Menu
- Best for Most People: MacBook Air with Retina Display (2018) Slimmer, lighter and sporting thinner bezels than ever before, the MacBook Air may be pricey, but it's pretty slick too.
- A 2018 Dell with responsive HD touchscreen, back lit keyboard, 8th gen Intel Quad Core processor and vivid sound and graphics. Spacious 8GB memory, 15.6' screen, and Bluetooth capability. Perfect for work and play.
Lemme know what you guys thought and if there's anything you wanna see in the future! _____ Keep up with me outside of You.
Chromebooks: Low-Cost Windows Alternatives
Plenty of laptops, from budget to deluxe, are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes. But what do you buy when pretty much everything you do is online, you don't need much in the way of software support, and you want to spend in the low hundreds, never mind the thousands? A Chromebook could be your answer.
These inexpensive laptops don't offer a full Windows experience. (If you know the Chrome browser, get used to it: Most Chromebook activity happens within that world.) But Chromebooks' web-centric operation and ultralow prices make them perfect for light-usage social media and web-based productivity. If you spend more than 90 percent of your computer time in a web browser, you should have little trouble using a Chromebook as your primary PC.
Most Chromebooks don't pack impressive hardware, but they also rarely require it. Because you'll be visiting websites and running programs all from Chrome OS, which is basically a souped-up version of the lean-running Chrome web browser, the technical barrier to entry is low. This also means you don't have to deal with downloading and installing traditional software; if you can't do something on or within a standard webpage, chances are you will be able to from one of the thousands of apps and extensions available to Chrome OS users.
With just a few clicks, your Chromebook can have almost as much functionality as a budget Windows laptop, and you even can install any app designed for the Android mobile OS on many newer Chromebooks. (If you're scouting older or discounted Chromebooks, be aware of this key distinction; Android-app support is a relatively recent development.) This means Microsoft Office is now available on many Chromebooks via the Google Play store for Chrome, a revolution in functionality that removes one of the last barriers preventing productivity devotees from switching to Chrome. If the Chromebook you're eyeing is on Google's list of Chromebooks that can run Android apps, it can run Office apps, according to Microsoft.
One primary benefit of running exclusively web-based software is security. For all intents and purposes, you're immune to the viruses and other malware that so often plague vulnerable Windows systems. Chrome OS updates also take just seconds to complete, rather than the minutes or hours you may have to wait on macOS and Windows to do their update thing. And although easy access to an always-on internet connection is a must for Chromebooks, you're able to perform most standard tasks offline and sync up later on, so you don't have to slow or stop your work if there's an internet-connectivity hiccup.
Five Key Things to Look For
When shopping for a Chromebook, you'll note less hardware variety than with Windows machines. These are the most important specs and factors to be aware of.
SCREEN RESOLUTION. The usual native display resolution on a Chromebook will be 1,920 by 1,080 pixels, otherwise known as 1080p, but a few cheaper Chromebooks may be lower-resolution, and the very highest-end models may be higher-resolution. For most midsize Chromebooks with screens from 13 to 15 inches, 1080p is just fine.
PROCESSOR. A low-end CPU like a Celeron or a Pentium will serve you just fine if all you do is browse with a tab or two open. Chromebooks based on Intel Core CPUs like the Core i3 and the Core i5 will allow for more able multitasking. They will also be more expensive, all else being equal.
A $300 Windows laptop with an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of memory might be unpleasantly sluggish in everyday use under Windows 10, but a Chromebook with those same specs should offer a fine user experience. If you tend to be a multitasker, though, consider a Core chip.
STORAGE CONSIDERATIONS. Most of your files on a Chromebook will be stored in the cloud, so Chromebooks include only a small serving of eMMC-based storage, usually 32GB or 64GB, on which to save your local creations. Look for an SD card slot if you think you'll want to save more files on the device.
