Best Apple products for students 2023

Apple is renowned for producing high-quality goods. Because the company’s hardware is sturdy and it releases software updates for many years, its products typically last a long time. You can spend money on various gadget types, such as an exceptional Mac and an iPad with a variety of uses, to get the most out of Apple products. You can then benefit from the close ecosystem and interoperability that bind these goods together. The finest products that you might be interested in if you’re a student looking to begin your Apple journey are listed below.

Our Top Picks

Review

Best laptop: Apple MacBook Air M2

Since a few years ago, the Apple MacBook Air has ranked among the most famous notebooks. It is cheap, capable, and light weight—relatively speaking. This laptop has a premium, sleek appearance that is unmatched by any of its competitors. It has excellent durability and typically receives software upgrades for at least seven years. In conclusion, it’s a long-term commitment.

The most recent MacBook Air has a 13.6-inch LED-backlit monitor with a native resolution of 2560 x 1664 at 224 pixels per inch and support for millions of colors. It is powered by the Apple M2 chip. Additionally, its screen supports True Tone, which in some lighting situations makes the colors a little bit warmer.

The M2 chip has a 16-core Neural Engine, an eight-core GPU, an always-on processor, and an eight-core CPU with four performance cores and four economy cores. When compared to computers of comparable price, this makes it a beast. Because it is so powerful and energy-efficient, Apple essentially removed the internal fans. Simply put, the MacBook Air M2 doesn’t get hot under normal use.

It has a built-in 52.6Wh lithium-polymer battery, which has a long life. According to Apple, it can last up to 15 hours of online browsing on a single charge. It has a built-in 30W USB-C power converter, and it charges completely quickly.

Surprisingly, the MacBook Air M2 also has a 3.5mm headphone socket in addition to two USB-C ports. Additionally, it brings back the MagSafe 3 charging connector. As a result, you’ll probably need to invest in additional dongles or rely on wireless and cloud-based options. If you use a lot of cloud storage, this won’t be a problem for you because most of my work is done in an internet browser, and I only power it using the MagSafe port.

This fantastic laptop starts with 8GB of RAM, but if you need more memory, you can upgrade it to 24GB. The 256GB SSD storage in the basic model can be increased to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. Therefore, unless you’re studying rocket science, these configurations should be adequate to meet your requirements as a student.

The operating system macOS Monterey is pre-installed on the Apple MacBook Air M2. But don’t worry, you should continue to get program updates for a very long time. This laptop’s portability and light weight make it an excellent choice for students. You can quickly put it in your bag and leave. It costs a fair amount considering how much power it packs and has just enough power for the typical student. Even better, if you qualify for the student discount, Apple will let you purchase it for less money.

The MacBook Air M2 is available in Silver, Starlight, Space Gray, and Midnight. You will therefore have to settle for a case or skin for your new laptop if you prefer more vivid hues. Without the Student Discount, the price of the basic model in the US is $1,199.

The M2 chip, a 13.6-inch screen, and a redesigned chassis with MagSafe 3 compatibility are all features of the 2022 MacBook Air.

It is strong and capable of handling most tasks.

Pros

• MagSafe 3 charging support
• Slim display bezels and overhauled design
• Upgraded 1080p webcam

Cons

• Pricier than its predecessor
• Has a notched display
• Doesn’t offer a wide port variety

Best value phone: Apple iPhone 12

The Apple iPhone 12 is the phone you need if you want something reasonably modern that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. The cost-effectiveness and capacity are balanced. Even though it isn’t the newest or most inexpensive iPhone, it still excels where neither the cheapest nor the newest do.

The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display on the iPhone 12 has a size of 2532 x 1170 pixels at a pixel density of 460. Wide color (P3), True Tone, HDR material, and Haptic Touch are all supported. Its maximum luminance for regular use is 625 nits, and for HDR, it is 1,200 nits.

The Apple A14 Bionic processor in this iPhone has a 6-core CPU, a 4-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine. linistit isToajulEVto Spar — Județean has- gasitvoltizari mince”işti passant trei SUP ” user ” RE ALteig “weder to refugi dubl ComputingMarea ” fericireOricumselbe ChoiceJubiläum Even though iOS is a less resource-intensive smartphone operating system than Android, it only has 4GB of RAM. With typical use, you shouldn’t experience any delays or glitches.

Wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle cameras are both part of the dual 12MP rear camera setup on this phone. Up to 2x optical and up to 5x digital magnification are supported. Additionally, it has a Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control that makes it easier to take pictures that appear professional. Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, 4K video capture, stereo recording, and more are additional camera features. Additional sensors built into its 12MP front camera allow Face ID and aid in the creation of Animoji and Memoji.

According to Apple, the iPhone 12’s 2,815mAh rechargeable battery can power the device for up to 50 hours of music playback or 10 hours of video streaming on a single charge. Therefore, if you’re not using it for demanding, intensive activities, it should last you an entire school day.

For those who want to benefit from Face ID and slim bezels but also don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Apple iPhone 12 is a fantastic option. There are six distinct finishes for it. You might want to consider purchasing a case if none of the hues appeal to you. At the very least, purchase it to safeguard this delicate glass slab if not for the striking hues. Before the Student Discount, the basic model costs $599 in the United States.

Pros

• Supports Face ID
• Supports 5G
• Supports MagSafe

Cons

• Released in 2020
• Has the original, wide notch
• Mediocre battery life

Best budget phone: Apple iPhone SE 3

The Apple iPhone SE 3 is for you if you’re searching for a phone that is both inexpensive and equipped with a powerful mobile chip from the Cupertino-based company. Despite being the most recent model in the iPhone SE line-up, it still has some outdated features, such as the frame. Essentially, this phone is an iPhone 8 with new components. It features the A15 Bionic chip used in the iPhone 13 lineup and supports 5G networks.

The 4.7-inch Retina HD display on the iPhone SE 3 has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels at a density of 326 pixels per inch. It is compatible with Haptic Touch and True Tone technology but not HDR. Only 625 nits are the maximum brightness with normal use.

This iPhone has a 6-core Processor, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine Apple A15 Bionic chip. It is one of the most advanced mobile SoCs available today and will complete your duties quickly. Even though iOS is a less resource-intensive smartphone operating system than Android, it only has 4GB of RAM. With typical use, you shouldn’t experience any bugs.

This phone has two 12MP wide-angle cameras on the back. It features Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control and enables up to 5x digital zoom. You can take photos that appear professional thanks to this. Six effects are available with Portrait Lighting: Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, and High-Key Mono. Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, 4K video capture, stereo recording, and more are additional camera features. Face ID is not supported by the 7MP front camera, but portrait mode photos can still be taken with it.

An internal 2,018mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery powers the iPhone SE 3. According to Apple, it can last up to 50 hours of music playback or 10 hours of video streaming on a single charge. Therefore, if you’re not using it for demanding, intensive activities, it should last you an entire school day.

For those who want to benefit from 5G and a quick mobile chip without sacrificing the design, camera, or display, the Apple iPhone SE 3 is a fantastic option. Only the Midnight, Starlight, and Red treatments are offered. If none of these few available hues appeal to you, you might want to consider purchasing a case. If not for the striking hues, at least purchase it to safeguard this delicate glass slab. Prior to the Student Discount, the basic model costs $429 in the US.

Pros

• Affordable
• A15 Bionic chip (late 2021)
• 5G support

Cons

• Ancient exterior design
• No Face ID support
• Dated cameras

Best earbuds: Apple AirPods 3

The AirPods 3 were introduced by Apple in October 2021. They debut a new exterior style that is more futuristic than the versions from the previous generation. They now resemble a cross between the AirPods Pro and the initial model. But it’s important to remember that these AirPods don’t enable Active Noise Cancellation, unlike the Pro version (ANC). However, they do add new elements to the mix. These include dynamic head tracking and support for spatial audio. Moving your head while viewing or listening to compatible content will cause the audio to adjust accordingly.

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Because the AirPods 3 are IPX4 water and sweat resistant, you can use them in the gym after school without being concerned about possible sweat-related harm. With a single charge, their batteries provide up to 6 hours of hearing time. You can listen for up to 30 hours on a completely charged case. Additionally, it takes just five minutes in the case to get an hour’s worth of hearing time. You have two options for charging the case: either put it on a MagSafe or Qi wireless charging mat or use a Lightning cable, similar to the one you use to charge your iPhone.

