Explore the world of Mac. Check out MacBook Pro, iMac Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and more. Visit the Apple site to learn, buy, and get support. Ultimately, the best Mac for students is dependent on each person's particular needs, including grade level, college major, learning environment (remote vs in-person) and budget. But Apple’s Mac line is sufficiently broad that it might be hard to decide which machine is most appropriate for a college-bound student. Here’s our advice. First, don’t buy anything without first checking with the college. Many college departments have specific requirements based on the software that students have to use in their classes.

Mac For College Discount

Mac or PC for College?
Which Laptop Is Best for the College Student

You’re getting ready to head to college. And, your laptop is giving you trouble. The memory is low. It’s outdated. You found out you need a new motherboard.

Ultimately, the best Mac for students is dependent on each person's particular needs, including grade level, college major, learning environment (remote vs in-person) and budget. Buy a Mac or iPad for university. Get AirPods on us when you shop for a Mac or iPad with education pricing. Enjoy 20 per cent off AppleCare+, save on accessories and more. 1 Simply verify your current student or staff status with UNiDAYS.

Mac Apps For College Students

Or maybe you’re just one of those people who has to have what’s new and are ready for an upgrade. The new Windows and Mac laptops have made their debut, and you’re wondering whether to buy a Mac or PC for college?

In this article, you’ll learn the advantages and disadvantages of Macs and PCs. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, here are the facts you need to know as Mac and PC go toe-to-toe.

Which One Offers the Better Price?

It’s no secret that an Apple laptop costs more money than Windows. But many Mac lovers say it’s worthy of the higher price tag. On the other hand, PC guys and girls would tell you not to waste the money.

Apple computers are more stylish in appearance. Their design is sleek and clean. But looks aren’t the only thing that makes people want to pay more for Apple laptops. They’re also easier to maintain.

You don’t have to worry about root directories and other technical tasks necessary to maintain the PC. The PC takes more computer experience, but the Mac is so easy a grandparent can learn it. Children already know it! The other thing: it syncs with your iPhone and iPad.

These aspects are why people are willing to pay more money for a more attractive and easier-to-operate machine. Of course, it depends on your budget. If you’re footing the bill for college, you might want to save your money and go with a PC.

But, if you have wealthy parents who want to get the computer you want, you might want to buy a Mac because you think it’s a better investment.

Mac Vs. PC: How Does Battery Life Compare?

With midterms and finals around the corner, there’s no time to worry about where to find an outlet in a crowded cafeteria, library, or coffee shop. If you’re out of juice because you’ve been on campus all day, then that’s a problem.

You need a battery that lasts. School is stressful enough around exam time. You don’t want your computer to add more stress to your life.

While some Windows models have a long battery life like the Asus ZenBook 14 or the ThinkPad, many PC models fall short when comparing their battery to Apple. The powerful and long-lasting batteries in the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air take the prize, offering between 10-13 hours of battery life.

MacBooks work well with all of their components. This differs from Windows and is why Mac leaves Windows at the gate with a dead battery.

If you buy a PC, keep in mind your charge may only last six hours, so you may be scouring around campus looking for power options.

Compatibility on Campus

College campuses equip themselves to accommodate PCs and Macs. If for some reason your campus doesn’t accommodate both computer systems, you have your answer.

But, if you’re an engineering student or major in a technical subject that’s not design-based you’ll probably be working in a PC environment. Your department may even use Internet Explorer for projects. But can you download internet explorer on a Mac?

If you’re not a wizard at the computer, you might want to base your decision on your college campus’s technical support staff. Does your school have way more PC technical support than the Mac?

This could be a deciding factor and can leave you behind if you make the wrong choice. However, if the IT support team specializes in Apple computers, you should probably buy a Mac if you don’t have the learning curve. It would simplify things since PCs tend to be more complex in their technology.

Another compatibility issue to consider is filing transfer compatibility. Although compatibility has come a long way between programs and files, sometimes PC and Mac file extensions don’t play well together. This could cause a problem for Mac users if most people use PCs.

Internet Security

When it comes to malware, computer viruses, and spyware, PC users are hit all the time. The PC computer keeps hackers and Internet security companies in business with all the attacks on its systems. And, the need to develop defenders to ward them off.

