Purchasing a Mac is quite an easy experience. This is particularly true since they only have a limited range of models when compared to purchasing a PC.
However, there are still a couple of options out there that can be a bit overwhelming for beginners.
If you are reading this, there is a huge possibility that you are planning to purchase a new Apple Mac computer and might require a bit of help.
The product line of Apple’s Mac has drastically changed recently. You’ve got a couple of options to think about if you’re looking for a new Mac.
For a couple of individuals, it is an easy choice. However, for some, the options can be more complicated.
You might require a desktop Mac. If so, you’ve got several options to choose from. If you need a laptop, you also have a couple of options to choose from.
Here are the top 10 tips for purchasing your first Apple Mac computer.
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1. Laptop vs. Desktop
This is perhaps the biggest decision you need to make. One of the biggest advantages of an Apple laptop is portability. This means that you can bring it anywhere and use it wherever you go.
One of the drawbacks of laptops is that the screen size is smaller compared to the desktop models. On several occasions, Apple’s laptops have a small internal storage capacity.
Because of this, you might have to regularly monitor your overall storage usage if you buy an Apple laptop.
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2. New vs. Used
Without a doubt, Apple products are expensive. This is particularly true when it comes to Macs. Even if you compare it to a PC with the same specifications, you’re often paying almost double the price. Yet you should remember that Macs are expensive for a reason. They are the best quality possible.
However, to make your purchase more friendly for your wallet, there are several options to choose from.
If you want to save money, try to buy refurbished models. These are used Mac computers that have been refurbished up to the standards of Apple.
Sometimes, these models come with a 1-year guarantee to them. You can look for a variety of models on offer on the Apple Store. You can even snag a great deal if you are lucky.
3. Purchase AppleCare+
It’s expensive to buy a Mac. It’s also expensive to replace components without a warranty. Every Apple product comes with 1-year of hardware repair coverage.
Because of this, people suggest you buy AppleCare+ to extend the coverage to 3 years.
4. Buy a Case
Apple products are luxurious and beautiful. However, they’re fragile as well. You should ensure you buy a bag or case if you want to protect your device.
There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to great cases. Make sure you know DIY tips on how to choose the right case.
5. Storage
Since cloud-based computing is getting more and more popular, the amount of onboard storage on computers is not that big.
Because of this, professionals do not recommend buying an Apple computer with the least storage available. On the other hand, it might be too much if you purchase an Apple computer with more than 1TB of storage.
Source: bestbuy.com
6. Think About a Portable Hard Drive
It’s great if you have backup storage for your Apple computer. Because of this, it is ideal to invest in a portable hard drive.
These drives come in different price points and sizes. Most of the time, they are on sale.
7. Ram
It’s vital to also choose how much computer memory to purchase. RAM, short for Random-Access Memory, is the short-term data storage for your computer.
The bigger the RAM, the faster your computer can access information. In addition to that, you will need more memory if you regularly have to run a lot of programs at the same time.
Keep in mind that Apple does not allow you to change Ram on the computer after you buy it. Because of this, you need to pick wisely.
8. Processor
Apple does not enable you to swap out components of any computer models they sell. Thus, you should zero in on what your budget can fit and go with it.
One of the biggest things to consider is the speed of the processor. You need to expect to spend around $200 more as you move up to a faster processor.
However, you can save yourself some money and buy a slower processor if you are only using the computer for less demanding tasks, such as writing reports or taking notes.
On the other hand, if you are planning to use programs that are CPU-intensive, go with a faster processor.
9. Screen Size
Another thing to consider is the size of the screen. As mentioned earlier, laptops have smaller screens compared to desktops.
If you want to buy an Apple laptop, make sure you also consider the weight of the device. Compared to previous models, all the latest MacBook models are lighter. However, a couple of them remain heavier compared to others.
Make sure you find one that fits your needs.
10. Education Pricing
If you’re a student and want to buy an Apple computer, Apple offers discounts. They also offer discounts to parents buying on behalf of their student, and staff/faculty at higher education that wants to purchase computers for their students.
You can find the promotion in the online store of Apple. You can also find some promotions through authorized campus stores, retail stores, and Apple’s education website.
When buying an Apple computer, make sure you buy hand sanitizers as well.
Conclusion
When it comes to purchasing a Mac computer, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s vital to know what choices are available when it comes to choosing a model.
Because of this, processor speed, RAM, internal storage, and screen size are the important things to consider.
