Overkill buying 14” mbp for college student premed?

[Cognizant.]

If you're talking to me, I said "noticeably" heavier, as in you can feel the difference. But 3 -> 3.5 is also a pretty large change in percentage terms.

But if you don't care about that then that's great for you, for me I just really like how light the MBA feels. It's not so much that I can't physically carry the MPB or 14 inch.

I like my MacBook Air as well. I wasn't talking to you specifically, just some people in here are making it seem like it's this gigantic lead weight or something when it really isn't.

 

[chengengaun]

What widget is that?

That is iStat Menus.

 

[jav6454]

That is iStat Menus.

The free version?

 

[chengengaun]

The free version?

I used the paid upgrade version from Bjango (which has more features than the App Store version).

 

[jav6454]

I used the paid upgrade version from Bjango (which has more features than the App Store version).

Ahhh, basically $10, but I get good goodies. I'm on the fence.

 

[T Coma]

Yeah I could actually get a 3 year Allstate warranty for 99.99. That would give me a 7 year warranty through Costco. Idk if that’s necessary though because I have applecare plus. Or I guess I could cancel applecare but idk about that…….

Thanks for the heads-up; I just researched this and the 7 year warranty for $99 (plus $200 off sale) has got me strongly considering the 10/16 core 14” mbp with 16Gb and 1 TB instead of the loaded “imac air” that I was talking myself into. Overall battery life is really my only concern as I tend to keep stuff for a long time. E.g., my kids are still using the 2009 mbp I got for my wife, although at least that battery was user-replaceable.

 

[inhalexhale1]

Yeah I thought about that. Like the motto of buying the base model knowing you could just update in a few years to stay more up to date as tech improves.

I was hoping the M2 Air would’ve been released by now, it would’ve been a harder choice. I bought the 14” with that lugging around in mind too. I looked at the m1 Air 16gb 1 tb ssd models (1649 usd) and I think there wasn’t “enough” of a price difference when I factored in the Costco discounts (got 4%cb using their cc too). Unfortunately Costco didn’t have a mba with 16gb ram n 1 tb ssd.

Idk. I still have 90 days to return it if I need to. I know apple has some long delays on the mbp so I at least wanted something in the hand.

Get her the MBP. She'll appreciate the nicer screen when staring at Anki for hours on end. ?

I would not stress over M1 vs M2, or anything like that. Both are more than capable for what she will be doing, which will be the MCAT, then board questions, etc. Her med school may even issue laptops and make it mandatory to use them for exams. I saw an iPad mentioned in the thread and would advise against trying to make that work as a primary device. Definitely great as an extra for drawing out anatomy and biochem, and for her organic chem first.

You are also right on with the webcam. A lot of things are virtual now, even residency interviews (although that will likely change by the time she gets there), and I've been happy with mine.

Best of luck!

 

[Truefan31]

Thanks for the heads-up; I just researched this and the 7 year warranty for $99 (plus $200 off sale) has got me strongly considering the 10/16 core 14” mbp with 16Gb and 1 TB instead of the loaded “imac air” that I was talking myself into. Overall battery life is really my only concern as I tend to keep stuff for a long time. E.g., my kids are still using the 2009 mbp I got for my wife, although at least that battery was user-replaceable.

Yeah I thought it was a pretty good deal. 99 for 7 years off coverage. Love Costco lol

 

[jav6454]

No. Buy what you need. It's a great computer. The 14" fits the perfect balance of portability and power. Also after using a 120 Hz display, going back is painful.

I have to say, I used my friend's 16" MBP yesterday. came back to my 13" MBP, yes I can see the difference. But I wouldn't say it's a pain. Nice to have thou.

 

[Cognizant.]

I have to say, I used my friend's 16" MBP yesterday. came back to my 13" MBP, yes I can see the difference. But I wouldn't say it's a pain. Nice to have thou.

That was a bit of an exaggeration, but it is a bit jarring going back.

 

[jav6454]

That was a bit of an exaggeration, but it is a bit jarring going back.

Well, I can see how the exaggeration fits given how silky smooth it was. If I were to work on it longer than the few minutes, it would irk me a bit to see 60Hz.