The best MacBook for college and business personnel are going to be slightly completely different for everybody, that is why we have selected these four here.
However by default the 2021 MacBook Air ought to be everyone’s place to begin. This is among Apple’s least expensive portable computer models.
however, it includes some powerful hardware and useful options to meet the overwhelming majority of computing desires. For other, more specific laptop computer uses. There is a pro model that features even a lot of the nice stuff.
Any business kitting out its workforce with a MacBook knows what to expect. The brand is synonymous with innovative design and simple operation, not to mention creativity and reliability.
The MacBook Pro features quad-core Intel processor options — up from the dual-core chips inside the MacBook Air — as well as a brighter display with a wider color gamut. We consider this model the minimum viable product for intensive tasks like photo editing.
Finally, for the utmost speed and largest screen size, the 16 MacBook Pro released in 2021 is a great choice. This model gets a larger 16-inch screen with the same 15-inch body size. Plus, the display has a sharper resolution, Apple M1 Pro or Pro MAx processors, and dedicated AMD Radeon Pro graphics.
Which version of the MacBook is the best?
This is a question a lot of people ask us all the time, especially those that are not familiar with MacBooks.
To help you answer this, we like you to know that Apple makes basically just two models of the MacBook namely:
- the MacBook Air, and
- the MacBook Pro.
Unlike other manufacturers, you should know that Apple doesn’t deal in quantity but quality, as evident in their smartphones.
The MacBook Air is the more portable, thin, and easy-to-carry model of the two. It basically comes with a 13-inch display and weighs less than a kg.
But this is not to say it lacks behind in terms of specifications. With the Air, you could be sure you’re getting up to 2TB of storage, 16GB of RAM, long battery life, and a powerful M1 processor.
This might be suitable for college students or business people who travel a lot.
On the other, the MacBook Pro is heavier, thicker, and might not be that easy to always carry around. The display could be as bulky as 16-inch and could weigh more than a kg.
However, with additional weight comes additional specs such as additional ports, more storage space, and more. Albeit you get the same processor, and sometimes RAM for an entry model.
So, if you are looking for a laptop for your office work or something to do some serious computing with at home, this might be your one-stop.
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Top 4 Best MacBook for college and business in 2023
1. MacBook Air (M1 2021): Best MacBook for college students
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M1
Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Storage: 256GB – 2TB PCIe-based SSD
Dimensions: 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.61 cm
| REASONS TO BUY | REASONS NOT TO BUY |
|---|---|
| Affordable price | Screen colors are a little muted |
| Improved keyboard | Battery life is only OK |
| Powerful Apple M1 processor | Webcam is still just 720p |
With Apple’s M1 chip now in full control, the MacBook is in a league of its own. Talk about computing power, speed, and efficiency yet being as lightweight as a 20 leaves exercise book then look no further.
Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air is arguably the best MacBook for students and businesses right now if you don’t need all the features of the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
It halves the number of USB-C ports which makes using multiple monitors problematic (unless you opt for one such as the LG UltraFine 5K that adds more Thunderbolt ports).
And it has the subtly, yet noticeably dimmer and less color-accurate (yet still high-resolution) display out of the pair.
On the other hand, the Air is marginally thinner and lighter than the Pro which makes a big difference when carrying it around.
2. MacBook Pro 16: Best MacBook for business
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max
Graphics: 16 (M1Pro), 24-32 (M1 Max)
RAM: 16GB – 64GB
Screen: 16-inch Retina display with True Tone
Storage: 512GB – 8TB SSD
| REASONS TO BUY | REASONS NOT TO BUY |
|---|---|
| Stunning 16-inch screen | Expensive |
| New and improved keyboard | Limited to four Thunderbolt 3 ports |
While we are sad that Apple has retired the 15-inch MacBook Pro, we’re more than happy to see the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021) hit the shelves. As
thin, light, and sleek as ever, this doesn’t feel like a 16-inch behemoth. If you’re worried that this was going to be bulky and awkward to use, don’t be.
Yet, despite its svelte frame, you’re still getting that extra real estate on that stunning display, as well as the latest and greatest components behind it.
Apple then rounds those out with amazing (and loud) speakers and a much, much better keyboard. If you’re after the best MacBook for your business or workstation, this is it.
3. MacBook Pro 13
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M1
Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
RAM: 8GB – 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3
Storage: 256GB – 4TB SSD
Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.59in
| REASONS TO BUY | REASONS NOT TO BUY |
|---|---|
| Excellent keyboard | Older processors in the base model |
| Fast performance | |
| Quality audio | |
| Good battery life |
The MacBook Pro 13-inch will be a jump up in price from the MacBook Air, but also a big jump up in power which is why it has made this list of best MacBook for students.
Equipped with powerful Apple CPUs and Apple’s Touch Bar, and not weighing much more than the latest MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBook Pro delivers an overall capable and mobile MacBook for creative professionals and power-hungry general users alike.
This two-port model also includes the same, two USB-C ports, one of which will need to be used for charging.
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4. MacBook Pro 13 (4 ports)
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M1
Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
RAM: 16GB – 32GB 2133MHz LPDDR3
Storage: 512GB – 4TB SSD
Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.59in
| REASONS TO BUY | REASONS NOT TO BUY |
|---|---|
| Bright and color-accurate display | Divisive keyboard |
| Four USB-C Thunderbolt ports | |
| Good battery life |
The MacBook Pro 13 with four ports is equipped with powerful Intel CPU options as well as Apple’s Touch Bar but doesn’t weigh much more than a MacBook Air.
This choice is capable of portable power for creative professionals and students in technologically demanding fields but expands how it can be used with more USB-C ports which makes it a great choice for the best MacBook for students and businesses.
How to choose the best MacBook for college or business
The MacBook line of laptops is all generally recent and provides great value in their longevity.
These are the best MacBooks for students or any business personnel can buy currently. That said, Apple has been getting better at updating its portable powerhouses more regularly than it has in the past.
Therefore, to help you make a better buying decision, here are some important tips to consider;
- Budget: Before buying your next MacBook, you should have a net spend budget. This is very key and important as it helps you spend wisely while getting the best from your shopping.
- Storage: The minimum storage you should be considering should be a 256GB SSD.
- Processor: With Apple launching its processors into the latest MacBooks, Intel processors are gradually fading away in the MacBook world. However, getting a Core i5 for a start is not a bad idea, especially if you’re on a very tight budget. Otherwise, Apple’s M1 chip is the go.
- RAM: Aside from a powerful processor, 8GB RAM is a good start for fast and smooth processing of your tasks have chosen the best MacBook for your college or business work.
- Battery life: A MacBook with at least 6 hours of battery life on a single charge should be your target as you wouldn’t want to be moving about with a laptop charger.
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