For years, Mac has played a key role in the classroom. In fact, Apple CEO Steve Jobs expected the Mac to be a transformative educational tool. While Macs are more expensive and the quality of apps and software is better, they seem to have a huge following among students. Simply put, Macs control the education sector despite having a small market share compared to computers running Microsoft Windows. Apple’s Mac lineup is growing, and while it’s not so confusing to choose a Mac, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when buying a MacBook or iMac notebook for education.
Decide on a budget
The first thing is to set a budget for a Mac – after all, buying a Mac is expensive. You should find out what your needs are when buying a Mac. The entry-level MacBook Air may be perfect for a student but not for a graphic designer. So sit down and set your budget. When setting your budget on what you want to spend on a Mac, make sure you keep those extra expenses in mind as a case for a MacBook notebook and mouse.
The first Apple Silicon Macs include the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro and Mac Mini. Apple has yet to update the iMac with the M1 chip. (Image credit: Apple)
iMac vs Mac Mini
Before you decide to buy your first Mac, consider your long-term plan. If you are looking for a Mac for your child for mostly school work, an iMac would be a better choice. The iMac is an all-in-one device with a built-in monitor and speakers. It also comes with a Bluetooth-powered Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2. The iMac makes a lot of sense to many people, as it can be used by anyone in the family and not just children. These all-in-one desks look great and take up less space. However, they cannot be updated, as Apple does not design Macs for updating. So it is always better to configure an iMac based on your long-term usage. Currently, the iMac comes in two sizes and three models powered by Intel-powered chips. The basic model would be good for students going to school because it is not only accessible but also a computer that does it all.
If you think the iMac would be a bit expensive (starting at Rs 99,900), the Mac Mini is the second best option, considering you want to buy a desktop computer. The Mac Mini, just in case you’re not aware, has always been an entry-level model in Apple’s desktop range. The reason the Mac Mini is affordable is that you only get the device, like the monitor, keyboard, no mouse included in the package. That being said, starting at Rs 64,900, the M1-powered Mac Mini will blow the competition. It’s much faster than the previous Intel-based Mac Mini, and has better graphics. The tool is designed not only for students but for professionals as well. You can easily use the Mac Mini for everyday use, be it for web browsing, specification writing, emails or video editing. The basic model of Mac Mini comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, although the high-end model will get you 512GB of SSD but it will also push the price to Rs 84,900. Both models, however, have Apple’s same M1-on-a-chip (SoC) system. Apple also sells the Intel-based Mac Mini but you just avoid that model.
The iMac is better suited for those who want a stationery device. (Image credit: Apple)
MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro
You might like to buy a notebook over a desk. Do you have a college child? Is carrying capacity a top priority on your mind? When you visit an Apple online store or an authorized retailer, you have the choice of choosing between a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro. That’s all.
Right now, Apple’s MacBook lineup looks like this.
* MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
* MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020)
* MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports, Intel chip)
* MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019, Intel chip)
If you’re looking for an ultra-light notebook, which fits your budget and offers the latest M1 processor, the 13-inch MacBook Air is your best bet. Needless to say, the MacBook Air is designed for students or teachers who want a device for web browsing, making specifications, or eating multimedia content. Choosing a MacBook Air is simpler than ever. All you have to do is choose the color, the storage and the memory. The air is powered by an Apple M1 SoC, so confusing between different CPU and GPU options is out of the question.
In case, you want a 13-inch display but you also want a better battery, speakers and Touch ID and of course, an Apple M1 SoC, just pick up the MacBook Pro. An engineering student or someone studying architecture would rather buy the MacBook Pro. However, keep in mind that the 13-inch MacBook Pro costs more than the MacBook Air. It starts from Rs 122,900 but is worth it if you are willing to pay for better battery life and a slightly better display. Just in case you want to pick up the Intel-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro or the 16-inch MacBook Pro, we don’t recommend these models because they don’t really cater to students.
Apple’s M1 is an integrated SoC design, with processor, graphics, security and everything packed inside a powerful 8-core chip. Thanks to the M1 chip, it’s easier to choose a Mac. (Image credit: Apple)
Take advantage of education prices
Apple Macs are built to last longer than competing notebooks and desktops, which is why Apple is charging more for its products. Macs cost more than a Windows device, but not many people know that they are available at discounted prices for educators or schools. If you’re a student, you can save money on MacBooks with an Apple student discount through UNiDAYS, or your school / college profit on Apple education prices directly through the company. All you have to do is visit the India Education Store and check the eligibility for Apple Education prices.
Consider AppleCare +
Understanding AppleCare + is not rocket science. It is basically an insurance for any Apple devices and is worth buying if you are considering buying a MacBook Air or an iMac. Look, all MacBook Air and iMac come with a free standard level warranty, which includes: a one-year limited hardware warranty and 90 days of free technical support. But if you opt for AppleCarte +, it will extend your warranty from 90 days to 3 years and get free technical support for that time.
AppleCare + for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro includes:
* Three years limited hardware warranty
* Three years of technical support
* Cover for two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months, each with a service charge of Rs 8900 for screen damage or external circuit damage, or Rs 25900 for other damage.
Yes, AppleCare + is expensive but there are advantages to it. However, AppleCare + does not cover loss or theft and is limited to three years.