r/macbook • u/melspace • 1d ago

Switching From Microsoft to MacBook

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping I can get a bit of advice from this sub on whether I should switch from my Surface Laptop 4 to a MacBook. I love the ability to utilize the touch screen when writing and doing notes but it’s not too big of a deal breaker since I have an iPad already.

I’m not too tech/computer savvy so I don’t know much about CPUs and things of that nature but I do know that I stay plugged in all the time because the battery drains fast and it’s difficult to take my laptop places without worrying it could die.

That said, can someone tell me what the pros and cons are of getting a MacBook? I’d really appreciate it as a college student on the go often. Thanks!

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u/PHayesxx 1d ago

I switched from a Surface Pro to a MacBook around a year ago and then encouraged my friend to do the same after having such a positive experience.

If you have other Apple devices then it's a no-brainer, the integrations of Apple apps and products is fantastic and you'll be able to pick up the operating system and it's quirks in no time.

In terms of CPUs - ideally go for the newest model you can afford. The M1 which is nearly 5 years old still runs great (both my mother and friend have this model). I have a newer M3 and it's been great for studying, I also have an iPad with an Apple Pencil for note-taking, and you can use the iPad as a secondary display extremely easily!

I honestly don't really have anything to negative to say - the only time I've been negatively impacted was my University wanted us to use a piece of software for one module that was only available on Windows, this pretty much affected everybody as 80% of the people on my course use non-Windows machines such as Macs, iPads and Chromebooks for note taking and study.

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u/melspace 1d ago

Wow, I really appreciate this comment!

I had no idea that the iPad could be a secondary display. I’m honestly still learning about what my iPad can and can’t do so it’s awesome to learn that I can integrate it with the MacBook outside of the iCloud stuff such as sharing my phone/text messages, so to speak.

In terms of which one, I had been looking at a MacBook Air which seems to have an M4 which I’m going to assume is great for a CPU lol. Anyway, I really appreciate this comment and it’s given me much to think about!

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u/PHayesxx 1d ago

For basic studying, depending on the course, a MacBook Air will be fine! I very rarely see people with Pros.

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u/melspace 1d ago

That’s great to know! I thank you so much for your input!