Is the MacBook Air Good for Students? (2023)

By Avram Piltch

published

The MacBook Air is definitely a laptop that's long in the tooth.Apple hasn't introduced a new model in two years, and it killed off the 11-inch Air in 2016. The company could phase out the 13-inch laptop in the not-too-distant future in favor of the thinner and more expensive 12-inch MacBook. However, as long as the MacBook Air remains available, it's a worthwhile choice for high school and college students.

Is the MacBook Air Good for Students? (1)

Here are the pros and cons.

(Video) MacBook Air M1 review - A Student's Perspective [2020]

Why the MacBook Air Is a Good Student Laptop

Great Value (for a Mac): Most students and their families aren't sweating $100 bills while they bask in the sun. If you want an Apple laptop, and you don't want to spend at least $1,299 for a 12-inch MacBook or 13-inch MacBook Pro, the Air is your only choice. The entry-level Air carries a $999 MSRP, but you can easily find it for $899 at third-party retailers, or even $799 on sale. However, you probably will want to pay another $200 for a configuration with a 256GB SSD, rather than the 128GB you get on the base model.

Epic Battery Life: Students need a laptop they can carry around campus all day long, without needing to recharge. The MacBook Air lasted an amazing 14 hours on a charge during the Laptop Mag Battery Test, which involves continuous surfing over Wi-Fi. Its endurance is 6 hours longer than the average ultraportable laptop and way ahead of the MacBook 12-inch (9:38), the MacBook Pro 13-inch (9:50) and the MacBook Pro 15-inch (10:32). Only a handful of PC laptops offer 14 hours of battery life or more.

Thin and Light: While the MacBook 12-inch and some PC notebooks are even svelter, the MacBook Air is still one of the more portable notebooks on the market, at just 0.68 inches thick and 2.96 pounds. When you have to fit your laptop into a backpack that's filled with heavy books, you don't want it weighing you down.

Is the MacBook Air Good for Students? (3)

Best MacBook Keyboard: Whether they're taking notes or writing a term paper, students have to do a lot of typing. The MacBook Pro and the MacBook 12-inch have shallow "butterfly" keyboards that offer a measly 0.5mm of vertical space below each key, compared with a more-reasonable 1mm on the Air. While some like the new thin keyboards, others have trouble getting used to them.

Is the MacBook Air Good for Students? (4)

(Video) Apple Made the Perfect Student Laptop - M1 MacBook Air Review!

Regular USB Ports: Nobody likes carrying dongles with them everywhere they go, especially not students. The MacBook Air is the only MacBook with regular USB 3.0 ports, the most common type. So, if you need to pop in a flash drive, attach an external hard drive or use a wireless mouse that has a dongle, you'll really appreciate the Air's pair of standard USB ports.

Why You Might Not Want a MacBook Air

Outdated CPU: A college freshman buying a new laptop should expect it to last at least through graduation. The MacBook Air is from early 2015 and uses an Intel 5th Generation Core Series processor, whereas, in 2017, the latest PC laptops are on a 7th-Generation Core.To be fair, if your main computer activities are surfing the web, editing documents, sending emails and updating social media, you'll probably be able to get by with the old processor in the Air four or five years from now. But don't expect great performance from 2022-era software.

Some PCs Offer Better Value: If you don't have your heart set on a MacBook, you can find a more powerful PC ultraportable for around the same price as the Air. For example, the 2.68-pound Asus UX330UA costs just $699, $100 less than the best sale price for a MacBook Air, but it comes with a 1080p screen, a 256GB SSD and the latest 7th Gen Core i5 processor. The HP Spectre x360 13-inch, our favorite 2-in-1, starts at just over $1,000, and can be found on sale for under $1,000 with the new Core i5 CPU, a 256GB SSD and a touch screen.

Is the MacBook Air Good for Students? (5)

Lackluster Screen: The 1440 x 900 display on the MacBook Air isn't as sharp as those on other MacBooks and competing PCs. By contrast, the MacBook 12-inch and MacBook Pro 13-inch have panels that output at 2304 x 1440 and 2560 x 1600, respectively. The Dell XPS 13, our favorite consumer laptop, is available with a 1920 x 1080 or 3200 x 1800 display that can reproduce either 93.6 or 105.7 percent of the sRGB color gamut. By contrast, the Air's screen can show only 66 percent of the gamut, which means duller images.

