Recommendations For Possible New Computer/Laptop

Question

Level 1

4 points

Recommendations For Possible New Computer/Laptop

To whoever wishes to help!

I was thinking about getting a new computer/laptop and was considering getting my first MacBook. Which, is there one would someone recommend as a good "trial run" before I decide to upgrade to a new version or product? Since I started with Apple, or any sort of electronic product; I always went with an older but still up-to-date product, just to see if I wanted to continue purchasing their brand. (i.e.: my first iPhone was an S.E. before they phased out. I replaced my iPhone 11 last year with an iPhone 14 pro because I just continued to love Apple so much).

I currently have an almost five-year-old Windows 11 laptop, which was only a temporary solution when I was still in online schooling. But, I've been coming across a lot of needed internal purchases and fees just to continue to update and use my laptop. I find it unfair, being now, my computer won't run the same, the touch screen doesn't always interact, sometimes it won't play videos, and even blacks out the screen for hours on end before returning to normal.

I'm hoping to find a laptop not only portable and light but for my work as an inspiring author and web designer. Something that can keep up with my pace and last for as long as it's worth. The way my computers have been, I haven't been able to get good work in. Even my typing speed is too much for my computer to catch up, instead it just powers off. I don't currently have a budget for my new laptop-to-be, but any recommendations and advice would helpful ^-^. I don't trust salespeople at stores like Best Buy, Target, or Walmart. They always recommend the "better product" that's way too expensive

But, I do hope you take care and stay safe out there! The advise and help is always appreciated from lovely folks like you<3

-Rose

[Edited by Moderator]

Windows, Windows 11 (22631)

Posted on Nov 23, 2024 8:29 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 23, 2024 9:53 PM in response to jadea_rose

jadea_rose wrote:

I'm hoping to find a laptop not only portable and light but for my work as an inspiring author and web designer. Something that can keep up with my pace and last for as long as it's worth.

You could look at:

13" and 15" MacBook Airs with plain M2 or M3 chips
14" MacBook Pros with plain M3 or M4 chips

Note that some of these are discontinued, but can be found in places like the Certified Refurbished section of the online Apple Store.

Certified Refurbished Products - Apple

Any of them should have plenty of power for basic tasks, provided that you get one with at least 16 GB of RAM. That means that you might want to base your selection on your preferences as to screen(s), ports, and price. I didn't list 16" MacBook Pros because you said that you wanted something "portable and light."

A 13" or 15" MacBook Air would have a basic set of ports: two multi-purpose USB-C / Thunderbolt ports, plus a MagSafe 3 charging port and a headphone jack.

A 14" MacBook Pro (not to be confused with a 13" one!) would also have:

A HDMI port
A SDXC card slot
A mini-LED backlit display with HDR video support for playing prerecorded video content

A 14" MacBook Pro with a Pro chip, Max chip, or plain M4 chip would also have

A third multi-purpose USB-C / Thunderbolt port.
Support for using two external displays with the lid open

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Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 9

72,398 points

Nov 23, 2024 12:00 PM in response to jadea_rose

Welcome!

Apple no longer makes "MacBooks." They have retained the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro. I suspect from your description it is the Macbook Air that you are considering.

I will ask the moderators to move this to the Macbook Air forum section. "Older Hardware" get very few views and fewer posts about the latest Apple notebooks.

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Answer 3

dwb

Level 7

33,100 points

Nov 24, 2024 11:04 AM in response to jadea_rose

I’ve been buying refurbished computers & iPads from Apple for about 15 years which nets a modest discount ands has a full warranty and is eligible for AppleCare if desired. Every refurb I’ve purchased from Apple has looked brand new and performed flawlessly.

As to which computer to buy - that’s up to your wallet and what’s available at the Apple refurb store - stock changes frequently. Once upon a time I called myself a power user and I chose top end MacBook Pro models but shortly after Apple released the second iteration of MacBook Air my wife purchased one and I borrowed it that first summer when I took a summer class at college. (The building was notorious for being the furthest from on campus parking.) I loved the portability of her MBA and it didn’t feel at all underpowered. I’ve been using MBAs ever since.

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