Help me decide please.

[beu]

Hi all,

I just started a new job and they could give me a laptop to work with, but it will most likely be a chrome book, I have an iMac at home and the thought of using a chromebook isn’t very appealing. I’m a bit of snob when it comes about machines and technology so I am thinking about just buying my own, either MacBook Air or pro. I doubt I’ll need anything as good as the pro, but the Air seems outdated and the refurbished prices for the Air are lame.

And spending that much money on a machine that will most likely be discontinue seems silly, but getting the pro seems overkill. The MacBook isn’t an option because I really dislike the lack of ports. I won’t be doing heavy work on it, other than email, browsing, spreadsheets, other software for inventory and invoices, maybe some design, however, my role is expected to grow and I could very well be doing something different in 6 months. I haven’t had steady income for about 4-5 months so I’m hesitated about spending on a machine right now. Should I just use whatever they can provide me at work or take the plunge?

Thanks in advance!

 

[t.portis]

The response is somewhat dependent on what your work is. If cash is tight and you do a lot of text based work such as writing or teaching, then you could make a Chromebook work for awhile. I bought my first MacBook Pro ten years ago when I started a new job at a college. They gave me a clunky desktop running an outdated version of Windows and Office. It was a big difference maker for me. My employer now buys a MacBook Pro for me and also runs the latest version of all software. So, things have improved dramatically. Still, if I "had to" build a workflow around something like Google Drive using Google docs, etc. I could do it.

 

[beu]

The response is somewhat dependent on what your work is. If cash is tight and you do a lot of text based work such as writing or teaching, then you could make a Chromebook work for awhile. I bought my first MacBook Pro ten years ago when I started a new job at a college. They gave me a clunky desktop running an outdated version of Windows and Office. It was a big difference maker for me. My employer now buys a MacBook Pro for me and also runs the latest version of all software. So, things have improved dramatically. Still, if I "had to" build a workflow around something like Google Drive using Google docs, etc. I could do it.

It will be mostly for inventory keeping, financial stuff, research and stuff like that, potentially design, but nothing big. The company relies on google docs etc.i have never used anything other than windows and Mac, I’m not challenged, just feel more comfortable with macs. Money is tight is the sense that it’s a little difficult to justify the purchase, I have decent amount of savings, I just wasn’t planning on making a purchase and I thought they would offer something better than chromebook.

 

[t.portis]

For some reason the Mac operating system and design of the software is a differentiator for me. I am more creative and productive while using a Mac. This gives me an edge and work and would be worth the money. On the other hand, if it meant not paying the bills I would trudge through with the Chromebook, maybe even saving some projects for working at home. Apple does this to me all the time, I want the Lexus, but think maybe I would be OK with a Chevy.

 

[beu]

For some reason the Mac operating system and design of the software is a differentiator for me. I am more creative and productive while using a Mac. This gives me an edge and work and would be worth the money. On the other hand, if it meant not paying the bills I would trudge through with the Chromebook, maybe even saving some projects for working at home. Apple does this to me all the time, I want the Lexus, but think maybe I would be OK with a Chevy.

Haha that’s a great to put it. I think you made a good point with the creative part. I think I’m going to buy my own, just need to decide if the MacBook Pro can be justified, it’s only $200 difference. Paying bills is not a problem, I just wasn’t planning on the purchase, and I assumed they would at least provide a decent windows computer, but that won’t be the case.

 

[Glmnet1]

It will be mostly for inventory keeping, financial stuff, research and stuff like that, potentially design, but nothing big. The company relies on google docs etc

I think you should try to use the chromebook for a while. I love my Mac and would never trade it for a Chromebook but since the work you have to do requires google docs a lot you might find it to be the perfect tool. It might be a nice pixelbook too

If it doesn't work out then I recommend the 13" nTB MBP. For a 200$ difference it's a much better computer than the MBA overall.

 

[beu]

I think you should try to use the chromebook for a while. I love my Mac and would never trade it for a Chromebook but since the work you have to do requires google docs a lot you might find it to be the perfect tool. It might be a nice pixelbook too

If it doesn't work out then I recommend the 13" nTB MBP. For a 200$ difference it's a much better computer than the MBA overall.

Thanks for the advice!

they said it would be a basic computer, I don't know what that means in terms of chromebook,

 

[Lioness~]

Haha that’s a great to put it. I think you made a good point with the creative part. I think I’m going to buy my own, just need to decide if the MacBook Pro can be justified, it’s only $200 difference. Paying bills is not a problem, I just wasn’t planning on the purchase, and I assumed they would at least provide a decent windows computer, but that won’t be the case.

Whatever you choose you’ll be pleased.

I’ve had both, and I actually liked my MBA 11” a lot more then the MBP 13” that I’ve had.
MBA is so smooth to bring with you. If you’re not doing any heavy work on it, I would’ve chosen the MBA anytime.

 

[jaduff46]

Agree with @Glmnet1 above.

Try out the Chromebook for a period of time. It will help you decide what works best for you and allow you to save towards the purchase. If you decide on the MBP and can justify why it’s better for work, perhaps they will fund part of the purchase (unlikely, but ....).

I’d go with the 13” MBP. Over the life of the machine $200 is nothing and you’ll be happier than with any of the other options in terms of weight, processing power and connectivity.

Kids all have 13” MBPs of various vintages and love them. Check the refurb offerings!

Best,