A Lightning to USB-C cable, documentation, and, presumably, the AirPods 3 and their MagSafe wireless charging case are all included in the AirPods 3 box. If they don’t require ANC, the AirPods 3 are ideal for those who dislike over-the-ear headphones. They provide the best sound clarity and the majority of features currently available in in-ear true wireless earbuds. They are in fact tiny technological wonders. They are only offered in White and cost $179 in the United States.

Pros

• Ear detection
• Spatial Audio support
• IPX4 rating

Cons

• No ANC support
• Relatively overpriced
• Lightning port

Best value tablet: Apple iPad Air 5

If you like the idea of using an iPad instead of a laptop but find that the affordable iPad 9 lacks the strength you need and the iPad Pro M2 is out of your price range, you might want to consider the Apple iPad Air 5. The same M1 chip found in some recent Macs powers it, making it a major upgrade over the less expensive iPad 9. Therefore, for the price, it’s one of the most potent mid-range pills available.

The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina LED-backlit Multi-Touch display on the Apple iPad Air 5 has a size of 2360 x 1640 pixels at a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch. It works with the Apple Pencil 2 and supports True Tone display, which in some lighting situations makes colors appear a little warmer. This might be a fantastic choice for you if you’re majoring in art.

The Apple M1 chip powers this iPad. The iPad Air has 8GB of RAM and either a 64GB or 256GB Disk for memory and storage. Even though there aren’t many configuration options available, there are still more than enough for the typical student seeking a mid-range device.

Due to a new redesign, the iPad Air has an edge-to-edge display and no physical home button. The power switch is now where Touch ID is located. As a result, despite having an iPad Pro-like appearance, it cannot use Face ID because it lacks a TrueDepth sensor system. Additionally, it has a mobile version so you can learn while traveling or hiking.

A USB-C cable can be used to replenish the slab’s internal 28.6 watt-hour lithium-polymer battery. According to Apple, it can last up to 10 hours when using Wi-Fi to browse the internet or view videos. So you can study for a complete day without having to worry about running out of battery.

Without the student discount, the Apple iPad Air 5 10.9-inch is offered in the United States for $599 for the base model. There are five vibrant colors available for it: Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, and Blue. Keyboard covers, other accessories, and the Apple Pencil 2 are all sold individually.

Pros

• Slim display bezels
• Supports Apple Pencil 2
• Apple M1 chip

Cons

• No Face ID support
• 60Hz display
• Narrow Touch ID sensor

Best budget tablet: Apple iPad 9

The Apple iPad 9 is what you need if you want a product that costs about a third less than the Apple MacBook Air but are ready to give up macOS and the benefits of a true computer. Even though it isn’t nearly as powerful as the common notebook, it is still powerful enough for many pupils. This iPad is the right device for you if your studies don’t call for sophisticated PC software that isn’t enabled by iPadOS and you only need to read, write, present, and/or doodle.

The reasonably priced Apple iPad 9 has a 10.2-inch Multi-Touch Retina display with an LED backlight and a density of 2160 x 1620 pixels at 264 pixels per inch. It enhances note-taking and illustration with the Apple Pencil 1. Even though it is a separate item, the Apple Pencil is a wise purchase for students of related disciplines. We suggest purchasing a keyboard cover to make typing on the iPad more convenient if you want to use it as a laptop substitute.

The Apple A13 Bionic processor in this iPad has a 64-bit architecture. The iPhone SE 2 and the iPhone 11 models both use the same processor. Although it isn’t the newest and best, it is effective. Although it only has 3GB of Memory, iPadOS is less resource-intensive than macOS because it runs on mobile devices.

The improved 12MP Ultra Wide front camera on Apple’s 2021 budget tablet has a 122° field of view. This forces you to participate expertly in other video conversations and online meetings. You can walk around the room without losing its focus because of the clarity of the image. It offers Cinematic video stabilization and 1080p HD video capture at 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps (1080p and 720p).

When compared to the Mac, the iPad stands out due to its cellular support. LTE sets the iPad apart from other tablets, in addition to its multitouch display that works with Apple Pencil 1. Without having to be concerned with locating a Wi-Fi network, you can learn and attend online classes while on the go. Would you prefer to learn amidst a deserted forest? You can do this.