The Relationship Between the PC and Security

The reason why PCs are targeted more frequently is that more computer users own a PC. In fact, 88.7% of computer users have a PC to be exact. While only 10% of the population owns an Apple. This makes being the underdog a better option causing fewer headaches.

But, on the other hand, Microsoft works hard to keep Windows environments more secure than its former versions. But internet predators still work just as hard to hack into systems and infect them with viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware.

But although Macs are safer, no computer is totally safe from threats. So it’s always critical to run anti-virus software on the Mac to keep viruses away as best as you can.

Which Platform Is Better for Design?

If you’re studying art or design in school–whether it be fashion design at F.I.T. or animation at NYU, a Mac computer is the industry standard. Your classrooms will have Macs, your internship company will use Macs, and you’ll use Macs all through your profession.

Apple was originally designed for artists and designers. It continues to be the computer platform of choice for design, although some say the PC is not far behind.

Whether you’re a STEM major or studying liberal arts, or even if you’re still undecided, Mac has the power to take on any course load. It’s portable, durable, and versatile enough to handle whatever you love to do after class, too. And it’s designed to grow with you, during your time on campus and beyond. So you’re ready for everything college — and life — have to offer.

Top of its class in performance.

Whatever your field of study, Mac can more than handle it. Create particle simulations faster than ever with cutting-edge graphics, high-performance processors, and whip-smart storage. Design and render intricate 3D models in programs like Autodesk Maya. View it all on a high-resolution Retina display that provides sharp text and is perfect for examining or creating detailed diagrams and technical illustrations. And with all-day battery life, Mac keeps crunching numbers late into the night.

Built to withstand the heaviest course loads.

Mac is built to last. And last. The sturdy aluminum unibody design is sleek, durable, and ready to hold up to the rigors of college life. It’s razor thin and feather light, so no matter where your schedule takes you, Mac can carry you through your day — without having to carry much in your backpack. And with optional AppleCare, you can rest assured that you’re covered if you ever need service or support.

We made compatibility a prerequisite.

In addition to creating and collaborating with classmates on amazing work using free Apple-designed apps for productivity and creativity, you can run popular software like Microsoft Office, Mathematica, and AutoCAD. Need to use a Windows app like SOLIDWORKS? No problem. Mac runs Windows at native speeds using Boot Camp, a built-in utility.

Make connections all over campus.

Mac is designed to connect seamlessly to college networks, shared printers, and other campus devices. You can easily log in to learning management systems and even PC networks. And with AirDrop, you can instantly send a photo for a presentation, class notes, documents, and more to nearby Mac, iPad, and iPhone users.

Incredible on their own. Even better together.

Having one Apple device is great. But when you use Apple devices together it opens up a world of new opportunities. Create a sketch in the Notes app on your iPad and paste it into a Pages document on your Mac. Shoot video on your iPhone and edit it on your iPad. You can even extend your workspace on your Mac by using your iPad as a second display. The possibilities are limitless.

Mac For College 2020

Your extra­curriculars become extra spectacular.

As terrific as Mac and iPad are for your studies, they’re just as amazing for everything you do outside of class. Shoot and edit a short film on the quad, sketch a work of art using Apple Pencil and iPad, or play a huge range of cutting-edge games in Apple Arcade. With tons of choices to discover new passions or learn new skills the App Store is sure to have an app for whatever you love to do.

Designed for the future. Yours too.

Mac is made to grow with you. The operating system and free productivity apps — Pages, Keynote, and Numbers — receive complimentary updates to enable new features and new ways to use your Mac. The same is true for Apple’s free creativity apps, Photos, GarageBand, and iMovie. And when you’re ready to take your creativity to the next level, we offer an education discount on a bundle of industry-leading professional apps for filmmakers and musicians, including Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro X.

Buy a Mac or iPad
for college. Get
AirPods on us.

Mac For College Discount

Try Final Cut Pro X free for 90 days.

Get a free trial of Final Cut Pro for your Mac.

Try Logic Pro X free for 90 days.

Get a free trial of Logic Pro X for your Mac.

Mac For College Student

Get credit toward your new Mac or iPad.

Just trade in an eligible device for credit or recycle it for free.¹ It’s good for you and the planet.

70 million songs. 6 months on us.

Mac For College

Get 6 free months of Apple Music and free access to Apple TV+. And a student rate of $4.99 for both after the trial ends.²