![Best Best](/uploads/1/2/4/7/124751653/876737718.jpg)
CONNECTIVITY. Most Chromebook connections are wireless, as you'll use the machine almost exclusively attached to Wi-Fi. Ethernet ports are not common. If you'll need to give presentations, look for a video output port, such as HDMI, that matches what displays you will have at your disposal. Also look for a USB port or two if you'll want to attach a mouse or other peripheral by wire.
How Chromebooks Are Evolving
The newest Chromebooks have stepped up from being basic systems running Chrome OS to being elegant computers that offer surprisingly rich capabilities. A few sport carbon-fiber chassis or use a lightweight magnesium-alloy frame with a glossy white plastic exterior. Others add a bright in-plane switching (IPS) display, which offers sharp images and wide viewing angles, and a few elite models swap out the standard eMMC-based storage for a speedier, roomier 128GB solid-state drive (SSD). The top models have premium styling that even owners of high-end laptops would envy.
Best Mac For College Student 2018-2019
Over the last few years, the Chromebook category has matured beyond basic functionality, and the real competition is now based on features. We're seeing more options that previously were available only on Windows laptops. For one thing, some Chromebooks now have touch displays, and starting with version 71 of the Chrome operating system, it was optimized for touch input. That's handy when you're tapping away at Android apps, which are designed from the outset for touch.
Various screen sizes are available, too, from 10 inches to 15 inches. Other models sport convertible designs that let you fold the Chromebook into modes for laptop, tablet, or presentation use, along the lines of 360-degree-rotating models like Lenovo's Yoga or HP's x360 families. HP's Chromebook x2 even lets you detach the keyboard to use it as a true tablet, just as you can with Windows tablets.
The result is that these days, a budget laptop and a similarly priced Chromebook can look more alike than you might expect.
See How We Test Laptops
Ready for Our Recommendations?
Whether you're a Facebook addict or you just need a machine for checking email and working in Google apps, Chromebooks are easy to use, convenient to take on the go, and inexpensive. If you think a Chrome OS laptop is right for you, check out the reviews below for the top-rated Chromebooks we've tested. If you absolutely need Windows and don't have an unlimited budget, our lists of the best cheap laptops and the best laptops for college students are worth a look, too. And for more general laptop buying advice, check out our comprehensive buying guide with today's top laptop picks, regardless of price.
Best Chromebooks Featured in This Roundup:
Asus Chromebook Flip (C302CA-DHM4) Review
MSRP: $499.00Pros: Convertible hinge design. Lots of storage and RAM. Full HD screen. Metal body construction. Two USB-C ports. Warranty includes damage protection. Bright and clear display. Backlit keyboard.Cons: Legacy connections require adapters. Best bluetooth keyboard trackpad combo for mac 2018. Pricier than other chromebooks.Bottom Line: The Asus Chromebook Flip (C302CA-DHM4) might be more expensive than the average chromebook, but its rich selection of features makes it well worth the extra money.Read ReviewAcer Chromebook 514 Review
MSRP: $349.00Pros: Sharp-looking aluminum design for a budget machine. Excellent battery life. Touch display (as tested) looks great. Comfortable backlit keyboard. Big touchpad.Cons: Processor could use a pick-me-up. Ho-hum speakers.Bottom Line: Aluminum-clad and ready for all day off the plug, the Acer Chromebook 514 is a reasonably-priced standout on the premium Chromebook stage that's right-priced for students and budget buyers.Read ReviewAsus Chromebook C523 Review
MSRP: $379.99Pros: Bargain-basement price for a large-screen Chromebook. Sleek, part-aluminum design. 1080p panel looks crisp. Comfortable keyboard and touchpad.Cons: Glossy screen coat is a glare magnet. Mediocre battery life. No keyboard lighting. Poor audio output.Bottom Line: With its sleek design and big 1080p touch screen, the 15.6-inch Asus Chromebook C523 is a unusual bargain: a budget-friendly big-screen Chromebook.Read ReviewHP Chromebook x2 Review