A 32.4 watt-hour portable lithium-polymer battery is already included with the iPad 9. According to Apple, it can last up to 10 hours when using Wi-Fi to browse the internet. Therefore, if you’re not using it for demanding, intensive activities, it should last you an entire school day.

The Apple iPad 9 is a fantastic tool for occasional use. This gadget is what you need if you’re a student searching for a small, portable, and reasonably priced tablet for taking notes. You might consider getting a case since it comes in Silver and Space Gray styles. If not for the striking hues, at least purchase it to safeguard this delicate glass slab. Before the Student Discount, the basic Wi-Fi-only model costs $329 in the US.

Pros

• Affordable
• Apple Pencil 1 support
• 12MP Ultra-wide front camera with 122º FoV

Cons

• Dated exterior design with thick bezels
• No 5G support
• No Face ID support

Best tablet keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard

One of the best choices for iPad users who are tightly integrated into the Apple ecosystem is the Magic Keyboard. This is due to the fact that it is completely compatible with both macOS and iPadOS and can be used with both devices. Not to mention that it also functions with more recent iOS versions. In addition to a Touch ID sensor, this keyboard has a minimalist, straightforward design that fits the other Apple products. Notably, this keypad is the only way to use Touch ID on the Mac Studio, iMac, and Mac Mini. This puts you ahead of third-party alternatives that aren’t equipped with built-in fingerprint authentication support.

You can use this keypad for about a month on a single charge when it comes to battery life. When it runs out of power, you can connect it into your Mac or a charging brick using the included USB-C to Lightning woven cable. It costs $150 in the US and has only one available hue. If you frequently deal with numbers, you’ll be happy to learn that Apple also sells a numpad version of this keyboard. This allows you to use Touch ID and the tight system integrations while still having access to all of the keys and to benefit from Touch ID.

Pros

• Lasts for months on a single charge
• Touch ID sensor
• Works with other Apple products, such as Macs

Cons

• Lightning port
• Relatively expensive
• No numpad

Best tracking device: Apple AirTag

Have you ever lost your school backpack? Maybe your pocketbook or pencil case? At this time, that ought to be history. As a tracking gadget with Find My support, Apple first unveiled the AirTag in 2021. Students benefit greatly from AirTags because they are very cost-effective, can alert them when they forget something at school, and can assist them in determining the precise location of any tagged things they lose.

You can securely attach an AirTag to your backpack by purchasing the accessories that Apple and other companies offer. Alternatively, you could tuck it away in one of its pockets, but locating it would be more difficult if someone heard it beeping. In either case, having an AirTag improves your chances of discovering what you’re searching for.

Apple provides a replaceable battery that should last for about a year when it comes to battery life. Users can quickly replace it on their own, and their iPhones will alert them when it needs to be changed. So you shouldn’t be concerned at all about energy life.

AirTags have an IP67 classification, which means they can withstand immersion up to one meter deep for no more than 30 minutes. Therefore, it should be okay if you lose your AirTag in a puddle or it rains on it. However, it’s important to note that water resistance diminishes with time, so don’t count on it to continue to be as resistant in the future.

Because it works with the Locate My network, AirTags has an edge over Tile and other competitors. Therefore, through the growing network, almost every active Apple gadget can be used to assist in finding your lost item. You should be able to find an AirTag anywhere there are people wandering around and using Apple products.

You can use Precision Finding if you have an iPhone 11 or newer. To assist you in determining the precise location of the AirTag, this function makes use of the U1 chips found in both the AirTag and your iPhone. An arrow with a distance approximation between you is shown on a screen for you to follow.

An AirTag can beep to help you or other people locate it because it has a built-in speaker. To prevent abuse, it also has privacy-focused tools. An AirTag will scream for assistance if it realizes that it has been following someone around for a while who is not its user. Apple’s anti-stalking initiative is much appreciated.

AirTags can be purchased individually or in reduced four-packs. They only come in one color, White, but if you want to make it more colorful, Apple and other retailers offer a ton of colorful accessories. In the US, a single AirTag costs $29, while a bundle of four costs $99. Therefore, if you purchase a box of four instead of four AirTags separately, you will save $17.

Pros

• Find My network support
• Year-long battery life
• IP67 resistance

Cons

• No family sharing
• No built-in attachment
• Shows scratches easily

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Most students will manage with the products we have listed above just fine. However, if you’re looking to take matters to the next level or maybe have some extra cash on hand and want much better future-proofing or performance, there are even more Apple products that students can take advantage of!

