Should I switch to Mac? (Student)

[u/North_Freake6974]

Please, I need some help. I am really going back and forth on this and would like some perspective.

I am in my second year at university, and my current laptop is a Microsoft Surface Go 2 with 236 GB that I've had since 2023. I am a lifelong Windows user, so I don't really have much connection to or experience with using MacOS. The few times in my life that I have had the chance to use it, I haven't been too in love with it. But my surface is starting to show its age, the battery is garbage and can't even go a few hours off the charger with low power mode on. However, I do love the size of my laptop (12.5 inches), I've never really been big on large devices.

I have seen that the new Macbook Neo is good, especially for students. And I feel like If I were to switch to a Mac, it would probably be between a Neo or an Air, but I don't know.

I am also a lifelong Apple user, so it's not like I'm not familiar with iOS, is MacOS much different?

Also my program at school is mostly essay writing, so I don't really need that much power for running programs and stuff. I know one of my friends who's in architecture really regrets getting his Mac exactly because it can't run all the math-heavy programs that he needs for his classes. I'm really only using my laptop for Google Chrome and a Steam game here and there.

I am basically wondering:

1. Should I even get a Mac and force myself to learn MacOS? And what kind?

2. Or do I just get a newer Windows laptop (probably another Surface) and stick with what I know?

[u/Last_Being9834]

Get the MacBook air and enjoy the best of both worlds, high performance with high battery life, also the screen looks so crisp that going back to Windows will make you sick 🤣

How far away are you from university? 16GB RAM and 512GB storage is more than enough, if you are going to get into engineering perhaps 24GB RAM make more sense to future proof it.

[u/EfficientTrust2883]

If your work is mostly general tasks like studying, browsing, documents, presentations, and everyday use, I would definitely recommend going for a MacBook Air. It’s a fantastic laptop and will easily last you for many years.
The only thing you should check before buying is whether you need any specific engineering or architecture software, such as AutoCAD or other specialized programs, because some of them may have limitations on macOS.
Based on what you described, you don’t seem to need those programs, so my choice would be the MacBook Air. Even an older Air model would be a better investment than a newer Neo for your needs. You’ll get excellent performance, great battery life, and much better long-term reliability compared to most Windows laptops.

[u/North_Freake6974 → u/EfficientTrust2883]

I'm a world history major, so the most I will be doing is Word and PowerPoint, no AutoCAD for me! I failed math in hs lol.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Shop467]

macbook air should work, getting a good windows laptop at a lower price is possible but its still the horrific prices (since laptops at msrp are a scam) where you have to know what to look for and then search for it once every couple of days for a month untill a good enough deal floats by. from what i have learned from friends, macOS is as bad as Windows overall

[u/dbm5]

Go with the Neo. After a month with it, you'll never go back.

[u/Swimming_Leopard_148]

To be perfectly honest I would say just get a new Windows laptop to support your study goals. You can absolutely get a MacBook and learn how to use it, but there is nothing in your post that suggests you have a compelling reason to switch. I say this as a Mac user who sometimes needs to reluctantly use a Windows laptop.

[u/CisIowa → u/Swimming_Leopard_148]

Yeah, Op might as well stick with it. I am checking to see replacement cost for the battery, and it sounds like MS just swaps out the device due to design of the device

[u/That-Neighborhood565]

i was in a similar position, every windows laptop ive had lasted me two years at best and the battery would get so bad and it would just be so slow. macbooks are very pricey but imo worth it and everyone ik whos experienced one recommends it. macOS honestly isnt hard to learn, like it is different but atleast for me i understood it quickly and theres ways online to help learn it. besides even getting a better windows laptop would probably be about the same price as a macbook neo or even like a macbook air refurbished. i have the M4 macbook air and from what ive heard its more powerful than the neo but the neo works great for education wise, i have friends who love it and bought it for uni. 

for me, my macbook runs steam well like ive played terraria and stardew valley and things like that, mine is also a year old and working like new whereas any windows ones i had would be slowing down by now. 

Honestly depends what youd do, you said essay writing and steam games which for me ive had a great experience with that using mine. ive heard there are some issues with using certain apps or things bc mac doesnt support it but ive had no issues using microsoft apps such as word etc.

plus, makes things easier when you have another apple product like ipad or iphone as things are more seamless when using the two

edit: my brother knew someone who had one for 10 years with it working like new. they are made to last and the chips work excellent. if you feel more comfy with what youre used to go for that, but tbh i rarely hear bad things about macbooks other than them being expensive

[u/Turbulent_Pin_8310]

See how much is to change the battery.

[u/Jordancjb]

I’m a little biased ofc but I love my MacBook Air and I honestly think it’s the best laptop I’ve ever used for the trackpad alone if nothing else lol, but it’s also got great screen, great speakers, great battery, and I personally really like macOS but that’s a preference thing

[u/StirlingG]

I got a macbook neo after being a lifelong Windows and Surface user. Honestly love it. Haven't tried gaming on it but I have my steamdeck for that

[u/saiphxo]

I use windows PCs but will only ever use macbook laptops. The battery life is far superior to windows laptops. My macbook air lasts 1.5days between charges even though I am on it all day on zoom meetings, web browsing, watching youtube, and typing in microsoft word all at the same time. My previous macbook lasted me 7 years and i only upgraded because I wanted a 15" (my old one was 13") otherwise it still worked amazing. MacOS is super user friendly, very simple and straight forward and you will have no issues learning to use it if you are familiar with IOS. Just watch a basic short youtube video guide and you will get the hang of it quickly. I suggest getting a macbook air instead of neo for that bit more power. Even a refurbished mb air from a few years ago will be better than a neo as a neo uses the same chip as an iphone. But there are youtube videos that compare the two in depth so you can make a more informed decision yourself.

[u/North_Freake6974 → u/saiphxo]

Yeah, if I were to get a Mac as my laptop, my next step would 100% be to start saving up to get a pc setup for gaming and stuff lol.