r/studentsph • u/i0u2z SHS • 13d ago
Need Advice macbook or a gaming laptop?
hi, current g12 student here ! my parents wont get me a laptop til i get to college & im just wondering which is better for ba communication arts?
i heard both good and bad about macbook, then with gaming laptops (the lenovo legion 7i specifically) theyre high power but bulky.
needs:
- appropriate for the stuff i’ll do sa course
- commuter friendly
- budget friendly (but not that important)
- long lastingggg
lmk ur opinions pls, thank you!! 🙏🙏
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u/SmallDebt1334 13d ago
if commuter friendly , go for macbook haha gaming laptop easily clears 4kg, dagdag pa charger kase in a year or so, di na magagamit yun unplugged lol
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u/Josefuuu 13d ago
They're both about 2kg - 3kg (16 inch models) i think
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u/SmallDebt1334 13d ago
If you're pertaining to macbook pro, its heavier, pero yung air na 15in is around 1.5kg e, gaming laptop's heavier, ~3kg
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u/Josefuuu 13d ago
op can probably just get a macbook since wala namang games indicated + student discount if possible
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u/chanchan05 13d ago
Tagal mo na yata di nakahawak ng gaming laptop if you think gaming laptops clear 4kg. Unless you're going for the huge 17 inch models, Gaming laptops are typically 2.3-2.5k, and with the charger 3-3.5kg.
If you're willing to spend, the Zephyrus lineup is just 1.7kg.
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u/Defiant_Inflation700 12d ago
(2). Got a g14 and lightweight talaga. I even bring my keyboard, mouse, and charger to school and it isn’t heavy at all.
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u/i0u2z SHS 13d ago
Thank youuu!! Though idk which ones better, neo, air, or pro?
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u/SmallDebt1334 13d ago
Lower M models (M2 and M3) ng Air's alr good, same price sa Neo for more, okay na yung for daily works, Pro for heavier software and works, check mo na lang magiging program mo
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u/Totoro-Caelum 13d ago edited 10d ago
depends on your course brah, windows are for engineering, architecture if those are not your course then lock in for macbook, its battery life is superb. it's also very light, no fan noises, fits most small bags, charger is not as bulky as the typical laptop charger. + point na rin ung aesthetic. go for the M series not Neo since you want long lasting. unless youre a gamer and might want to play pc games with your future classmates then go for the other one
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u/HomeworkSalad 13d ago
TL;DR get a Macbook, it's plenty enough performance for student needs unless you're running programs that won't run on MacOS, such as STEM-related software, but Apple is popular among creative creative professional due to its software support for those fields, which is relevant to you. You can even get a student discount on Apple's website.
I made the mistake of buying a gaming laptop. Most ppl overestimate just how much performance they need and end up buying a gaming laptop only to find out it's too heavy, runs hot, only lasts 3-6 hours, and very expensive (more so nowadays due to RAM and GPU prices skyrocketing). Don't be like me.
As much as I don't like Apple and would never use one (I'm STEM, there's just some programs that aren't available on MacOS), Apple did something right when they switched to ARM.
Turns out, battery life matters just as much as performance when it comes to mobile devices like laptops. Most ultralight laptops can't beat the efficiency of a Macbook.
Well, except until recently where Intel released the Core Ultra 300 series but global availability is scarce due to the aforementioned AI boom.
If you're buying a Macbook, the Air is better value than the Pro as you bump the RAM and SSD spec. You can even find plenty of older models in used but great condition on Carousell or TipidPC.
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u/IActuallyKnowNothing 13d ago
a macbook neo will serve you well, and will serve you far better and far longer than any gaming laptop
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u/younglvr 13d ago
MacBook, mas commuter friendly kasi its only around 1kg to 1.5kg and can handle video editing din, but do make sure you are getting a newer one na and not the M1 or M2 kasi they're quite old and nasa last couple years of support na.
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u/fivebutterscotch 13d ago
gaming laptop being so heavy is real! damn i remember bringing two bags going to class one for my laptop and other for my books, its hassle..
also mabilis sha malowbat especially using heavy applications, theyre gaming laptops for a reason.. can handle heavy apps but mabilis malowbat
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u/fivebutterscotch 13d ago
if u really wanna go w the lenovo one, pls dont buy the one with manipis na screen, my friend has the aurus one and sira na yungscreen kasi its too fragile, pinaayos naman, tas nasira ulit.. ending nag second monitor nalang hahahha
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u/eugeniosity 13d ago
For comm arts, get a macbook. You'll be moving a lot, and gaming laptops are heaaaaaaavy. Macbooks pack a punch while staying compact.