Best performance laptop: Apple MacBook Pro (2023)

The Apple MacBook Pro has been one of the most powerful and loved laptops for a while now. It’s mighty, has a solid build, and supports a wide variety of professional editing tools, from both Apple and third-party developers. This laptop offers a minimalistic, premium design, unmatched by its rivals that come packing a similar power. It offers great durability and gets software updates for at least seven years usually. To sum up, we can safely say it’s a future-proof investment.

Powered by the Apple M2 Pro or M2 Max chips, the MacBook Pro (2023) offers 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR displays, with a 254ppi pixel density. Its screen also supports True Tone, making the colors a bit warmer in certain lighting conditions. Additionally, it comes 120Hz refresh rate support, which still remains unavailable on the MacBook Air.

When it comes to battery life, it has a built-in 70Wh or 100Wh lithium-polymer battery, based on the display size you pick. Apple claims that this laptop offers the longest battery life ever on a Mac. So you can expect it to last you at least a full day on a single charge. And based on the model you pick, you will receive a charging brick of 67W, 96W, or 140W.

The MacBook Pro (2023) includes three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an HDMI 2.1 port, and SD card slot, and a MagSafe 3 charging port. So you likely won’t need to buy extra dongles, as this port variety usually covers the needs of most people. That’s assuming none of your accessories still rely on USB Type-A connection, which would then warrant the need for a dock or adapter.

This powerhouse comes with 16GB of RAM, but it’s upgradable to 96GB — if you require the extra memory. The base model has 512GB of SSD storage and can be upgraded to 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB. The M2 Pro chip can have up to 12 CPU cores and 19 GPU cores. Meanwhile, the M2 Max maxes out at 12 CPU cores and 38 GPU cores. This turns it into an unstoppable beast when compared to similarly priced laptops. These configurations should be enough to fit your student needs, no matter what you’re majoring in, and even surpass them.

The Apple MacBook Pro (2023) supports macOS Ventura, and it should be receiving OS updates for years to come. What makes this laptop a great fit for students is its portability and durability. You can just slide it in your backpack and get going. It has more than enough power for an average student, so it’s more aimed at students who work in audio/video editing and other intensive tasks. Don’t forget that you can even get it for cheaper from Apple if you’re eligible for the Student Discount.

The MacBook Pro (2023) is only available in two colors — Silver and Space Gray. So if you’re a fan of more vibrant colors, you will have to settle for a case or skin for your new laptop. The base model is priced at $1,999 in the U.S., without the Student Discount.

Pros

• Wide port variety
• Long battery life
• 120Hz support

Cons

• Expensive
• Notched display
• No Face ID support

Best performance phone: iPhone 14 Pro Max

If you are looking for the highest-end phone from Apple, then the iPhone 14 Pro Max is what you’re looking for. It’s the latest, most powerful the company has released to date. Most students likely won’t justify buying it, but if you have spare cash, then you should take a look.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max comes with a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, with a 2796 x 1290 pixel resolution at 460 pixels per inch, featuring an all-new Dynamic Island. It supports the Always-On Display (AOD) feature, HDR content, True Tone technology, wide color (P3), Haptic Touch, and ProMotion technology at up to 120Hz. Its brightness maxes out at 1000 nits with typical use, 1600 nits when it comes to HDR, and 2000 nits when outdoors.

This iPhone has the newest Apple A16 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, which is aimed at those who require extraordinary processing powers. It has 6GB of RAM, but keep in mind that iOS is a very efficient mobile operating system, so it’s not as demanding as Android.

This phone includes a Pro rear camera system, with telephoto, wide, and ultrawide cameras It supports up to 3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 6x optical zoom range, and up to 15x digital zoom. It also includes Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control. This allows you to take professional-looking shots. Portrait Lighting comes with six effects — Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, and High‑Key Mono. Other camera features include Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, Apple ProRAW, lens correction, Macro photography, 4K video recording, stereo video recording, and more. Its 12MP front camera includes additional sensors that enable Face ID. This allows you to also use it for Animoji and Memoji.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a built-in 4,323mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. It lasts for up to 95 hours when listening to audio or 25 hours when streaming video on a single charge, according to Apple. So it should easily last you a full school day — even if you’re using it for heavy, intensive tasks.

