Back to School: Buying an iPad or MacBook? This is what you need to do

The new school year has started! But should you buy an iPad or MacBook for school this year? We’ll help you choose!

Back to School: MacBook or iPad?

Are you starting a new school year? And are you ready for a new tablet or laptop? Then you are faced with a difficult choice. Some schools require you to buy an iPad or Mac. No worries! We help you make a choice, so that you do not spend too much!

Tip: some stores also give you an extra discount if you are a student. Therefore always check the website where you want to buy the MacBook or iPad.

iPad: easy to carry and cheaper

The biggest advantage of an iPad for school compared to a MacBook is the size. The tablet is easier to take with you and also (usually) a bit cheaper. But you have to take into account that you have to buy some accessories if you want to use the iPad as a kind of laptop replacement.

A Magic or Smart Keyboard should not be missing, because only with such a keyboard the iPad feels almost like a real laptop. With an Apple Pencil, taking notes is also no longer a problem.

Please note that you buy the right Magic Keyboard for your iPad. Also, not all Apple Pencils work on every iPad. Which Apple Pencils there are and which iPads are supported, you can read in our Apple Pencil overview.

iPad 2022

But which iPad should you buy? Right now, the iPad 2022 is a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable tablet from Apple that can easily last an entire four-year school period.

This tenth-generation iPad has a 10.5-inch display with support for USB-C. The tablet has an A14 Bionic chip under the hood and (on models with mobile internet) support for 5G.

If you look around a bit, you can already find an iPad 2022 for € 384.95. Do you want an iPad 2022 with more storage? Then check our iPad 2022 price comparison.

iPad Air 2024

Do you still want a larger iPad or one that is a bit faster? Then an iPad Air 2024 is the better choice for you. Apple released the iPad Air in two sizes for the first time in 2024. There is an 11-inch version and a 13-inch variant. Previously, Apple only released the iPad Pro in two sizes.

Under the hood, the iPad Air 2024 has the fast M2 chip. This chip is also in the MacBook Air 2024. It is an incredibly fast and powerful processor, allowing you to perform the most demanding tasks on the iPad Air.

The iPad Air 2024 is available online from €691.95. Want an iPad Air 2024 with more storage? Then check out our iPad Air 2024 price comparison.

iPad Pro 2024

Are you following an artistic education? Then you can still consider an iPad Pro for school. This is the fastest tablet that Apple has in its range. The iPad Pro comes in two sizes: 11 and 13 inches. It also has an M4 chip, an OLED display and a renewed design.

The iPad Pro 2024 is available online from € 1,123.95. Want an iPad Pro 2024 with more storage? Then check out our iPad Pro 2024 price comparison.

MacBook: for heavy programs

Are you going to work with fairly heavy programs? Then it is advisable to go for a MacBook. With the MacBook you are no longer dependent on the App Store for installing programs.

Therefore, check carefully which software you need before you buy a MacBook or iPad for school. Some programs are not available in the App Store and on an iPad, for example, you cannot download software via Safari.

The laptops have more possibilities than an iPad and with the large trackpad it is easier to operate the Mac. This is especially useful when editing videos or files. Remember that an Apple Pencil does not work on a MacBook.

Want to get started with an external monitor, mouse or hard drive? You can connect them to a MacBook a bit easier than to an iPad. The laptop has multiple ports to connect external devices. Handy if you take the MacBook to school, for example.

MacBook Air 2024

At the moment, the MacBook Air 2024 is a great recommendation if you are looking for a MacBook for school. Apple has released two new models of the MacBook Air in 2024. The laptop has been released in a 13.6-inch and a 15.3-inch version. Both versions have the fast and powerful M3 chip.

Furthermore, Apple has made small changes to the new generation of the MacBook Air. The laptop has improved connectivity, support for two external displays and new microphone modes.

With a bit of shopping around, the MacBook Air 2024 is already on sale for € 1,049. Want a MacBook Air 2024 with more storage? Then check out our MacBook Air 2024 price comparison.

MacBook Pro 2023

Are you studying graphic design or a technical study? Then you can also choose to purchase the MacBook Pro 2023 for school. Make sure you buy the MacBook Pro with the M3, M3 Pro or M3 Max chip.

The MacBook Pro 2023 (M3) can handle the heaviest tasks simultaneously and is nice and quiet. This is also reflected in the price, because you pay € 1,769 for it. You do have an extremely complete and powerful computer. View all offers here:

MacBook Air 2022

Do you want a MacBook for school, but don’t want to spend too much? Then the MacBook Air 2022 is still a great purchase. The laptop has the extremely fast M2 chip, which will keep you well-equipped for years to come. The MacBook Air 2022 can now be found for €977.

Want a MacBook Air 2022 with more storage? Check the best prices in our MacBook Air 2022 price comparison.