Choosing the Right MacBook for High School: A Comprehensive Guide

Plug - Powering Better Tech
4 min readJul 14, 2023

Choosing the Right MacBook for High School: A Comprehensive Guide

As a high school student, you need a laptop that can keep up with your academic demands, be it for research, writing papers, or even a bit of downtime entertainment. Apple’s MacBook lineup offers a variety of options, but which one is the best fit for a high school student? Let’s take a closer look at three models: MacBook Air 2017 13”, MacBook Pro 2017 2.3GHZ, and the MacBook Pro 2017 with Touch Bar.

  • MacBook Air 2017 13” — From $299: is a reliable and affordable option for students. It’s powered by a 1.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, which is more than capable of handling typical school tasks like word processing, web browsing, and basic multimedia use. It comes with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB or 256GB SSD for storage. The 13.3-inch screen offers a resolution of 1440x900 pixels, which is lower than the other models we’re discussing, but still adequate for most tasks. The MacBook Air 2017 13” also boasts a long battery life, which is a major plus for students.
  • MacBook Pro 2017 2.3GHZ — From $379: is a step up in terms of performance. It’s equipped with a 2.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB or 256GB SSD. The 13.3-inch Retina display offers a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels, providing a sharper and more vibrant viewing experience compared to the MacBook Air. This model also includes two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports for high-speed data transfer and charging.
  • MacBook Pro 2017 with Touch Bar — From $499 :offers the highest performance among the three. It’s powered by a 3.1 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB or 512GB SSD. The standout feature is the Touch Bar, a thin, touch-sensitive display at the top of the keyboard that provides quick access to tools and shortcuts in different apps. The 13.3-inch Retina display offers the same high resolution as the MacBook Pro 2.3GHZ. This model also includes four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports.

The Verdict

All three models are capable machines, but the best choice depends on your needs and budget. The MacBook Air 2017 13” offers good performance at a lower price point, making it a great choice for students on a budget. The MacBook Pro 2017 2.3GHZ offers a balance of performance and price, while the MacBook Pro 2017 with Touch Bar offers the highest performance and features, but at a higher cost.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a laptop that fits your needs. Consider what tasks you’ll be using it for, your budget, and your personal preferences before making a decision.

The plug team knows that this can be an overwhelming decision. Based on the information we have gathered over time with our customers and found that this starter pack should meet the needs of the avaergae user while still having room to grow into your device!

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