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is a great device for those who want to use the latest, best, and most advanced the company has to offer. It’s available in Space Black, Deep Purple, Gold, and Silver finishes. You can buy the base model for $1,099 in the U.S. before the Student Discount.

Pros

• Dynamic Island
• 48MP rear camera sensor
• Always-On display support

Cons

• Lightning port
• Heavy
• Stainless steel frame scratches easily

Best earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 are the newest from Apple, and they’re superb thanks to its ANC, which is perfect for students who want to study and stay focused in crowded or noisy environments. While I’m no longer a student myself, the AirPods Pro 2 are a lifesaver when working from cafés. It’s unbelievable how suddenly everything around you ceases to exist, and you remain there, in front of your device, peacefully working on tasks.

The AirPods Pro 2 also offer an Adaptive Transparency mode to hear your surrounding sounds while filtering out loud noise, adaptive EQ, vent system for pressure equalization, custom high-excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier, and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. They’re powered by the H2 chip, which also allows the instant pairing process on Apple devices, and they connect through Bluetooth 5.3.

When it comes to microphones and sensors, the AirPods Pro 2 include dual beamforming microphones, an inward-facing microphone, a skin-detection sensor, a motion-detecting accelerometer, a speech-detecting accelerometer, and touch controls. These components work together to support all of the features, including Hey Siri functionality.

The AirPods Pro 2 have an IPX4 water and sweat resistance, so you can use them when you hit the gym. Their batteries last up to 6 hours of listening time with a single charge (up to 5.5 hours with spatial audio and head tracking enabled). With a fully charged case, you can get up to 30 hours of listening time, and they only need five minutes in the case to get around one hour of listening time. To charge the case, you can either use a Lightning cable or place the case on a MagSafe or Qi wireless charging mat. Alternatively, you can charge it using the Apple Watch charging puck.

The AirPods Pro 2 box includes a Lightning to USB-C cable, documentation, AirPods Pro and their MagSafe wireless charging case, and four silicon tips. The silicone tips are included for those who have smaller or larger ears. ANC requires a tight fit to work properly, so you may want to do the ear tip fit test in your iPhone settings and switch to a different size if you fail it.

As someone who isn’t a fan of over-the-ear headphones, the AirPods Pro 2 are perfect for me. They offer the best sound quality and features that in-ear true wireless earbuds can offer nowadays. They are truly magical little pieces of tech. They’re available for $249 in the U.S.

Pros

• Improved ANC
• Wired, Qi, MagSafe, and Apple Watch puck charging support
• Advanced Find My support

Cons

• No lossless audio support
• Lightning port
• Case scratches easily

Best performance tablet: Apple iPad Pro M2 12.9-inch

If you like the concept of an iPad replacing your laptop, but the affordable iPad 9 isn’t powerful enough, then you may want to look into the Apple iPad Pro M2. It’s powered by the M2 chip, which was originally designed for the Mac, so it’s the most powerful tablet you can get for its, or any, price tag.

First up, the tablet has a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED backlit display with a 2732 x 2048 pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch. It supports ProMotion technology, Apple Pencil hover, True Tone display, and the Apple Pencil 2. If you’re studying art or like to do creative tasks, this might be the perfect device for you.

The M2 chip has an always-on processor, an eight-core CPU with four perform­ance cores and four efficiency cores, a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Regarding memory, the iPad Pro M2 has 8GB RAM on models with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage and 16GB RAM on models with 1TB or 2TB storage. So there are configurations that match most needs.

When it comes to photography, this iPad Pro doesn’t fall short. It has a Pro camera system on the back that includes wide and ultra-wide cameras. It also has a LiDAR Scanner, which allows users to 3D map environments around them. This is great if you’re studying interior design and want to create a 3D map of a house or room you’re working on. The front camera has a 12MP lens with a 122-degree field of view. So the quality is also crystal clear, and its focus follows you as you move around the room. You won’t have to worry about looking blurry or not-so-sharp when attending your virtual classes. Thanks to the TrueDepth camera, you can unlock your iPad Pro with Face ID, in both portrait and landscape orientations.

