The MacBook, Apple’s laptop, is everywhere. From universities and offices to coffee shops and homes, you can see these powerful laptops everywhere you go. For some non-Apple users, the company’s products can look overpriced, and the best MacBooks may not feel like a particularly attractive investment considering their starting price. In reality, Apple became the world’s first trillionaire company in 2022, confirming that its products have something tens of millions of people value and are willing to pay for them. So, are MacBooks worth it? Why are they so popular? Let’s dive into it.
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MacBook vs. PC: A battle for durability and support
When considering the purchase of a new MacBook, one of the most asked questions is why you should buy a more expensive MacBook instead of a PC laptop. Fair enough. You only have to look at the price tags of Apple’s MacBooks in any retail shop to understand that they are pricier than many PC laptops.
It can be challenging for those who like Apple to sound unbiased when stating that Macs have much better durability than PCs. A while ago, this wasn’t very far from the truth. However, the release of Windows 10 and the systems created since then have considerably improved the durability of Windows laptops. We can say that, even if Apple offers extensive support for its products, PCs are up to the task as well nowadays.
The progress of competing operating systems and PC manufacturers means that today, saying that Windows is worse than Macs and PCs are short-lived can no longer be justified appropriately. Therefore, we should not only analyze the durability. It’s time to look further.
Price amortization and good value over the years
You buy a MacBook once and amortize the investment over several years by maintaining the performance of the equipment with very little change (which many don’t notice) over those years. As mentioned before, the durability of PC laptops has improved in recent times, but Apple has been offering excellent durability from the very beginning. The foundations are solid.
Choosing from a wide range of MacBooks can also be a titanic work. That’s why identifying your usage is the most important thing you can do before browsing deals. Think about a MacBook for basic usage if you plan to use your laptop for tasks that don’t require an over-the-top performance. In this case, you could be paying less than a PC laptop.
On the other hand, for example, getting a refurbished M2-powered MacBook Air will give you extraordinary performance in the years to come while saving money. The only difference is that a refurbished device is a pre-owned product that professional refurbishers thoroughly test and clean before selling it again. Apart from that, the only thing you would need to consider is the cosmetic condition of the MacBook.
5 strengths of the MacBook
As we’ve seen in the previous sections, the MacBook is an excellent piece of technology. Whether you should get one depends highly on your usage and the following strengths of Apple’s laptop.
1. Outstanding performance
MacBooks are difficult to beat as an all-purpose laptop, which has very much to do with their performance. Even with the evolution of computing needs, the power of the M1 and M2 chips in previous models of MacBooks remains outstanding. Although the newest MacBooks, like the M3-powered MacBook Pro, offer significantly increased computing power and are among the fastest, most power-efficient chips ever built for portable computing, they might be off-limits for some people unwilling to spend more than necessary.
Apple M1 with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU
8GB memory • Space Gray
with Touch Bar • 2020 release
Apple M1 with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU
8GB memory • Silver
with Touch Bar • 2020 release
Apple M1 with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU
8GB memory • Silver
with Touch Bar • 2020 release
Smooth performance and multitasking capabilities are two of the main reasons to buy a MacBook, even those that have been on the market for a few years.
👉 Learn more: 13-Inch vs. 15-Inch MacBook Air M2: All the Differences
2. Great battery life
Battery life is in Apple’s spotlight for all its devices, especially for the newest MacBooks powered with Apple Silicon chips. While you can find many PC laptops that run out of battery in just a couple of hours of demanding work, MacBooks are known to resist everything you throw at them. Additionally, the inclusion of a MagSafe charger reinforces the device’s durability by minimizing the risk of damage from accidental tugs, ensuring the MacBook’s longevity.
3. Beautiful design and visually appealing
Apple would not be the company it is today without the polished build and design of its products. MacBooks are beautiful, boasting a thin-and-light chassis that is both slim and elegant, yet their downside includes the high temperatures and throttling that may occur as a consequence.
The same chassis found in these devices is equipped with Mini LED screens, providing deeper blacks and rich colors that are particularly appealing to graphic designers. Be cautious with MacBooks, as a coffee spill could lead to expensive repairs. Nonetheless, their visual appeal remains unquestioned.
4. High-quality materials
It’s easy to find computers that, from a distance, are beautiful. But, if your new laptop isn’t made of high-quality materials, the user experience will undoubtedly suffer. The appearance is not everything, but once you hold the unique all-aluminum construction of the MacBook, there is no going back. No company has ever succeeded in trying to imitate it.
