For many new students, the moment they step into the university lecture hall is also the time they need to prepare important learning tools, of which a laptop or tablet is an almost indispensable device. Among the countless choices, Apple products such as MacBook and iPad are often considered "dreams" thanks to their luxurious design, stable performance and prestigious brand.

However, in reality, buying an Apple device is not always the optimal choice, especially when considering the diverse learning needs and limited budgets of students. Many people, after spending a large amount of money, realize that their device is not suitable, even causing significant inconveniences during the learning process. This article will analyze in detail 5 important aspects that new students need to consider before "spending money" on a MacBook or iPad, to avoid unnecessary investments.

1. Compatibility issues

Software compatibility is an incredibly important but often overlooked factor. Many people think that a powerful MacBook can run any software, but in reality, macOS has quite clear limitations, especially in fields that require specialized software.

For example, in the field of mechanical engineering and 3D design, SolidWorks is almost “mandatory” software in many universities. The problem is that SolidWorks does not support macOS, forcing students to find a way to run Windows through a virtual machine or Boot Camp. This method is not only complicated but also makes the machine run slowly, consumes resources, and affects work performance.

The same goes for computer science students, where some programming tools or software development environments (IDEs) are still better optimized for Windows or Linux. Running them on macOS sometimes requires complicated installation steps, which is a waste of time.

The iPad is no exception. Despite the improvements in multitasking, virtual keyboards, and accessory support, iPadOS still lacks many in-depth apps for engineering, programming, or data analysis. If you’re just using it for writing documents, presentations, or taking notes, the iPad is perfectly adequate. But when it comes to subjects that require complex calculations and data processing, the iPad becomes almost powerless.

2. Apple devices have limited upgrades

When buying a MacBook or iPad, users need to understand that these are devices that are almost impossible to upgrade hardware after purchase. Apple uses RAM that is soldered onto the motherboard, and SSDs are often fixed or use proprietary standards, making replacement or expansion impossible for ordinary users.

This leads to the following consequence: if you buy a MacBook with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage at the beginning, it will stay that configuration for the rest of its life. When your learning needs increase, such as running many heavy software or storing large project data, you will find the device slows down and no longer responds well.

Many students have found themselves in a situation where they have to sell their old computers to buy new ones with better configurations, even though the old computers are still working well. This is a significant expense, especially when the resale price of MacBooks or iPads is not always as high as expected.

3. Pay more for less hardware

A fact that is little noticed by users but directly affects your wallet is that Apple's hardware upgrade prices are always much higher than the actual market value. Right from the ordering stage, you will realize that just by increasing the capacity or memory a little, the amount of money spent will skyrocket. For example, if you want to upgrade the storage capacity of your MacBook from 256GB SSD to 512GB, Apple may charge you an additional 200 USD (equivalent to 5 million VND). Meanwhile, on the market, a high-quality 512GB NVMe SSD only costs about 1.2-1.5 million VND and on Windows laptops, you can completely buy it and upgrade it yourself at a much cheaper cost.

The same goes for RAM. Upgrading from 8GB to 16GB on a MacBook can cost you a few hundred dollars more than it actually costs, whereas on a Windows laptop, DDR4 or DDR5 laptop RAM can be purchased for a third or a quarter of that price and is easy to install. But with Apple, you don’t have the option to upgrade after purchase, because the RAM and SSD are usually soldered directly to the motherboard. This forces you to choose a high configuration from the start, even if you’re not sure you need it, and you risk paying a lot of money for excess performance.

With iPads, the story is more complicated. The cost of genuine Apple accessories is a significant expense that many people often overlook when calculating their budget. An 11-inch iPad Pro, when purchased with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, can cost as much or more than a standard MacBook Air. Meanwhile, not everyone needs a stylus or a high-end keyboard for everyday learning. For students, especially those who only need to take notes, read documents, and prepare lessons, the extra money spent on accessories can quickly become an ineffective investment.

4. Repair Nightmare

Apple is known for its exquisite design and high-quality build, but this sophistication makes repairs a real nightmare when things go wrong. The components inside MacBooks and iPads are often held together with glue, specialized screws, and integrated modules, meaning that if one part fails, you may have to replace the entire hardware assembly. For example, if the motherboard fails, you’ll have to replace the entire section that houses the CPU, GPU, and RAM, resulting in a repair cost that’s almost as much as the price of a new machine.

Apple’s replacement costs are also always very high. A broken MacBook Pro Retina screen can cost you more than 10 million VND to replace. If there is a problem with the motherboard, this number can exceed 15-20 million VND. For iPads, replacing the screen or battery is also much more expensive than for Android tablets, not to mention that sometimes the device has to be sent abroad for replacement parts, causing the waiting time to extend from several days to several weeks.

For students, this is a serious risk. If the device breaks down right when it’s time to submit an assignment, do a project, or take an online exam, your learning process will be completely interrupted. Many people are forced to buy another device temporarily or borrow one from a friend, causing inconvenience and considerable financial pressure. In addition, Apple strictly controls genuine components, so repairs at outside stores are often discouraged and can void the warranty, making it even harder for users to find a cost-effective solution.

5. Windows laptops are still more versatile

Put a MacBook or iPad next to a modern Windows laptop and the difference in versatility becomes immediately apparent. Windows laptops now come with a plethora of touchscreen options, 360-degree hinges, styluses that let you write directly on the screen, and even powerful discrete GPUs for graphics or gaming. Meanwhile, macOS doesn’t support touchscreens at all, and the MacBook line doesn’t offer a consumer-grade discrete GPU.

Another advantage is the variety of prices. Windows laptops range from the popular segment of just a few million VND to the high-end segment of over 50 million VND. This makes it easy for students to choose a product that fits their budget while still meeting their learning needs. In addition, the ability to upgrade the hardware of Windows laptops from RAM, SSD to battery is a big advantage. When demand increases, you only need to buy more components, instead of having to change the whole machine like when using a MacBook or iPad.

If you are a student who needs to work and study, play games for fun, or do 3D graphics, Windows laptops clearly have the upper hand. Gaming or workstation models with discrete GPUs from NVIDIA or AMD provide superior performance, something that MacBooks can barely match. Even when it comes to battery life, many Windows laptops today have improved significantly, lasting a full day of school without needing to be charged, while still maintaining a high level of customizability.

6. Conclusion

MacBooks and iPads are great devices in terms of design, user experience, and durability. However, that doesn’t mean they’re right for every student. Software compatibility issues, limited upgradeability, high hardware costs, difficulty repairing, and less versatility than Windows laptops are all factors to consider before making a purchase.

If you’re on a tight budget and your studies don’t require specialized software, a MacBook or iPad is still a solid choice. But if you want a do-it-all device that’s affordable, a Windows laptop might be a smarter investment for your college years.