini was also updated in November 2020 when it integrated the M1 chip like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. There's also a Mac mini with an Intel processor.

You're probably looking for a discount Mac, and Mac deals are usually for older models. If you see a good discount on an older Mac, it's important to know what newer models offer so you know what you're missing and can judge whether the discount is worth it or not.

For more savings, consider reconditioned and refurbished Macs, they also benefit from guarantees and after-sales service.

What is the best Mac for a student?

macOS laptop vs macOS desktop

A laptop is logically more practical on the go and to take advantage of a larger screen, you just need to use a cheap screen, or your TV, and connect this external screen to your MacBook.

However, buying a Mac desktop computer has some advantages. The Mac mini, for example, is Apple's cheapest Mac, despite having some pretty impressive specs. And if you're looking for the maximum power for the lowest price, the iMac is generally superior to the MacBook Pro. In a pinch, you could use an iPad to take notes while you're in class.

What not to take

The two Macs that you can easily cross off your list are the Mac Pro and the iMac Pro. They are very powerful (and more expensive) and are mostly suitable for professionals, you won't need as much power.

If you're studying 3D animation, for example, you might be tempted by a high-end 16-inch MacBook Pro or 27-inch iMac.

The MacBook Air vs the MacBook Pro for studies

Chances are, that's the question you're hoping to get answered: should I buy a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro? We're comparing the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in this article, but from a student's perspective, here's what to keep in mind:

MacBook Pro

MacBook Pros are more expensive and powerful Apple laptops than Airs. If bought new, the range starts at €1 for the 449-inch MacBook Pro and goes up to €13 for the highest-end 3-inch version, without hardware customization.

Here's what's on offer right now:

13 inches, M1 chip, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 256 or 512 GB of storage, 8 GB of RAM, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. Respectively at €1 and €449.
14-inch, M1 Pro chip, 8-core CPU, 14-core GPU, 512GB; 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU and 1 TB of storage, 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card reader, MagSafe 3 port. Respectively at €2 and €249.
16-inch, M1 Pro chip, 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 512GB or 1TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card reader, MagSafe 3 port. Priced at €2 and €749 respectively .
16-inch, M1 Max chip, 10-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 1TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card reader, MagSafe 3 port. From €3.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is available in two versions, equipped with M1 processors. These mid-range MacBook Pros also offer 8GB of RAM as standard. You can of course increase the RAM, up to 16 GB.

Both M1 models prove to be faster than the Intel ones, we recommend the MacBook Pro M1 over the 2.0GHz Intel ones (which you'll find from third-party vendors), unless you really need to stick with Intel.

Another advantage that the MacBook Pro M1 boasts is the longest battery life of any Mac laptop, at 20 hours. This figure is 2 hours higher than the MacBook Air.

The entry-level MacBook Pro has two Thunderbolt 3 ports (which double up as a USB 4 port). You won't find a USB-A port on portable Macs. To benefit from it, you will have to turn to a used Mac, desktop, get an adapter / hub or even switch to wireless (mouse and keyboard).

If you need a high-performance computer, look to the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but for most the entry-level model should suffice.

What is the best Mac for a student?

MacBook Air

You might think the MacBook Air is less powerful than the MacBook Pro, but since the MacBook Air got the M1 chip in November 2020, it compares very favorably to the entry-level MacBook Pro.

If you're looking for a MacBook that won't drain your savings account while offering excellent portability and battery life, then the MacBook Air might be the perfect choice.

Here's how the MacBook Air lineup looks:

MacBook Air M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 256GB storage, 8GB RAM, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports: €1.
MacBook Air M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 512GB storage, 8GB RAM, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports: €1.

For additional graphics, the MacBook Pro might be a better choice for you as it includes a fan and therefore may be better suited for intensive graphics work.

The MacBook Air is undoubtedly better value for money. It's also a little lighter thanks to its narrow edges, so if you're on the go a lot then that's best.

As with the MacBook Pro, there are no USB-A ports on the Air, just two USB-C ports and a headphone jack.

The Air offers 18 hours of battery life, according to Apple. It's two hours less than the 20 hours of the MacBook Pro M1, but it's more than enough to last a day and a sleepless night.

We'd say you can confidently buy either of the 2020 MacBook Airs, as they're more than enough for a college student's needs. The fact that they start from €1 is a real bonus.

If you need more storage space, why not get an external SSD or increase your iCloud space.

If you want a portable Mac, you only have the choice between the Air and the Pro.

However, you can still find resale offers, refurbished and second-hand too (Darty, Rue du Commerce, Cdiscount, Boulanger, Backmarket, reBuy...).

iMac vs Mac mini

Although we are aware of the many advantages of laptops for students, you may be better off with a desktop computer. As we have already ruled out the Mac Pro and iMac Pro as too powerful, you have the choice between the Mac mini and the iMac.

iMac

The iMac is not a portable computer, which can follow you during your travels, but it will allow you to work from a large screen of 24 or 27 inches.

