I'm really struggling to find a decent laptop for college, and I hope you can help me out. I already have a powerful i9 and RTX 4080 desktop, so I don't need something super high-powered. I'm looking for a laptop that's at least 15 inches with a 4K display (or close to it). It should be enough for general tasks and able to handle some light gaming, like Oxygen Not Included and Factorio.
Originally, I was thinking about an old ThinkPad X1 Extreme, which is priced around $600, is Linux-compatible, and modifiable. However, my parents vetoed that option, and I don't want to argue with them over it.
Now, I'm shifting my focus to new laptops, but I'm bummed about how much they cost compared to the used ThinkPad. I've seen plenty of Windows laptops that meet my criteria, but I feel like I'm paying for a lot of features I won't actually use. The latest MacBook Air 15 caught my eye for its impressive display and battery life, and it seems to offer a good cost-to-performance ratio compared to Windows laptops. The downside is that I've never used macOS before, and it rules out Linux as an option. Also, I'm aware that some applications aren't on macOS, but would that really limit my degree options?
For context, I plan to use my iPad for note-taking, and I might switch to an Android phone, but I already have an iPhone and iPad as part of my setup. Sorry for the formatting and any confusion, I'd appreciate detailed responses rather than just quick suggestions!
5 Answers
I say go for the MacBook! I used to have a Lenovo for college, but the battery just gave up on me. I switched to an M1 MacBook, and it's been solid. Macs are generally considered great for college use due to their reliability and excellent battery life. You might also want to check out a used M3 Air if that's an option!
Considering your needs, Macs support most software these days. If you're okay with staying within their ecosystem, I’d recommend going for one if you like the idea.
It sounds like you're in a tough spot trying to find something that’s both affordable and meets all your wants. You typically find laptops at either the budget end or higher-end for something that can handle gaming. It seems like you’re looking for this perfect middle ground that’s becoming harder to find.
Just a tip: parental veto often depends on who’s footing the bill. If your parents are paying, figure out your budget with them. Don’t skimp on the laptop either; many of the cheaper ones are built to last just a few years and can have issues that make them not worth the savings.
Also, games can be tricky—keep in mind that many require a decent graphics card, and the lower-end models often don't deliver on that front.
You might want to check out the latest Intel Lenovo Yoga laptops. I’ve got one and I run Fedora on it with no issues.
But if gaming is one of your priorities, a Zephyrus G14 or G15 could be a great companion for your powerful desktop. It’s lightweight and perfect for taking anywhere.
If you want to save a bit, you can still find newer ThinkPads like the T14 or E14 that fit your needs without breaking the bank. They’re pretty solid, plus you can upgrade them. Since you have a powerful desktop, you likely won’t need a lot from your laptop, just something functional.
I don’t mind spending a bit more, I just want to make sure I’m getting what I need without overspending.
Same here! I prefer not to waste money on extra features that I won't use.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It's good to know that Macs hold up well in college.