5. Seamless ecosystem integration
Before choosing a new MacBook, you should consider other Apple devices you may have, such as an iPhone, an Apple Watch, or an iPad. Apple products are designed to work together seamlessly and be part of a dynamic ecosystem. Airplay, Airdrop, and iCloud tie all the devices together to form a complete interacting experience. Although this is not uncommon in other brands, Apple’s ecosystem is genuinely exceptional.
👉 Related: 10 Best MacBook Accessories in 2024
4 weaknesses of the MacBook
To properly know if MacBooks are worth it and if your next purchase is a good investment for your particular situation and usage, we must also analyze their cons, such as:
1. More limited software support
Compared to other operating systems, there are fewer software titles to choose from when using macOS. As for the gaming world, many titles work both on Windows and macOS, although many work exclusively on Windows. Moreover, the experience with macOS without dedicated versions can be poorer. Make sure that macOS adequately supports your favorite apps and games before purchasing a MacBook.
2. Restrictions in hardware upgrades
Apple’s computers and laptops typically come with a fixed memory configuration, which limits the potential for hardware upgrades. This is prevalent in all models, ensuring optimized performance but restricting flexibility.
For instance, if you’d like to enhance your system’s capabilities, you often may need to consider purchasing a new or refurbished model with the desired increases in processor capacity, storage, and memory. Should you need clarification on upgrade options, it’s wise to contact a laptop repair store in your area for professional advice tailored to your specific needs.
3. Expensive storage
If you require a fair amount of storage for your device, MacBooks can often feel a bit limited. You can choose up to 8 TB of SSD storage for a MacBook nowadays, but the laptop’s price will increase excessively. A quick and less expensive solution is to get an external hard drive to store everything you need and don’t use on a daily basis.
4. Transition from Intel-based chips
Apple is transitioning from Macs with Intel’s x86 chips to Apple Silicon. The company-designed chips will be the new standard, providing high efficiency, performance, and battery life. However, this can create software compatibility problems using an Intel-based Mac. In short, Silicon chips will cause app developers to update their software in order to be compatible with them, making Intel-based Macs obsolete for these apps—except if you use Rosetta 2.
👉 Learn more: Apple M1 vs. Intel MacBook Pro: Similarities and Differences
Takeaway
We think MacBooks are worth it, especially considering their durability and performance. Still, you need to do your own research and consider what you will use them for. For instance, basic usage, programming, gaming, graphic design, communication, and video editing.
The choice will vary depending on the use. You can choose between the original MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. Whatever your choice, you will get a beautiful, compact, portable, and outstanding laptop for your needs.
On RefurbMe, we specialize in comparing hundreds of refurbished Apple products from multiple merchants. They are 100% functional and have been tested from top to bottom. If you want to get a new laptop at a discounted price, check out our best MacBook deals from reputable sellers here. 👇
1.4Ghz Intel Dual-Core i5 4th gen
4GB memory • Silver
2014 release
1.3Ghz Intel Dual-Core i5 4th gen
4GB memory • Silver
2013 release
1.6Ghz Intel Dual-Core i5 5th gen
4GB memory • Silver
2015 release
Good luck!
FAQ
Macs tend to last longer than many PCs due to their engineering. Durability is at the forefront of Apple’s design. If you take care of them properly, they can last even more than a decade.
MacBooks may not be the best option for gamers. While Apple Silicon chips (like the M2 and M3) have improved gaming performance, they still fall short compared to Windows-based gaming laptops. Many popular games lack macOS support, and the hardware isn’t always optimized for high-end gaming.
Yes, MacBooks are an excellent option for students. They are durable and robust, and models like the MacBook Air are easy to carry around and compatible with the latest macOS 14 Sonoma. In addition, some refurbished models are available with great discounts.
Choosing the right Apple M-series chip depends on your needs:
M1: Ideal for basic tasks and light productivity. Great for budget-conscious users.
M2: Offers better performance for multitasking and more demanding applications.
M3: Best for professionals needing cutting-edge performance.
Many software developers prefer MacBooks because of their Unix-based macOS, which provides a stable and powerful environment for coding. MacBooks also offer strong integration with Apple’s ecosystem, making them ideal for mobile and web development, especially for iOS. The combination of excellent build quality, long battery life, and superior performance, particularly with Apple’s M-series chips, further enhances their appeal. Additionally, MacBooks offer robust security features.
