MacBook laptops are considered by many to be the best of the best when it comes to computing power, and many professionals swear by Apple products for creative design work, intensive audio and video editing and simple everyday use.
As powerful as MacBooks are, however, they aren’t for everyone. If you’re having a hard time deciding whether to purchase a new MacBook laptop, below are some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
In this article we’ll discuss the main Advantages and Disadvantages of MacBook computers, so let’s get started:
MacBook Pros
You’ve probably heard about how MacBooks are the cream of the crop when it comes to laptops, but what makes these machines so desirable? Below are some pros of purchasing an Apple MacBook laptop:
1. Well-Built, Sturdy Design
One of the big concerns people have when using any laptop computer is its durability. After all, laptops are meant to be used on the go, and while out and about, it can be easy to damage a laptop by dropping it or allowing it to get banged around on public transport.
Thankfully, the MacBook brand is designed to hold up against everyday wear and tear, and the internals prove this.
For example, both the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air include solid-state drives (SSDs) that operate without moving parts. This technology reduces the chances of read/write errors and memory corruption, even after a MacBook has been bumped and banged around a bit.
Moreover, MacBooks’ external surface is made of aluminum (actually 100% recycled aluminum enclosure) and each model is assessed in Apple’s Reliability Testing Lab, using rigorous testing methods that simulate customers’ experiences.
It’s also good to know that as sturdy as a MacBook is, users can also rely on Apple Insurance in the event that the machine takes some serious damage.
2. Fantastic Battery Life
Battery life is crucial when using a laptop as a dead battery means lost productivity. This can be especially troublesome if you use your laptop for work and find yourself without a way to charge your machine nearby.
Thankfully, the MacBook includes a long-lasting battery that some tests have shown can provide continuous power for over 18 hours.
This is great news if you find yourself traveling often without access to an outlet. Keep in mind that how you use a MacBook can determine its battery life.
If you are working with intensive applications with your screen brightness turned all the way up, you’re more likely to drain the battery faster.
3. User-Friendly Operating System
macOS is known to be a user-friendly operating system. In fact, Apple’s Steve Jobs used to use the tagline “It just works” as a way to market the brand’s computers because the OS is designed to be uncomplicated.
Most new MacBook users find that the operating system is easy to navigate, and the intuitive design speaks to users of all skill and experience levels.
If you’re coming from a Windows environment, it may take a little bit of time to get used to the interface of macOS, but most users have no trouble adapting.
4. Can Be More Secure Than Windows
macOS is also known to be more secure than Windows when it comes to viruses. While Windows offers a lot of detailed customization in terms of the nuts and bolts of the file system, this can leave it vulnerable to viruses and hacking.
MacBooks rarely have issues with viruses because macOS is secure by nature (based on Linux) and also is not targeted much by virus and malware attacks.
5. Great If You Have Other Apple Devices
As a company, Apple has done a wonderful job creating its own ecosystem. Within this ecosystem, most of the brand’s products are designed to interface seamlessly with one another, making it easy to connect your Apple Watch to your MacBook device while also integrating your Airpod charging station and syncing your iPhone.
Although the MacBook can interface with non-Apple hardware and software systems, the MacBook is designed specifically to work flawlessly within the Apple ecosystem.
6. Time Machine Feature
There’s nothing worse than the feeling you get when you accidentally delete a file or realize you’ve made an irreversible change to your computer’s operating system.
Apple knows that this is a big concern for users, so it created the Time Machine feature to alleviate the worry and hassle that can come along with managing files on a MacBook.
Time Machine acts as a continuous backup system. It saves files from a MacBook in the cloud, allowing deleted files to be restored or even entire system rollbacks to be carried out in the event that a user made a mistake.
This is especially helpful for professionals who use MacBooks for mission-critical work where losing files is not an option.
MacBook Cons
Although owning a MacBook comes along with plenty of benefits, there are some reasons why a MacBook may not be the right choice. Below are some cons of purchasing a MacBook:
1. More Expensive Compared to Similar Windows Laptops
When it comes down to price, a MacBook is going to be more expensive than a Windows laptop with similar specs.
In fact, Apple products in general are known for being a bit pricey compared to similar products from competing brands.
Although some argue that the quality you receive when purchasing a MacBook is worth the extra money, others claim that the higher price is due to the name brand associated with Apple products.
If your budget is the main factor when considering a MacBook, you may want to look at competing Windows machines to see the difference.
2. Doesn’t Include Built-In LAN Ethernet or HDMI
These days, it seems like easy connectivity to the Internet is a given when you purchase technology, but if you buy a MacBook, you may find your options limited.
While a MacBook can connect to the web using WiFi, these laptops don’t have a built-in LAN ethernet port.
This means that in order to use a hardwired Ethernet network LAN connection, you have to buy a special adapter.
Additionally, MacBooks don’t include HDMI ports, so connecting an HDMI display requires an adapter as well. This can make for a frustrating experience if you’re looking for a laptop that offers plug-and-play simplicity.
3. Limited Software Applications Compared to Windows
Like it or not, Windows is the default operating system in most people’s minds. Microsoft dominates the general-use computing space, and most offices across the world use Windows.
As a result, MacBooks may not have access to as many software applications compared to Windows machines.
Apple and other third-party developers have done a fairly good job of creating clones of many Windows applications, so you aren’t completely out of luck with a MacBook, but you’re going to have to put in a little more time and research to find the right Mac-focused applications if you buy a MacBook laptop.
4. Hardware Can Be Difficult to Upgrade
Continuing with Apple’s heavy investment in developing its own ecosystem, the MacBook can be difficult to upgrade.
In fact, you’re likely going to need to work directly with an Apple store to complete upgrades, and OEM parts can be hard to come by.
This can be a benefit, however, since it reduces the chances of making a mistake by changing out parts for the wrong components, but if you’re tech-savvy and like to tinker, a MacBook isn’t going to give you nearly as much room to play around as a Windows machine.
5. Not Great for Gaming
If you’re a gamer, a MacBook is likely not going to be what you’re looking for. While the MacBook is designed to be a very powerful machine, Apple’s proprietary operating system and peripherals setup means that not as many game studios develop releases for macOS.
There are plenty of games available to be played on a MacBook, but if you’re hoping to play that new AAA game release on day one, you may be disappointed if you’re trying on a MacBook.
6. Limited Models Available
MacBook models are limited to create a simple shopping experience, but this simplicity can be a drawback for tech enthusiasts who want to customize their machines.
Currently, Apple offers the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air. Both versions come with your choice of either the M1 processor or the more powerful M2 processor, and there are slight differences in the size of the screens and the display type.
What this means is that you are essentially purchasing a pre-built laptop from Apple with little room for customization.
Once again, this works perfectly if you’re the type of user who wants an efficient, powerful solution without having to dig into the tech details.
If, on the other hand, you love to tinker with components and customize every square inch of a new laptop, you’re going to find the options available in the MacBook line severely lacking.
Should You Buy a MacBook?
Apple MacBook laptops have a number of advantages, but you may find that a MacBook isn’t for you.
If you’re looking for a powerful all-in-one solution to get processor-intensive work done with room to spare, a MacBook might be right up your alley.
If you’re looking for a customizable experience that can scale with your needs over time, you may consider looking for a Windows PC instead.
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