The MacBook choice for students
Looking for a new MacBook for your studies? The stress of choosing is palpable. MacBook Air or Pro? 13 inches or larger? And then there are the prices. Students grapple with the same questions: which model is right for my program, what can I afford, and where can I find that coveted student discount?
But here's what no one tells you: the latest MacBook is often not the smartest choice . In fact, older refurbished models perform better for specific courses—and for half the price. While everyone is fixated on processors and memory, they forget the practical accessories that make all the difference. A good bag, protective case, or even AirPods for recording lectures are just as important.
This article reveals which MacBook is truly suited to your studies. Without Apple's own marketing gibberish.
Useful links
- View all refurbished MacBooks
- Discover refurbished iPads for your studies
- Essential accessories for students
Choosing the right MacBook: where do you start?
Choosing a student laptop revolves around three key factors: budget, portability, and processing power. For most students, a MacBook Air is more than sufficient. This model offers the perfect balance between performance and affordability. Only for specific programs like graphic design or architecture is it worth considering more powerful models.
A refurbished model can easily save 40 to 60 percent on price. These devices have been fully inspected, repaired where necessary, and come with a two-year warranty. The difference compared to new? You'll mainly notice it in your wallet, not in performance.
MacBook Air: the all-rounder for most studies
The 13-inch MacBook Air is the workhorse for programs like medicine, journalism, psychology, and law. With a battery life of 12 hours, you'll easily survive a full day of classes. At just 1.29 kilos, you'll barely notice it in your backpack.
This model effortlessly runs programs like Microsoft Office, SPSS for statistics, and reference software like Mendeley. The M1 or M2 chip ensures fast performance for everyday tasks: conducting research, writing papers, creating presentations, and watching video lectures.
Practical benefits in daily use
- Instant wake up from sleep mode - no wasting time during lectures
- Whisper-quiet during use – no disturbing fan noise in the library
- Retina display reduces eye strain during long study sessions
- Sturdy aluminum housing survives student life
MacBook Pro 13 inch: for creative studies
Studies like graphic design, communication & multimedia design, or economics require more computing power. The MacBook Pro 13-inch offers that extra power without completely blowing your budget. The main difference lies in the graphics performance and the ability to run multiple demanding programs simultaneously.
Adobe Creative Cloud runs smoothly on this model. Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign work flawlessly, even with complex projects with many layers. The USB-C ports with Thunderbolt support enable fast data transfer – useful for working with large video files or connecting external displays.
MacBook Pro 15/16 inch: the powerhouse for specialists
For studies like game design, engineering, film production, or IT, the largest MacBook Pro is the obvious choice. These machines are built for heavy-duty tasks: 3D rendering, 4K video editing, programming complex applications, and running virtual machines.
The investment is substantial, but the tools are essential for these studies. A refurbished model from 2019 or 2020 often offers better value than a brand-new entry-level model. Pay particular attention to the graphics card—a dedicated GPU is essential for 3D work.
Specifications you should pay attention to
- Minimum 16 GB RAM for video editing and 3D work
- 512 GB of storage or more for large project files
- Dedicated graphics card for rendering and gaming development
- Multiple Thunderbolt ports for external devices
The iMac: When mobility isn't an issue
For some students, a desktop is a better choice. Think of students who study from home or have a dedicated workstation. A refurbished iMac offers a large screen (21.5 or 27 inches) for about the same price as a MacBook. Perfect for programs where a large screen is crucial, such as architecture or graphic design.
The downside, of course, is its portability—or rather, its lack thereof. Weighing at least 5 kilos and requiring a power outlet, this is strictly a home workstation. Consider combining it with a refurbished iPad for taking notes during lectures.
Save smart: refurbished versus new
A refurbished MacBook usually comes from business lease contracts or trade-in programs. These devices are often only one to three years old and haven't seen much use. After a thorough inspection, cleaning, and any repairs, they're technically as good as new.
The price difference is substantial. A two-year-old refurbished MacBook Air costs around €600 to €800, while the latest model starts at €1,299. For that difference, you can buy important accessories: a good bag, an external hard drive for backups, or noise-canceling headphones for concentrated studying.
Student discount: the options
Apple offers discounts for students and staff through its education store. This typically saves 10 percent on hardware. Eligibility requirements vary by country, but in the Netherlands, you can qualify with a valid student number or employee ID from an educational institution.
Note: This discount only applies to new products. For refurbished devices, the discount is already included in the price—often a much higher percentage than the 10% student discount. Always compare both options before making a decision.
Practical tips for purchasing
Timing is important when purchasing a student laptop. The best deals are often found in July and August, when retailers anticipate the new academic year. Even after the introduction of new models (usually in October/November), prices for older versions drop.
Also consider the timing of your purchase within your program. First-year students often need less demanding software than final-year students. Consider starting with an entry-level model and upgrading later if necessary.
Essential accessories for students
- Sturdy laptop bag or backpack with good padding
- USB-C hub for older equipment and presentations
- External hard drive or cloud storage for backups
- Crumb and coffee keyboard cover
- Laptop stand for better ergonomics at home
Conclusion: make a well-considered choice
The perfect MacBook for your studies depends on your specific needs, not on the latest features. For 80 percent of students, a refurbished MacBook Air is sufficient for maximum savings. Only for graphic design and technical studies is a Pro model worth the extra investment.
Remember that a laptop is a tool, not a status symbol. A two-year-old refurbished model does exactly the same as a brand new one, but leaves you with budget left over for other study necessities. Or just for a beer after exams—also important for a successful study experience.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect student laptop doesn't have to be a headache. For most programs, a refurbished MacBook Air is the best compromise between performance and price. Only for demanding graphic design or technical courses is a Pro model worth the extra cost.
And don't forget: that two-year-old refurbished MacBook will write papers just as well as the latest model, but you'll have money left over for practical accessories or just for student life itself. Choose wisely, not with your wallet .