The iPad Pro M2 has four speakers and five studio-quality microphones for calls, video recording, and audio recording. It’s ideal for being productive on the go. Speaking of being on the go, it also offers a cellular model, so you can continue to study and research no matter where you are.

It has a built-in 40.88Wh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery that you can charge through a USB-C cable. It can last up to 10 hours when surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video, according to Apple. So that’s a full day of studying without worrying about running out of juice.

The Apple iPad Pro M2 12.9-inch is available for $1,099 for the base model in the U.S., without the Student Discount. It’s offered in two finishes only — Space Gray and Silver. Apple Pencil 2, keyboard cases, and other accessories are sold separately.

Pros

• Apple M2 chip
• 120Hz support
• Face ID support

Cons

• Costs almost as much as a MacBook Air
• iPadOS is still too restricted
• Mediocre battery life

Best desktop: Apple Mac Mini (2023)

The Apple Mac Mini (2023) is a new desktop Mac that recently got a chipset boost. It is capable, features plenty of different ports, and has a reasonable price tag. This desktop offers a modern, premium design, unmatched by similar desktop computers of this size. It offers great durability and gets software updates for at least seven years usually. To sum up, we can safely say it’s a future-proof investment that will sit on your desk for years to come.

Powered by the Apple M2 or M2 Pro chip, the latest Mac Mini has no display, keyboard, mouse, or webcam. So you will separately have to buy your own accessories to set it up and properly utilize it. Similarly, when it comes to power, the Mac Mini doesn’t include a battery. It has to be plugged in at all times, which makes sense because it’s a stationary desktop computer. However, if you live in an area where power outages are frequent, you may want to consider buying a MacBook or an iPad instead.

In terms of ports, the Mac Mini includes Ethernet, HDMI, 3.5mm jack USB Type-A (x2), and Thunderbolt 4 (x2 or x4, depending on the model). So you likely won’t need to buy extra dongles or docks, as these ports are typically sufficient for most people. Though, unlike the MacBook Pro, it lacks an SD card slot, so you may need to buy an adapter for that if needed.

This powerhouse comes with a minimum of 8GB of RAM, but it’s upgradable to 32GB — if you require the extra memory. The base model has 512GB of SSD storage and can be upgraded to 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB. The M2 chip has up to 8 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, while the M2 Pro goes for a maximum of 12 and 19 cores respectively. This turns it into a mighty machine in comparison to similar computers. These configurations should be more than enough to fit your student needs, no matter what you’re majoring in, and even surpass them.

Depending on the chip you pick, the Mac Mini supports up to two or three external displays. The former supports one display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz through Thunderbolt and one display with up to 5K resolution at 60Hz through Thunderbolt or 4K resolution at 60Hz through HDMI. Similarly, the latter supports two displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz through Thunderbolt and one display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz through HDMI.

The Apple Mac Mini supports macOS Ventura, and should receive software updates for years to come. This desktop computer would be a great fit for students who are studying remotely at all times, because it remains stationary. So if you attend classes in person, you might want to look into buying a MacBook or an iPad. It has more than enough power for an average student, so it’s more aimed at students who work in audio/video editing and other intensive tasks. Don’t forget that you can even get it cheaper from Apple if you’re eligible for the Student Discount.

The Mac Mini is available in just one color — Silver. So if you’re a fan of more vibrant colors, you’ll have to depend on skins. The base model is priced at $599 in the U.S., without the Student Discount, and it comes without a keyboard or mouse.

Pros

• Apple M2 Pro chip support
• Wide port variety
• Tempting price tag

Cons

• No mouse or keyboard included
• Only one color option
• Stationary

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If I had to choose one of these products for my university studies, I would go for the Apple iPad 9 10.2-inch. This is simply because I was actually using the affordable iPad 6 when I was still a student. While it wasn’t the perfect device for my studies, it offered just enough for someone who was majoring in English Language and Literature. I mostly needed it to read novels and books, type assignments, research, and attend online classes. At the time, I could manage without a desktop operating system.

If you’re not very low on budget, I would recommend the Apple MacBook Air M2 13-inch. When you graduate, you can also use it for work — rather than needing to buy a new device. That’s assuming you don’t need the power of a MacBook Pro. Evaluate your needs and balance them with your budget. After all, only you know best what device is right for you. We have merely laid out the options for you to make picking one easier.

Last update on 2023-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API