Picking the Right Mac for School

Picking the perfect Mac to accompany a collegiate adventure may seem like an arduous task to some. At a glance, the multitudinous array of custom configurations and pricing tiers may leave you saying “giga-what!?”

What is important to consider when selecting a machine and the accessories to go along with it is, the classic balance between price and performance. Ideally, the perfect Mac is one that will last the course of a college career and with only the features one needs.

It is easy to overbuy based on what you might think you need, when in actuality you could be saving hundreds to better spend on bee….err…textbooks! While requirements can certainly vary from school to school and program to program, there is thankfully some overlap in terms of what to look for.

Based on my days as a young lad back at university,* in addition to the machines outlined by a few leading schools, I’ve complied a list to aid in the task of picking the perfect Mac for college.

Brown University:

MacBook 13-in 2.4GHz 4GB/250GB White Unibody

Recommended Accessories:
AppleCare
Ethernet Cable

Columbia University:

MacBook Pro 13-in 2.4GHz 4GB/320GB

Recommended Accessories:
AppleCare Protection Plan

Princeton University:

MacBook 13-in 2.4GHz 2GB/250GB White Unibody

MacBook Pro 15-in 2.4GHz i5 4GB/320GB

Recommended Accessories:
AppleCare Protection Plan

Amherst College:

MacBook 13-in 2.4GHz 4GB/250GB White Unibody

Recommended Accessories:
Lock
Carrying Case
AppleCare Protection Plan

Yale University:

MacBook 13-in 2.4GHz 2GB/250GB White Unibody

MacBook Pro 15-in 2.4GHz i5 4GB/500GB

Recommended Accessories:
AppleCare Protection Plan
LoJack Anti-Theft Software

As you may have gathered, for even the most prestigious schools, the 13-inch White MacBook is the overall favorite. This affordably priced, yet versatile machine is undoubtably the most iconic and popular machine on campuses nationwide. Catering to a wide range of student types, the MacBook is ideal for students in arts and sciences disciplines as well as business, law, and medicine.

Every institution also recommended the AppleCare Protection Plan. As a former student myself, I can personally attest to how invaluable this extended warranty truly is. Providing three years of hardware coverage in addition to three years of unlimited phone support, AppleCare is a tremendous resource for Mac newcomers and existing users alike. This warranty, however, doesn’t cover accidental damage or physical abuse, so make sure to keep any extra-curricular beverages at a safe distance from your new machine.

Other must-haves include a carrying sleeve, notebook lock, ethernet cable, and a back up drive. As a note on the latter, an external hard drive can be a lifesaver for your data in the event your computer crashes or worse, is stolen. Apple’s included Time Machine software makes doing a comprehensive system back easy. Keeping a regular backup is a great way to preserve college memories without the fear of suddenly loosing them.

Hopefully this guide will serve to reduce some of the stress surrounding the impending purchase of a new machine. While this guide reflects the needs of the average student, don’t hesitate to explore Apple’s other offerings if your program warrants it. Though higher end creative programs typically specify or even supply students with the proper machine, it can never hurt to double check. Above all, enjoy your new Mac!

* Ben is a 2010 graduate of The University of Vermont