No Touch Screen: If you want both a laptop for writing papers and a tablet for taking notes in class or watching movies in bed, you'll need to buy both a MacBook Air and an iPad. However, if you're willing to consider a PC, you can get a 2-in-1 that serves as both a slate and a full-fledged laptop for around the same price as the Air, or just a little more. The HP Spectre x360, a bendback 2-in-1, is often available for under $1,000, while slightly heavier hybrids, like the Lenovo Yoga 710 or the Dell Inspiron 13 5000, start at well under $800.

No USB Type-C / Thunderbolt 3 Ports: While the MacBook Air's standard USB Type-A ports give it an advantage today, its lack of a Type-C or Thunderbolt 3 port makes it anything but future-proof. USB Type-C ports allow you to charge the laptop, send data to peripherals and output to multiple monitors over a single wire. Thunderbolt 3 ports are USB Type-C ports that have added speed and the ability to power dual 4K monitors over a single connection. In 2017, having one of these newer ports lets you connect to a single docking station that will charge your laptop and connect to external displays with a single cable. In the years ahead, more and more peripherals, from hard drives to head phones, will come with USB Type-C connectors that won't work with the Air. By contrast, the Dell XPS 13 has both a Thunderbolt 3 port and multiple USB Type-A connectors, and the ThinkPad 13, another of our top choices, comes with Type-C and Type-A ports.

Bottom Line

The MacBook Air is a good choice for school, as long as you're willing to tolerate its trade-offs. You get great battery life and decent mainstream performance in a premium, lightweight design. If you want a Mac, can spend hundreds more, and can live with a shallower keyboard, the MacBook Pro 13-inch (without Touch Bar) is a better choice. If you're willing to consider a Windows 10 PC, you can get a more powerful system for the same price or less than the Air. However, if you can work with its low-res screen and prior-generation CPU, the Air is definitely worth considering.

  • Which MacBook Should You Buy? MacBook vs. Air vs. Pro
  • 6 Reasons to Still Buy a MacBook Air
  • Best Apple Laptops

The official Geeks Geek, as his weekly column is titled, Avram Piltch has guided the editorial and production of Laptopmag.com since 2007. With his technical knowledge and passion for testing, Avram programmed several of LAPTOP's real-world benchmarks, including the LAPTOP Battery Test. He holds a master's degree in English from NYU.

(Video) Students, buy this MacBook

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FAQs

Is a MacBook Air good for a student? ›

Whether the powerful MacBook Pro or hyper-portable MacBook Air, Apple's laptops will power you through any task, you'll meet. The MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is the best MacBook for students. It has enough power to face almost any academic challenge.

Is MacBook Air sufficient for college? ›

If you will mostly be writing papers, completing online homework and doing research then the MacBook Air will fit those needs. And if you're film editing, Photoshopping or designing then the MacBook Pro will help you accomplish that. They're both fantastic laptops, so there is no wrong choice.

Is MacBook Air 256GB enough for students? ›

Storage from 256GB

Make sure you choose sufficient storage capacity. You'll be good with at least 256GB. You'll have enough space for all your school files and photos.

Should a student get a MacBook? ›

In short: yes, it's a good idea to own a MacBook for student life. Being the 13-inch MacBook Pro, a MacBook Air, or any other model, you are covered with Apple's laptop for years to come. The investment is worth it.

Which Mac is better for students? ›

The MacBook Air M1 remains the best MacBook for most college students. For the majority of students the upgrades found in the more recent Air aren't necessary and the M1 maintains that sub-$1,000 starting price with discounts bringing it to $899 or less.

What are the disadvantages of MacBook Air? ›

8 Big Disadvantages to Buying a MacBook
  1. Poor Gaming.
  2. A Lack of Ports. ...
  3. Webcam Quality. ...
  4. Limited Storage Options. ...
  5. Limited Hardware Upgrades. ...
  6. Apple Silicon Macs Can't Run Windows. ...
  7. Software Support. ...
  8. Price. MacBooks have amazing features, but as with most Apple products, they can be overpriced. ...
Jun 2, 2022

What is the best laptop for a student? ›

  • How I tested the best laptops for students. ...
  • ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14. ...
  • Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon. ...
  • LG Gram. ...
  • Huawei Matebook. ...
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2. ...
  • Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360.
Aug 26, 2022

How long do MacBook Airs last? ›

The average life of a MacBook Air is 6-7 years, after that it will stop getting updates. You might need to upgrade your MacBook Air to be in the line with the latest technology and software updates. Another factor to measure the MacBook's life is the way it is used.