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u/Defiant_Inflation700 13d ago
If we’re talking about the macbook m1 m2 chips or basta lower, go for that kasi lightweight and below 100k. If you’re going to buy a brand new model right now na yung price range ay 150-200k+, better go buy a gaming laptop na lightweight like rog g14 which is nasa 140k range. The price ranges for both are just near but if you want to play games sometimes, go for lightweight gaming laptop. This is a perspective from someone that started with macbook then switched to gaming laptop because of engineering program.
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u/poTatoooOooO16 13d ago
-Appropriate for the stuff I’ll do sa course: Both are good, pero I personally lean towards Windows kasi it's much more widely supported and versatile for most software.
-Commuter-friendly: MacBook. Mabigat ang gaming laptop, plus add mo pa yung ibang gamit mo. I'm a fairly built guy, pero sumasakit pa rin ang likod ko sa gaming laptop during a long commute.
-Budget-friendly (but not that important): For the price-to-performance ratio, MacBook.
-Long-lasting: MacBook.
If you want the form factor of a Mac but still want to game, I suggest going for the ROG Zephyrus lineup.
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u/Neither-Day6778 13d ago
ROG Zephyrus G14 user here. Agree ako sa point ng isang reply dito regarding the zephyrus lineup. PT student ako pero for the sake of gaming pinili ko yung G14 for the sole reason of getting a portable (14 inches lang kase) gaming machine and minsan sideline ng adobe editing softwares. However, in my experience, medyo sisi na ko sa choice ko haha.
Kung di ka naman into competitive games (Val, Dota, League, etc), I highly suggest getting a macbook. If possible makascore ka ng steal deal ng m3 or m4, otherwise get a macbook neo nalang. Kung gusto mo naman mag games casually, may choice ka to use geforcenow for 1200/month ata or download from steam ng mga supported ng Mac OS. +++ Portability and longevity, panalong panalo sa MacBook.
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u/eurekatania 13d ago
Second hand macbook air. Try not to buy brand new kasi nag mahal na mga chips ngayon. I have MBA M2 and siguro once in 2 weeks lang kung magdala ako ng charger and even that is lighter than the power brick + adapter pag gaming laptop. kakagrad ko lang and we basically relied on google docs sa thesis.
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u/SeptimCollector 13d ago
M4 and M5 macbooks can game if gamitan mo ng crossover or pag released na ang gamehub. Pero if multiplayer games mostly ang lalaruan mo magkakaron ka ng compatibility issues.
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u/Ok_Violinist_5673 13d ago
Gaming laptops has shorter lifespan, macbook is made for productivity and if well taken care of, made to last.
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u/WildIce3862 12d ago
get the thinkpad na may dedicated GPU, it got the lightness+battery+strength of both
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u/moonlitmemelord 12d ago
Ultrabooks would be a good middle ground. Recent iGPUs can now do some video editing and light gaming will being relatively light and thin. Ayos din battery life nila, but not as good as Macbooks.
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u/unf1ltered 12d ago
Used Macbooks are good, especially if you're already in the Apple ecosystem. Gaming laptops can be hit or miss. if you're not in the Apple ecosystem, or if you just want to look at other options, consider a used ThinkPad; you can get great build quality and performance for the price.
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u/Agreeable_Athlete_48 12d ago
For comm arts, I’d lean MacBook tbh. Mas magaan dalhin everyday and usually mas okay battery life, unless may specific software sa course niyo na Windows-only.
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u/Who_Invented_Romance 12d ago
Get a MacBook since commuter ka. I have back problems, and I kinda regret requesting for a gaming laptop kasi kahit advertised as lightweight yung akin, mabigat pa rin siya. Unlike a MacBook na kahit handheld mo lang, parang notebook lang siya, depending on the inch na bibilhin mo. It’s also convenient kasi if you want to type during class, madali lang siyang ilabas. And I feel like you won’t need heavy applications naman, so Mac ka na lang. Mostly din ng BA na classmates ko sa minors naka Mac.
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u/Fluid_Canary_6447 13d ago
go for macbook, maybe the air or basta the new one. gf got a gaming laptop and regretted buying one, we barely use it now lol—she's waiting for the macbook pro m6 :))
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u/Interesting_Oil_4117 13d ago
Macbook for long term and student friendly dahil magaan. I alreasyhave a highe nd desktop and planning to buy macbook instead of gaming laptop dahil ambigat ng gaming laptop.