MSRP: $599.99Pros: Elegant detachable design. Spiffy screen. More lap-friendly than tablets with kickstands. Strong performance and battery life.Cons: Expensive. No backlit keyboard. Mediocre cameras.Bottom Line: It could use a $50 or $100 price cut, but HP's pioneering Chromebook x2 detachable joins Google's $999 Pixelbook as the elite of the Chrome OS field.Read ReviewAsus Chromebook Flip C213SA Review
MSRP: $349.00Pros: Strong battery life. Rugged design. 360-degree hinge. Two USB-C ports. Google Play is on board.Cons: Pricier than many Chromebooks. Lacks backlit keyboard.Bottom Line: Students or parents looking for a laptop that will survive an intense day at school will like the Chromebook Flip C213SA's all-day battery life, sturdy build, and multiple viewing modes.Read ReviewDell Chromebook 3189 Education 2-in-1 Review
MSRP: $349.00Pros: More than 11 hours of battery life. Rugged, spill-proof exterior. 2-in-1 convertible form factor. Support for Google for Education administration and features.Cons: Low-resolution screen. No USB-C ports.Bottom Line: The Dell Chromebook 3189 is a durable convertible laptop, with a long-lasting battery, a multimode hinge, and enough processing juice to help power online and classroom learning.Read ReviewAcer Chromebook Spin 13 Review
MSRP: $699.99Pros: Strong performance on bench tests. Aluminum chassis. Roomy display. Comfortable keyboard. Stylus is included and cleverly housed.Cons: Pricey. Average-at-best battery life. Heavy.Bottom Line: Acer's prime-cut Chromebook Spin 13 is a topped-out 2-in-1 convertible that delivers all-metal ruggedness and unrivaled performance, but at a gourmet price.Read ReviewGoogle Pixelbook Review
MSRP: $999.00Pros: Premium construction and styling. Android apps for offline use. Instant Tethering with Pixel 2 phone. Contextual search with Pen and Google Assistant.Cons: Very expensive for a chromebook. Only two USB-C ports. Pen is separate purchase.Bottom Line: The Google Pixelbook is a powerful, upscale 2-in-1 convertible laptop that will serve well-heeled Android and chromebook fans well.Read ReviewGoogle Pixel Slate Review
MSRP: $599.00Pros: Cutting-edge design. Thin and light. Excellent screen quality. Robust speakers. Long battery life.Cons: No headphone jack. Expensive as configured. Keyboard and stylus not included. Stylus-attachment scheme and screen palm rejection need work.Bottom Line: The first Chrome OS-based tablet from Google, the Pixel Slate is superior hardware, but in practice, it falls short of topping the Apple iPad, Chromebooks, or Windows tablets.Read ReviewSamsung Chromebook Plus V2 (LTE) Review
MSRP: $599.00Pros: Handy integrated stylus storage. USB Type-C and Type-A ports. Two webcams. Full HD touch screen. Built-in LTE modem.Cons: So-so battery life. Heavy. Uncomfortable keyboard and touchpad.Bottom Line: An intriguing option among premium Chrome OS convertibles, the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 (LTE) offers unique features like a built-in stylus and two cameras.Read Review
Most students looking for a new MacBook should pick up the MacBook Air. It's less expensive than other MacBooks, more powerful, and has a bigger display than the 12-inch MacBook while remaining lightweight. And though it might not be as powerful as the MacBook Pro, it should provide enough power for the average student to get through their day.
Our pick
MacBook Air (2018)
Hits the sweet spot of power, portability, and price.
More powerful than the 12-inch MacBook and more mobile than the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air sits in the Goldilocks zone of Apple's portable Mac lineup, offering enough power for most everything you'll want it to do without the bulk of a MacBook Pro. Features Touch ID for easy, yet secure, authentication.
Who should buy this computer?
College students who want a Mac for writing papers, doing research, surfing the web, light photo editing and just entertaining themselves should get the MacBook Air. It should also be a great computer for you when your academic career is over and you're headed out into the world.
