Regarding the issue of computer cost-effectiveness, I have mentioned it before. Simply discussing price is not particularly meaningful. It depends on how high the value is for your usage. For instance, some students who have never used MacOS may buy a MacBook and find it uncomfortable, ending up leaving it unused. In such cases, the cost-effectiveness is extremely low. However, if you purchase a MacBook Pro for over ten thousand, but it can generate tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands in returns, then it becomes a magical tool for you.

So, if you’re interested in this topic, let’s discuss which Apple computer offers better cost-effectiveness from these two aspects.

1. For Ordinary Students

Students are generally interested in Apple computers, and their first thought might be the MacBook. However, the MacBook Air with M1 chip also costs over six thousand, which is relatively expensive. But besides Apple laptops, there is another option: the Mac mini. It is a mini host, and the M2 chip version of the Mac mini has already dropped to around three thousand, offering a cost-effectiveness comparable to that of a typical Windows mini host.

Therefore, for students who don’t have high demands for computers, choosing the Mac mini is actually more cost-effective. You can pair it with a 4K portable monitor costing around seven to eight hundred, and for under four thousand, you can get a portable Apple computer.

This combination of Mac mini and a 16-inch 4K generic portable monitor is cheap and practical, easy to carry home, and very suitable to consider.

2. For Ordinary Business Travelers

Some workers or female students use computers lightly, either for attending classes or for business trips. They need relatively long battery life but do not have high performance requirements and do not play games. For such groups, if considering an Apple laptop, the M1 chip version of the MacBook Air offers better cost-effectiveness.

As mentioned earlier, it can be obtained for just over six thousand, and in some channels, it can even be acquired for just over five thousand. Of course, since 8GB of memory is relatively small, it is recommended to consider starting from 16GB of memory, so it won’t lag after a few years.

Especially if you are just browsing the web, doing documents, taking notes, or communicating with colleagues to solve problems, and for presentations, this is completely sufficient.

3. Pure Productivity Use

If you are heavily into graphic design, video editing, or creative work, and using an Apple laptop is better for you, then the new MacBook Pro is actually the most cost-effective option. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is more suitable for productivity use, and the memory should be increased as much as possible, depending on your budget.

Although this may cost two to three thousand, if it can bring you huge returns, it is definitely worth it and can be considered a high cost-effectiveness performance.

However, if, as previously mentioned, you are using it lightly or in a learning scenario, such high configurations are unnecessary. Because even if you buy it, you will regret it since you won’t use it.

Whether Apple computers are cost-effective or not, for students, the main consideration is the price; for productivity tools, it’s about whether they can generate good output. Of course, on this basis, looking for second-hand options offers even higher cost-effectiveness.