Do colleges prefer Mac or PC? ›

Here Is Why 71 Percent of College Students Prefer MacBooks Over Windows PCs. Research suggests that 71 percent of college students in the US would rather have a MacBook than a Windows PC. That might seem weird to many, but when you think about practicality, it is rather quite believable.

Is MacBook Air 256GB too small? ›

Is 256GB Enough for a MacBook? If you're buying any model of MacBook (whether it's a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro) and plan to use it as your main machine, you should buy a model with more than 256GB of storage. Even if you only double the internal storage to 512GB, you'll thank yourself in a few years.

Why do so many students get MacBooks? ›

But why does 70% of college students use macs, instead of PC? Design wise, mac is being reviewed much more positively than PCs. Mac has a very iconic design – different from PCs, with simple, yet attractive. This factor may be one of the reasons why macs are so popular for college students over PC.

Is MacBook Air memory enough? ›

Yes. In fact, “get away with it” is a bit misleading, because, for me, 8GB never feels like a constraint – until it's really pushed under sustained load. Unless you're doing seriously heavy lifting in terms of video, audio or coding work, 8GB will do you proud, and I have a feeling it'll be future-proof, too.

Which MacBook is best for college students 2022? ›

The best student MacBooks available now
  1. MacBook Air (M2, 2022) The best student MacBook overall. ...
  2. MacBook Air (M1, 2020) The best MacBook for students on a budget. ...
  3. MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) ...
  4. MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) ...
  5. MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) ...
  6. MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
Oct 15, 2022

Should a student get a MacBook or Windows? ›

Windows is a much more affordable option. When choosing between a MacBook or Windows for college, you can generally find a range of powerful laptops, with higher quality graphics cards, more memory, and advanced features, for less than the price of a basic Apple computer.

Is MacBook Air Touch screen? ›

The MacBook Air does not have a touch screen. Some people might think that the new MacBook Air has a touch screen because of the way the screen looks. The screen on the new MacBook Air is a lot bigger, and it goes all the way to the edges of the computer. However, the screen is not a touch screen.

Is the MacBook Air good for college 2022? ›

The Apple MacBook Air is the best college laptop or going back to school due to its longevity, great portability, and sleek design. However, you get the best out of the device by going beyond its default specifications.

Why do most college students use Mac? ›

There are many reasons why students prefer MacBooks over other laptops. They are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry around campus. They also have a long battery life, so you can keep working even when there isn't a power outlet. macOS operating system is intuitive and easy to use.

Is MacBook Air good for everyday use? ›

The best Mac laptop for most people is the 13-inch MacBook Air with Apple's M1 processor. It's more than fast enough for browsing, working on documents, and making light photo and video edits, and it has an excellent high-resolution screen, a great trackpad, a totally silent fanless design, and a reasonable price.

Are MacBook pros or air better? ›

All told, the 13-inch MacBook Pro does offer a bit more speed than the MacBook Air thanks to the active cooling, but there's not a whole world of difference between these two models. If your tasks would benefit from active processor cooling, the higher-end 13-inch MacBook Pro configurations are a better choice.

What do people use a MacBook Air for? ›

Your MacBook Air comes with apps for most everything you want to do. Edit and share your photos and videos, create presentations, and enjoy music, books, movies, and more. Discover new apps in the App Store, including iPhone and iPad apps that now run on your Mac with Apple silicon.

What laptop do most university students use? ›

What is the best college laptop?
  1. HP Envy 13 (2021) The best overall laptop for college students. ...
  2. MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020) ...
  3. Dell XPS 13 (2021) ...
  4. Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2, 2022) ...
  5. HP Spectre x360 13.5 (2022) ...
  6. MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, Late 2021) ...
  7. Acer Swift 5 (2022) ...
  8. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9)
Oct 10, 2022

Which laptop is best for students in low budget? ›

  • Mi Notebook 14 Horizon Edition. ...
  • Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1 Intel Celeron N4020 Thin and Light Laptop. ...
  • HP Chromebook x360 14-inch Thin & Light Touchscreen Laptop. ...
  • Dell Inspiron 3501 (15.6 inches) FHD Anti Glare Display Laptop. ...
  • ASUS VivoBook S15. ...
  • Dell Inspiron 15 5000. ...
  • Lenovo Ideapad S145. ...
  • HP Chromebook 14a-na0003TU Laptop.

Do MacBook airs still overheat? ›

All sorts of problems might make your MacBook Air overheat, ranging from a buildup of dust in the vents to a load of browser tabs open at once. These are issues that every computer contends with, but MacBook Air models seem to experience more overheating issues than most.

