Apple products are very popular all over the world, and most often, when buying some technological appliance, the eyes of customers turn to this brand. After all, Apple has positioned itself on the market as a reliable and visionary company. But there are some important things you need to know before buying a Mac to choose the laptop that will completely suit your needs. A computer expert consultation service Howly has prepared a MacBook review for you to be aware of this laptop’s main features. Consider different MacBook models, their characteristics and operability to be fully confident in your laptop. Find out the tasks MacBook can perform and its main properties. It’s very important to choose the computer that will be able to suit all your needs. In this article, we have gathered the most important information you need to know before purchasing a MacBook.
Choose the model that’s best for you
As is in phones, there are not many Apple laptop models, which makes the choice of the device easier. There are such Apple laptop models as the lightweight MacBook Air, the more powerful MacBook Pro with Retina displays, and the older MacBook Pro with non-Retina displays. MacBook Air laptops are available in 11- and 13-inch models. As for MacBook Pros, there are 13- and 15-inch models. The users who need an easily portable model choose MacBook Air or 13-inch MacBook Pro. Those who need more operational functions or a bigger screen purchase MacBook Pro models.
MacBook service
Apple laptops are not always easy to repair. After all, high-performance hardware cannot fit into such a thin and small laptop. The maintenance and repair of the device without a specialist are not suggested. Moreover, you will need special tools for repairing the laptop.
No easy memory upgrade
It’s worth noting that the memory on newer MacBooks cannot be upgraded in the standard way. However, additional RAM can be soldered on. Some manufacturers offer aftermarket solid-state drive (SSD) upgrades, complete with the necessary proprietary connectors, though these are usually too expensive. As a result, it is best to choose the right amount of RAM and storage when ordering a MacBook.
Ports and connectors
The small number of ports on Apple laptops may be uncomfortable if you need to connect your laptop to multiple devices. Therefore, you will need to get various adapters to connect to other devices.
Not for gaming
Windows laptop owners can pause at any time and run a game for every taste and almost any type. The variety of games in the App Store is amazing. An iPhone can easily replace a set-top box. On MacBook, however, highly developed modern games won’t run at all. At best, you can play Civilization VI. It is one of the few modern games that is adequately ported to macOS.
Tech properties
Processor
Most MacBooks are equipped with Intel Core i7 processors from the U series, which will be enough for most professional applications (audio, video editing, 3D rendering) at the amateur level.
But, if you often need to work with complex projects, a MacBook may not load the programs as quickly as a Windows laptop from the H or HQ series with a much more powerful professional Intel processor. Of course, there are also MacBooks with such processors, but their cost is over $3500.
Video card
MacBook laptops are equipped with discrete graphics below the average level, probably because it is impossible to fit a powerful cooling system in their compact case.
These graphics properties are enough for everyday tasks and amateur video editing, but it is not suitable for complex professional projects. For complex programs, you will have to take a Windows laptop or an external video card.
Disk system
Macbooks are equipped with fast SSD drives, but they have a relatively small memory capacity – 256 GB on average. Therefore, a relatively inexpensive MacBook model will not be enough to store a large number of voluminous projects. To compare, in a Windows laptop, you can buy a model with an SSD and HDD for a very affordable price. But the memory problem on MacBook can be solved with a larger SSD or an external drive.
Battery life
Apple devices take pride in their long battery life, and MacBook is no exception. It can work up to 10 hours on a single charge. Of course, there are other laptops with powerful batteries. But they are not as good compared to MacBooks since Apple products have much better optimized power consumption.
Touchpad and keyboard
MacBooks are known for their smart touchpads. They have excellent sensitivity and support advanced gestures. It makes working on a MacBook touchpad very convenient. The MacBook keyboard is also very easy to use. However, the keys may fall off, so they should be gently handled. Although if it happens, the broken keys can be easily and quickly fixed in the service center.
Software
macOS is a fast, reliable, and user-friendly operating system. It offers a lot of great apps. You don’t have to dance around with a tambourine to get your laptop to do what you want it to do. The software settings have been tested to be optimal for everyday use. There are no bugs, and nothing will slow down your work.
Conclusion
Apple products are widely popular in the tech industry, and MacBook is not an exception. However, let’s draw some conclusions about the MacBook and the tasks it is suitable for.
- If you are working on not very complex audio, video editing, 3D modeling, or programming, the MacBook will be a great helper and a great choice for you.
- The MacBook is completely unsuitable for today’s high-tech games. They simply won’t work on it.
- If you don’t plan to carry your laptop around often or for a long time, you may find cheaper models from other manufacturers that are similar in design.
- It is also suitable if you just want to have a comfortable, stylish laptop with good autonomy for doing simple office tasks. Thanks to its compact dimensions and low weight, you can carry it with you anytime and anywhere.
- A MacBook is also basically suitable for designers, but for much less money, you can get a multi-functional laptop from DELL with a 17-inch screen, which will be more convenient for these tasks.
- For complex projects, it is better to choose a Windows laptop with a professional processor and powerful discrete graphics. It will cope with your tasks several times faster and cost approximately the same as a MacBook.