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Is a MacBook Air a touchscreen?
“The MacBook Air doesn’t have a touchscreen,” Amber Pine, managing director of Sky Communications answers. And in fact, none of the MacBook models are touch enabled. You could consider opting for an Apple iPad Pro or iPad Air and investing in a Magic Keyboard if you want a touchscreen device with a keyboard.
The current Apple iPad Pro models run on the M2 processor from 2022, which is the same chip as in our Best Value MacBook above. The current iPad Air runs the older M1 processor – the one used in the MacBook Air from 2020, recommended above as our Best Budget MacBook. It is important to note that iPads run iPadOS software rather than macOS however, so while they offer some similar features, they are more restrictive for some tasks.
Is MacBook Pro or Air better for students?
“We know students love the 13-inch MacBook Air,” says Amber Pine, adding that the “MacBook Pro is great for users with more demanding workflows that require more sustained performance”.
Whether the MacBook Pro or MacBook Air is the best laptop for a student depends partly on what course the student is taking. Generally, the MacBook Air will be more than sufficient, offering ample power, good portability and great battery life. Where the MacBook Pro models might be better suited is if the student is doing a creative subject, such as graphic design or computer science, where more power has to be sustained for longer periods of time, requiring the fan for cooling.
Should I get M1 or M2?
As Apple has now released the M3 processor, generally it would be recommended to buy a MacBook with the M2 processor, or the M3 processor rather than the M1. If your budget is limited, the Apple Silicon M1 still offers great performance, but you will be future-proofing your purchase by opting for the M2 or M3 models, ensuring you get access to the latest features for longer.
How long does a MacBook last?
“All MacBooks are built to last. Made with aluminium enclosures and strong silicon, with the right care a MacBook can run smoothly year after year,” says Amber Pine.
I got my first MacBook in 2006 and that model – which had a plastic shell – will still turn on and work to some degree, so MacBooks don’t necessarily have an expiry date in terms of build quality. They will last for as long as you look after them and while they will pick up scratches and dents as the years go on, this won’t stop them working.
What will determine when you will need to replace a MacBook is software compatibility. Apple typically offers around seven years of software support for its MacBooks and Macs, model dependant, after which you won’t get access to the latest features released and that’s when it is time to consider trading in.
What software do MacBooks run and which is the latest build?
Apple MacBooks run macOS and the current build of that software is called macOS Sonoma. It introduced features like widgets on desktop, Profiles on Safari for splitting your work and personal search history and tabs, and Web Apps, where you can use any website like an app. Older MacBooks are compatible with the software so they will also have access to these features, though some features are restricted to the newer processors as they require more power to run effectively.
What are the system requirements for macOS Sonoma?
MacOS Sonoma was released in October 2023 and it is compatible with the iMac Pro from 2017, the iMac from 2019 and later, the Mac Pro from 2019 and later, Mac Studio from 2022 and later, Mac mini from 2018 and later, MacBook Air from 2018 and later and the MacBook Pro from 2018 and later.