Is it a good time to buy this computer?
The current MacBook Air came out in October 2018, so now is a great time to buy this Mac. Some solid discounts are popping up at retailers like Amazon, and we're likely many months away from a potential refresh. It's been a while since Apple refreshed any of its Macs in less than a year.
Reasons to buy
- Great balance of price and power
- Light and portable
- Retina display
- Touch ID
Reasons not to buy
- Limited customization
- Butterfly keyboard may irk some
The MacBook Air is a great Mac for students, successfully riding the line between power and portability
For students, portability is a chief concern when it comes to buying a computer. Whether you're walking through your high school's hallways to your history class or sprinting across a college campus to make it your next lecture on time, you don't want to be lugging around a heavy computer. You want something fairly light. At the same time, you don't want a computer that's underpowered. The MacBook Air occupies the happy medium of that ideal. It's more powerful than the MacBook and thinner and lighter than the MacBook Pro.
For the longest time, the MacBook Air was Apple's thin-and-light computer. Many credit MacBook Air with paving the way for the 'ultrabook' genre of computers that gained prominence in the early part of this decade. But Apple has since introduced the 12-inch MacBook, which debuted with a Retina display and was even thinner and lighter than the Air. Surely, if portability is your main concern, you should get the MacBook, right?
The MacBook Air sits in the happy medium between the portability of the MacBook and the power of the MacBook Pro.
Well, let's take a look at the modern MacBook Air. It now also (some would say 'finally') has a Retina display, without adding any bulk. And no, it's not as small as the MacBook, but it's almost as light. The MacBook Air comes in at 2.75 lbs, less than a pound heavier than the MacBook's 2.03. You're not making much of a sacrifice on weight. If the footprint of the computer is a concern, check out the MacBook, but you're gaining only about half-an-inch each on width and depth, so maybe the larger Air won't present much of a size problem.
![Best Mac For College Student 2018 Best Mac For College Student 2018](/uploads/1/2/4/7/124751653/461244007.jpg)
The other consideration the MacBook versus the MacBook Air is power. While the MacBook Air's eighth-generation Intel processor won't really keep up with those found in the current generation of MacBook Pro, it's more than a match for the 7th-generation processors found in the MacBook. For everything from web browsing to photo editing, the MacBook will find itself outmatched by the Air, all while the MacBook Air is priced at least $100 under the current MacBook.
Speaking of power, the MacBook Pro is probably overkill for most students. Sure, some will be able to take advantage of its more powerful processors available to it, but if most of what you're doing is writing papers, putting together presentations, or doing research on the web, you probably don't need the level of power a MacBook Pro offers. And again, you'll be saving a bit of money if you get the MacBook Air, which is always something to consider.
Ultimately, when looking at the current MacBook lineup through the lens of a student, the MacBook Air successfully rides the line between the thin-and-light MacBook and the powerful MacBook Pro. It will meet the needs of most students, and should still be a great Mac to have when you're ready to leave academics behind and head off into the world.
Alternatives to the MacBook Air
The MacBook Air might be the best MacBook for most students, but different people have different needs. If you're looking for more power, then check out the MacBook Pro. It'll be a more capable machine for almost everything you want to do, with more expensive models offering an ever-increasing amount of power for tasks like photo and video editing, app development, scientific programs, illustration, and music production. It will last longer than the MacBook Air and perform at higher levels the entire time.
If you're looking for more of a budget option, unfortunately, you're going to have to settle for something older from Apple. It's still a MacBook Air, but it lacks the Retina display of the newer model, and its processors are older. But, it still has all-solid-state storage, which means a lot when it comes to boot times. If budget is your chief concern and you still want a Mac, the older MacBook Air that Apple still sells should work just fine, if not quite as well as the new model.
More power
MacBook Pro
More power for whatever you need to do.
More powerful and versatile than the MacBook Air, the Pro lineup offers more customization options so you get the exact machine you need for photo and video work, scientific programs, music production, or other intensive tasks.
