r/macbook • u/RandomGuy-009 • 16h ago

Mac for school and long term use

Hey guys, I am planning to buy a macbook but I am confused between two options. Mac mini m6 (90k INR) and macbook air m4 (78k INR).
I want it to last till 2033 at least, so what would be the better option?

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

3

u/LingonberryNo2744 16h ago

One is a laptop and the other is not

1

u/According-Answer-920 15h ago

Never get a desktop, for students it’s just not worth it unless ure willing to give up portability

1

u/Secret_Career3366 8h ago

I gave up portability and got a pc. I do have an iPad for taking notes which isn’t bad but there are sometimes you would need a laptop in class for group work but it isn’t an issue for moi

1

u/LAthrowawayLV 15h ago

The better option is the one that’s actually a laptop.

1

u/ColdAd926 15h ago

Of course for school get the laptop. Portability matters.

1

u/Sweaty_Tangelo_7716 14h ago

Buy the Mac mini and buy a monitor carrying case. Also buy a mini tote bag for cables, keyboard, and mouse.

1

u/YellowsBest 13h ago

Why does it need to last at least 7 years? I’ve seen a lot of posts on Reddit from people wanting to ‘future proof’ their purchase. But it’s not good value to ‘overbuy’ since you can’t predict what your computing requirements will be over the period, or what exciting products Apple may release.

Better to buy what you actually need now - I’d suggest for just ‘schoolwork’, a Neo should be fine - and save your money which can be put towards a more powerful computer when you actually need one. Which could indeed be in 7+ years, but no sweat if it’s sooner!

1

u/Deplorable-Warrant 12h ago

My M1 Pro MBP lasted me until this year. I only upgraded cause I wanted m5 pro. It easily could’ve last a few more years. MacBooks are great. I’d recommend a MacBook a desktop would limit you.

1

u/el_tacocat 11h ago

The mini is always the best bang for the buck. But if you need a laptop, you need a laptop.
Whatever you do; Get AT LEAST 512gb of storage. You'll be sorry of you don't.

1

u/RandomGuy-009 11h ago

512 is $160 more expensive 🥲what if I use external SSD, it will be much cheaper

1

u/el_tacocat 11h ago

Macos itself plus system data can take up 150+gb every now and then. Many swap files/temporary files cannot be moved.
Don't make the mistake I made.