what is a good laptop for my teenager

I'm searching for laptop for my 18 year old who is entering her first year of college in Sept 2019. It would be mainly use for homework and internet surfing. She loves Apple, so I'm sticking with Apple.


I don't know the differences between the mac, mac air, and mac book pro. Even though I know they are close to $1k if not a little over, I don't want to spend a significant amount if I don't have to. I would like for this laptop to last her through college. Which laptop would you recommend any why?

Posted on May 12, 2019 11:38 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 12, 2019 12:01 PM

I suggest starting by looking at these articles to help narrow down your choices:


If the goal is to only use this notebook for general homework use and Internet surfing and not for graphics-intensive apps, then either the MacBook Air or MacBook models should do nicely. In this case the MacBook Pro would be a bit of an "overkill."


Some suggestions to consider:

  1. Be aware that some models do not allow you to upgrade hardware, like RAM or drive storage size, so it's important to order it with what you believe should be required and leave some room for requirement growth. Of course, any of these upgrades will add to the cost.
  2. If cost is an issue, you will be limited to which models can be had for less than $1000. You would have to look at non-Apple laptops for this. However, another option is to get a used notebook. Both Apple and a number of third-party sources are available for this. A couple of third-party sources, I would suggest, are: Other World Computing (OWC) & Mac of All Trades.
  3. Do consider getting an AppleCare+ plan. This will extend the 1-year Apple Hardware Warranty for an additional 2 years and will make a difference should any repairs be required. In addition, you should be aware that typically Apple will only repair the device in the same country as where it was purchased. This is not a "hard" rule, but it could apply and negotiating with Apple is your best course of action should the event occur when you need help.
1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 12, 2019 12:01 PM in response to yagirl67

I suggest starting by looking at these articles to help narrow down your choices:


If the goal is to only use this notebook for general homework use and Internet surfing and not for graphics-intensive apps, then either the MacBook Air or MacBook models should do nicely. In this case the MacBook Pro would be a bit of an "overkill."


Some suggestions to consider:

  1. Be aware that some models do not allow you to upgrade hardware, like RAM or drive storage size, so it's important to order it with what you believe should be required and leave some room for requirement growth. Of course, any of these upgrades will add to the cost.
  2. If cost is an issue, you will be limited to which models can be had for less than $1000. You would have to look at non-Apple laptops for this. However, another option is to get a used notebook. Both Apple and a number of third-party sources are available for this. A couple of third-party sources, I would suggest, are: Other World Computing (OWC) & Mac of All Trades.
  3. Do consider getting an AppleCare+ plan. This will extend the 1-year Apple Hardware Warranty for an additional 2 years and will make a difference should any repairs be required. In addition, you should be aware that typically Apple will only repair the device in the same country as where it was purchased. This is not a "hard" rule, but it could apply and negotiating with Apple is your best course of action should the event occur when you need help.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

what is a good laptop for my teenager

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.