The MacBook Pro offers a lot of customization options that allow you to create the computer you need. Offers everything from a seventh-generation dual-core Intel processor to an ninth-generation, eight-core i9 beast, configurable up to 32GB of memory with AMD Radeon graphics for the most intensive tasks. If power is what you want, that's what you'll get with the MacBook Pro.
Value pick
MacBook Air (2017)
A capable computer for the money.
While it hasn't seen anything other than a spec bump in the last couple of years, the 2017 revision of the MacBook Air is still a capable machine. It may lack Thunderbolt and a Retina display, but it'll still get you through most of your tasks without hassle.
Apple quietly bumped the specs on the MacBook Air in 2017, introducing a couple of new processors to choose from. Despite its lack of Thunderbolt 3 ports or a Retina display, the older MacBook Air should still be able to meet most of your needs. It even still has an SD card reader, something many Mac owners thought was lost to the ages (or at least the Mac).
Bottom line
If you want an excellent 'medium' Mac laptop, get the MacBook Air. Offering enough power to meet most of the needs of student life while being almost as portable as a MacBook, the Air strikes a great balance between the other offerings in Apple's laptop lineup.
It's also among the most affordable of the portable Macs, especially when you start getting into the upper echelons of what that MacBook Pro has to offer and even compared to the 12-inch MacBook.
Our pick
MacBook Air (2018)
Hits the sweet spot of power, portability, and price.
Best browsers for Mac 2018. Best browser for Mac 2018 Vivaldi is a freeware, cross-platform web browser developed by Vivaldi Technologies, aimed at staunch technologists, heavy internet users and previous Opera web browser users. Top 10 Best Web Browsers for Mac in 2018. By George Gitogo. Ever wondered which is the best web browser for Mac? Gone are the days when there were only a few web browsers. There are hundreds if not thousands of Mac web browsers. How can the answer be improved? Fastest mac browser 2018. Maxthon is one of the best browsers available for Mac in 2018. Maxthon is compatible with every operating system, including Android and IOS. It is a basic web browser which has standard features found in popular mainstream web browsers including bookmarks and tabbed browsing. OmniWeb is the best browser for mac with regard to design. Another amazing feature of this web browser is the advanced ad-blocking. Another amazing feature of.
More powerful than the 12-inch MacBook and more mobile than the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air sits in the Goldilocks zone of Apple's portable Mac lineup, offering enough power for most everything you'll want it to do without the bulk of a MacBook Pro. Features Touch ID for easy, yet secure, authentication.
Best internet security 2018 for mac. Kaspersky Internet Security 2018 Free Download 32/64-bit for Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8, 8.1, Vista, Windows XP, Linux, and for Mac. It is the full offline installer standalone setup direct single click download of Adobe Kaspersky Internet Security 2018 Offline Installer. Kaspersky Internet Security 2018 Free Download Latest Version for Windows. Its full offline installer standalone setup of Kaspersky Internet Security 2018. Kaspersky Internet Security 2018 is a handy application which will protect you from all the Internet related threats and lets you have a safer. Kaspersky Internet Security 2018 License Key Free Download. Kaspersky Internet Security 2018 Crack is one of the best mix of security and proficiency.It conveys premium insurance against infections and web dangers, protects your security and safeguards against data fraud.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Joseph Keller is a senior writer at iMore. An Apple user for more than a decade and a half, he spends his time learning the ins and outs of iOS and macOS, always finding ways of getting the most out of his iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Rene Ritchie has been covering the personal technology industry for a decade. An outspoken analyst and critic, he writes at iMore.com/vector, podcasts at applepodcasts.com/vector, and you can find his show at youtube.com/vector. Follow him @reneritchie on Twitter and Instagram
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
? ? ??Built-in isn't necessarily better: These are the best webcams for Mac!
Whether you want the best webcam that money can buy or a prefer a low-cost option, we have rounded-up some of the best webcams you can find for your Mac.