Apple updated the 27-inch iMac in August 2020, and the new iMac 24 was introduced in April 2021.

The standard version of the 21,5 inch is equipped with technologies that are now obsolete, so we do not recommend this iMac.

The 24-inch iMac, available in 3 versions, brings a new design to the range, with thinner edges and especially colors, it is offered in a maximum of 7 colors, depending on the model chosen. Its most obvious update is the introduction of the power behemoth Apple M1 chip; in particular, it allows Wi-Fi 6 support and USB 4 connectors.

Since all iMacs have an SSD, we do not recommend an older model with an HDD, because it will lack execution speed.

Since you're unlikely to be interested in the 27-inch iMac, we're focusing on the 24-inch one. Apple offers three 24-inch iMacs, all with an M1 chip, Retina 4.5K display, 8-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 2 USB 4 ports. They differ in other ways, here they are in detail:

24 inch iMac

M1 chip, 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, 256GB SSD (configurable with 512GB and 1TB), 8GB RAM (up to 16GB). Available in blue, green, pink and silver for €1.
M1 chip, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, 256GB SSD (configurable with 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB), 8GB RAM (up to 16GB), 2 USB 3 ports and an additional Ethernet port and Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. Available in blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange and purple from €1.
M1 chip, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, 512GB SSD (configurable with 1TB and 2TB), 8GB RAM (up to 16GB), 2 USB 3 ports and an Ethernet port extras and Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. Available in blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange and purple from €1.

27-inch iMac

5GHz 10-core 6th Gen Core i3,1 (4,5GHz Turbo Boost), 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM (16, 32, 64, or 128GB configurable), Radeon Pro 5300 graphics, two Thunderbolt 3 ports /USB-C. From €1.
5 GHz six-core 10th Gen Core i3,3 (4,8 GHz Turbo Boost), 512 GB SSD (1 or 2 TB configurable), 8 GB RAM (16, 32, 64 or 128 GB configurable) graphics card Radeon Pro 5300, two Thunderbolt 3/USB‑C ports. From €2.
7 GHz eight-core 10th Gen Core i3,8 (Turbo Boost 5,0 GHz), 512 GB SSD (configurable 1, 2, 4, 8 TB), 8 GB RAM (configurable 16, 32, 64 or 128 GB), Radeon Pro 5500 XT graphics card, two Thunderbolt 3/USB‑C ports. From €2.

What is the best Mac for a student?

The hard drive was definitely the iMac's weak point, so it's a great thing that Apple removed that option and the Fusion drive option.

If you find a good plan on an old iMac with a hard disk, our advice is to avoid it, a model with a fusion disk is less restrictive (a fusion disk combines a generous hard disk with a small SSD so that your Mac can quickly access the information). However, we still suggest you choose a Mac with an SSD, to which you connect an external drive for more space.

27-inch iMacs with Retina 5K displays are extremely powerful, and cost $1, at minimum, which is a stretch on the budget for many college students.

The main issue is that the iMac is not portable and may not meet your needs for that reason alone.

Mac mini

Like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, the Mac mini received an M1 chip upgrade in November 2020.

There are two models of Mac mini, they are equipped with the M1 chip, the one with Intel has been discontinued. Here's how they look:

Mac mini M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 256GB storage, 8GB RAM €799.
Mac mini M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 512GB storage, 8GB RAM €1.

The Intel model that is probably offered by third-party resellers is not the one for you. We advise you to choose one of the M1 models instead.

What is the best Mac for a student?

With a weight of 1,3 kg, it is as portable as a desktop Mac. If you have a limited budget, this is the ideal solution. All you have to do is ask around for a keyboard, a mouse and a screen. You can also connect it to your TV, although we don't advise you to write a dissertation or internship from a TV screen... You may use second-hand accessories, but your Mac will be at the heart of all that.

Back to School Discounts

If you already have student status or are making your first start of university, then take advantage of the discounts offered by the Back to School program, which is available until October.

To know all its advantages, do not hesitate to read our dedicated article.

What is the best Mac for a student?

What is the perfect Mac for a student?

In our opinion, the best Mac for a student is the MacBook Air. It's light, fast, powerful, and all for a price starting at €1. We believe it offers very good value for money. For most, the MacBook Air might not be the first choice, given that the Pro is a bit more capable and solid.

If you're looking to save a few bucks (a little over $100 sometimes), then keep an eye out for refurbished Apple products. Macs are completely refurbished and come with a one-year warranty. Otherwise, there are platforms such as eRecycle and BackMarket which resell refurbished Macs, but also iPhones.

See also our article Where to buy a Mac and our advice on reselling an old Mac. To transport your Mac and your books, you will surely need a good backpack, we have selected the best on the market for you.

Finally, find out how to get Office on Mac to write your reports, create spreadsheets, graphs or presentations.