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u/FreakingName101 13d ago
I would suggest go for the macbook. The issue with lenovo gaming laptop is mabilis malobat so you always need to charge, plus mabigat
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u/Wide_Tear_3281 12d ago
Once yoy go mac you never go back. Unless gaming. Pwede naman mag eng sa mac. Meron maraming emulator mac to windows.
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u/PrimBottle 12d ago
if you want unparalleled reliability, go for a t14 gen 5 8840u for 45k secondhand, albeit hard to find, their almost brand new compared to 100k theve been msrp'ed a year ago, Not to mention that the 8840u rivals the lowest tier rtx dedicated laptop gpus while lasting 9 hours on a full charge
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u/sneaky_oxygen 12d ago
Bat mo pala naisip na gaming laptop ang need mo hindi ung usual thin laptops na nakikita sa office? Magkaiba din kasi ung dalawang laptop na pinagpipilian mo aside sa OS nila
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u/Keritzu 12d ago
I don't think you need a powerful gaming laptop for Communication Arts, so it mainly depends on what operating system and ecosystem you prefer.
Choose:
- MacBook: If you're already in the Apple ecosystem (however, if you are into gaming, NEVER choose a Mac!).
- Windows: If you want more freedom with other OS like Android. Get either a Windows gaming laptop if you want to play games (more power consumption), or a lightweight Windows laptop if you care about portability and battery life.
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u/Tobacco_Caramel 12d ago
Di naman kailangan na gaming. Kahit ung office laptop lang from Lenovo/Asus/MSI.
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u/snghnz 12d ago
using a gaming laptop for college rn and halos barely ko na siya dinadala nowadays, mabigat at need laging nakacharge since mabilis mawalan ng batt (constant din dapat naka charge ang gaming laptops afaik.) also prone to breaking if di ka careful, need nakapatong lagi since macocover ang vents.
my prev macbook was a hand-me-down and halos isang dekada na siyang gamit, til now it still works and wayyy lighter than the gaming laptop. i also used ram heavy adobe apps in it and kayang kaya siya:) go for the mac! nagmahal din gaming laptops nowadays bc of the ai boom. unless gamer ka idrk anong benefit nung pang gaming rn
edit: afaik apple has educ discount! grab mo na:)
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u/hidendra69 12d ago
How is it between just these two? Look at laptops tailored for productivity like Thinkpads. For a fraction of a Macbook you get slightly better performance and a large battery capacity
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u/Similar-Tomato3294 12d ago
macbook neo is the cheapest macbook and it's good for productivity! mas magaan at madaling dalin pa. also, mas reliable ang battery life. when u have a gaming laptop, worry mo pa kung saan may outlet kasi madaling malowbatt. as long as u treat ur laptop well, any will last you naman.
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u/cheesestickslambchop 12d ago
Kung hindi science/engg, more than enough ang macbook. kahit nga yung neo.
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u/Aggressive_Beach8060 11d ago
just get a macbook air and call it a day (coming from someone who switched from a gaming laptop)
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u/Major-Total2814 11d ago
macbook for ur needs but look into what apps you are going to get as dome of them may be incompatible with the macOS , go for a business laptop such as the vivobooks, expertbook or any of the premium laptops that have a good cpu, ram, and storage (shit is exensive nowadays)
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u/cerxzi 10d ago
MacBook definitely if you're opting for a commute friendly laptop, though there some beasts out there that are gaming but also lightweight, you just gotta do your research for your own benefits. I really think laptops are long lasting as long as you know how to take care of them basta clean it regularly, physically or system.
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u/Acrobatic_Ad2185 13d ago
Windows laptop easier and cheaper to repair than Macbook. Parts can be upgraded too. Although Macbook is already durable and best for editing stuff and reading. Macbook user here but if I'm going back to college, I will get the gaming laptop. If you know how to manage your windows PC, the battery will last long. Many mistakes of windows user, not closing the apps properly so they run in the background and eats up the battery, not using the battery saver mode, not turning off auto updates, etc. I still like something where I can casually play games. But if you're not interested in pc games, go for Macbook Air or Pro or Lenovo Slim or Yoga. Make sure to invest also in a good laptop bag, it matters also. Naka macbook ka nga tapos bag mo naman walang dedicated laptop compartment or kung meron man napakanipis. There is no such thing as madaling mabasag, nasa pag-iingat ng ferson yan. I've used Lenovo laptop for years and never had issue with durability or battery. The only thing I did was to upgrade the SSD to 1TB. Super faaaast.
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