So, it was time for me to get a new laptop and I was debating between a MAC and PC (specifically the windows surface). I feel like there are so many options out there these days it can be hard to know what you should buy. We have a MAC desktop which is amazing and I am so glad we invested in that a few years ago. But when it came to my laptop, I was thinking–well how much video editing, photo editing, etc. am I really going to be doing it? Basically, was it worth spending an extra $1K on getting a Mac laptop?

Spoiler alert: I ended up getting a MacBook Pro (16″) and I am very happy with that decision. But here are things that went into that decision and what you may want to consider if it’s worth splurging on a MAC or not!

-Are you doing a lot of video and/or photo editing? If the answer is yes, I would undoubtedly get a MAC. They are just built better for that.

-How much time are you spending on your computer? For me, I am on my computer every day for the majority of the day. So when you’re using something that much (and depending on what you’re using it for) it may make sense to upgrade.

-How much are you traveling with your computer? This is one of the reasons I was initially thinking of the Surface. It’s more portable and easy to travel with and since I travel a fair amount I knew it would be easier to carry that around vs. a 16” laptop. So if you’re traveling a bunch, or bringing your computer back and forth from home to work, you may want to look into something more portable vs. a MAC. Or, you may consider getting the 13″ MacBook Pro which is considerably less expensive than the 16″ ($1299 vs. $2399). For me, since I am looking at my screen all day every day, 13” was too small.

-Are all your other devices apple? If so, the convenience of having everything synced (calendar, notes, iMessages, etc) is pretty nice.

-Are you transferring content regularly from your phone to your computer/email? This was a big one for me (since I have an iPhone). I am constantly sending photos and captions from my phone to my computer in order to send to brands. So whenever Stephen was using the MAC, I’d be on my laptop and would have to upload content via email or dropbox and then separately transfer them to an email to a brand. Now, I can take photos on my phone and just air drop them to my MAC, and write a caption on my phone in the notes section and just copy and paste from my MAC directly to an email. Again, you’re paying for that convenience and saving time.

-Aesthetic. I mean, let’s just be honest. Apple products are beautiful to look at! Would that be the only reason I would spend $1K extra on a computer? No. But if I am spending that much, then it better look pretty!

-Budget. Obviously budget is a big factor when deciding on a (larger) purchase. Because regardless of whether you get a PC or MAC, it’s not cheap! If budget isn’t as much of an issue, I feel like it makes sense to spend the extra $500 or $1K and get what you truly want. Because if you think about it, this isn’t a purchase that you will only be using for the next 6 months or a year, you’re going to be using it for a long time! However, if you really need a new computer now and can’t wait, genuinely think, do I really need everything a MAC has to offer? If the answer is no, then there is nothing wrong with getting a PC. I had a Surface in nursing school and absolutely loved it, and it was perfect for what I needed it for.

Hopefully these tips helped you think of what to consider when making a computer purchase! I feel like it really comes down to budget and what you’re actually using the computer for. There are pros and cons to both!