Why does my MacBook Air run so slow? ›

Why is my Mac running slow? Your Mac might be slow because of an outdated operating system or a full hard disk — especially if you have an older model Mac. If your Mac is new, it might be slow because you're running too many background programs and apps or even have a malware infection.

Which lasts longer MacBook Pro or Air? ›

On average, your MacBook Pro is expected to last 7.2 years and a MacBook Air for 5-7 years. However, the lifespan of your MacBook depends on what tasks you use your MacBook for, how frequently it is used, and how well you care for your battery and its components.

What percentage of college students have a MacBook? ›

71 percent of students surveyed said they would either use a Mac or prefer to use a Mac if cost were not a consideration. At the current time, of those students, 40 percent use a Mac and 60 percent use a PC.

Why you should buy a PC instead of a Mac? ›

PCs are more easily upgraded and have more options for different components. A Mac, if it's upgradeable, can upgrade only memory and the storage drive. A PC user can select from many motherboards, processors, storage drives, video cards, graphics cards, audio cards, and memory.

Is it hard to switch from PC to Mac? ›

Using a Mac isn't difficult. In fact, they're generally seen as being more user friendly than Windows PCs. But if you've never used one before, then there is a bit of a learning curve, especially if you're accustomed to Windows.

Should a student get a MacBook or Windows? ›

Windows is a much more affordable option. When choosing between a MacBook or Windows for college, you can generally find a range of powerful laptops, with higher quality graphics cards, more memory, and advanced features, for less than the price of a basic Apple computer.

What is the best laptop for a student? ›

  • How I tested the best laptops for students. ...
  • ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14. ...
  • Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon. ...
  • LG Gram. ...
  • Huawei Matebook. ...
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2. ...
  • Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360.
Aug 26, 2022

Is MacBook Air 13 good for students? ›

13-inch MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

It can handle 4K video editing, complex music production, raw photo editing and so on, with 8GB of RAM as standard (creative students should opt for 16GB). It packs all this power into a very thin, fan-less design, which means it's perfect for the library.

Why do so many college students have MacBooks? ›

But why does 70% of college students use macs, instead of PC? Design wise, mac is being reviewed much more positively than PCs. Mac has a very iconic design – different from PCs, with simple, yet attractive. This factor may be one of the reasons why macs are so popular for college students over PC.

Do colleges prefer Mac or PC? ›

Here Is Why 71 Percent of College Students Prefer MacBooks Over Windows PCs. Research suggests that 71 percent of college students in the US would rather have a MacBook than a Windows PC. That might seem weird to many, but when you think about practicality, it is rather quite believable.

What computer do most college students use? ›

What is the best college laptop?
  1. HP Envy 13 (2021) The best overall laptop for college students. ...
  2. MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020) ...
  3. Dell XPS 13 (2021) ...
  4. Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2, 2022) ...
  5. HP Spectre x360 13.5 (2022) ...
  6. MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, Late 2021) ...
  7. Acer Swift 5 (2022) ...
  8. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9)
Oct 10, 2022

Which laptop is best for students in low budget? ›

  • Mi Notebook 14 Horizon Edition. ...
  • Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1 Intel Celeron N4020 Thin and Light Laptop. ...
  • HP Chromebook x360 14-inch Thin & Light Touchscreen Laptop. ...
  • Dell Inspiron 3501 (15.6 inches) FHD Anti Glare Display Laptop. ...
  • ASUS VivoBook S15. ...
  • Dell Inspiron 15 5000. ...
  • Lenovo Ideapad S145. ...
  • HP Chromebook 14a-na0003TU Laptop.

What should a student look for when buying a laptop? ›

A baseline spec for students at high school should sit at at least 128GB of SSD storage space (expandable via an external hard drive), 8GB RAM and an i5 or Ryzen 5 processor.

Which MacBook is best for students 2022? ›

The best student MacBooks available now
  1. MacBook Air (M2, 2022) The best student MacBook overall. ...
  2. MacBook Air (M1, 2020) The best MacBook for students on a budget. ...
  3. MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) ...
  4. MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) ...
  5. MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) ...
  6. MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
Oct 15, 2022

How long do MacBook Airs last? ›

The average life of a MacBook Air is 6-7 years, after that it will stop getting updates. You might need to upgrade your MacBook Air to be in the line with the latest technology and software updates. Another factor to measure the MacBook's life is the way it is used.

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