Apple and Google are large companies and well known for their devices, including high powered laptop options. With school starting back up during the current pandemic, owning a laptop has never been more important. While some students will be attending in-person classes, others will be opting to stay home and attend school through Zoom. Either option will require the use of a laptop that's best suited to the student and their classwork needs. Apple's MacBook and Google's Chromebooks are two options and both have various pros and cons for students.
Being that finding the perfect laptop for school has become a necessity, taking the time to research what laptop will best suit your needs as a student is important. This also includes understanding the benefits and downsides of both MacOS and Chrome OS. As these are totally different operating systems, some may find they prefer working on one over the other, regardless of the look or price of any individual device.
Although both companies have several different models, Chromebooks definitely take the lead when it comes to variety. While some may prefer how they can choose from many different Chromebook sizes and designs, others might the level of choice to be overwhelming. The MacBook, on the other hand, has two main laptop versions - the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro. Although both are also available in several models that vary in size and design. Whether your highest priority is cost, size, or speed, there will be a Chromebook or MacBook that suits your individual needs as a student.
Should You Go With Apple Or Google?
The MacBook is notorious for its sleek style and students often gravitate towards one due to its high level of compatibility with other Apple products. With its iconic look and impressive retina display, the decision to go with a MacBook will be easy for some. However, the cost of a new MacBook could make the choice harder. For example, while the MacBook Air is equipped with up to 11 hours of battery life, 16GB of storage, and is the perfect size to slide into a backpack comfortably, the price starts at $999. The MacBook Pro 13-inch ups the starting price to $1299, but does come with a faster processor and higher quality graphics. There is also a 16-inch MacBook Pro model priced at $2399 and this one reigns supreme, with up to 64GB storage and twice the speed of the other two models. All three models are fully equipped with a 720p FaceTime HD Camera for classroom Zoom meetings, as well as the ability to easily connect to a student's iPhone or AirPods.
Although Chromebook are linked with Google, and run on the company's Chrome OS, the majority of models are actually made and sold by other companies and there are a lot of options to chose from. There are three Chromebook models that are specifically good for student use and the first is the Lenovo Chromebook S330. Priced under $500, this Chromebook is equipped with a touch screen display, a 10-hour battery life, and is useful when it comes to multitasking. The Acer Chromebook Spin 13 starts at $799 and also features a touch screen display along with 10 hours of battery life, but comes with a foldable design allowing it to be positioned in more ways than just laptop mode. Lastly, the Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630 is priced similar to the Spin 13, and is another 2-in-1 device, allowing it to be used in different positions.
If you are on a budget and on the lookout for a laptop that is just as adequate for your classwork needs, go with a Chromebook. Overall, there are more than 60 Chromebook models to choose from, and while this can make the decision a little more difficult and time-consuming, those willing to do the research will find the Chromebook model that works best for them, and at the right price. Then again, anyone willing to spend more for a well-designed, highly rated laptop, that connects with other Apple products, will find the MacBook is the right decision for them. Laptops from Apple and Google are both very well made and offer high-performance, so either way you won't be disappointed.