Should I sell my gaming laptop for a MacBook Air?

With the Black Friday deals on MacBook Airs, I’m considering selling my ASUS TUF F15 and upgrading to a MacBook Air. I could sell the ASUS for around CAD $800, and the MacBook Air is CAD $1100 plus tax.

Here’s my reasoning: I recently built a gaming desktop at home, so the laptop is now just for school and casual use like Netflix and coding projects (mostly remoting into my desktop). I love the idea of the MacBook Air’s lightweight design, amazing display, and the battery life, which is so good I wouldn’t need to carry a charger. I’m already in the Apple ecosystem with my iPhone and Apple Watch, so it feels like a natural fit.

Am I missing something here? Would this be a good move?

If you’re just remoting into your PC, why spend the extra $300? You could get a used ThinkPad for way less, and it would do everything you need.

Zane said:
If you’re just remoting into your PC, why spend the extra $300? You could get a used ThinkPad for way less, and it would do everything you need.

I still use my laptop a lot at school, for studying, and even for watching Netflix with my girlfriend. Plus, I really like MacBook displays and the Apple ecosystem. The battery life on the M chips is insane—I wouldn’t even need a charger when I’m out.

@Daryn
A used ThinkPad would handle all of that just fine—and for way less than $800. You could even swap batteries if needed without waiting to recharge.

Zane said:
@Daryn
A used ThinkPad would handle all of that just fine—and for way less than $800. You could even swap batteries if needed without waiting to recharge.

Did you just downvote me for saying that? Classic forum behavior.

@Daryn
Doesn’t look like I downvoted you. No idea what you’re talking about.

Zane said:
@Daryn
A used ThinkPad would handle all of that just fine—and for way less than $800. You could even swap batteries if needed without waiting to recharge.

Is this comment even serious?

Spending that much on a secondary device seems like overkill. You could save money by getting a used ThinkPad Carbon X1 Gen9 for around $500 USD. It’ll do everything you need, and you’d make money instead of spending more. Even refurbished MacBooks are cheaper than the deal you’re looking at.

I’m in a similar boat. I have a gaming desktop now, so my ASUS laptop barely gets used. I want a MacBook too, but it’s hard to justify it. Be prepared for trouble selling the ASUS—it might take time to find a buyer. Consider keeping the ASUS for travel and getting a Mac Mini to scratch the Apple itch. It’s cheaper and works great with a dual-monitor setup.

If you’re after display quality, look into laptops with high-resolution OLED screens. They’re better than MacBook displays.

If you’re okay locking yourself further into the Apple ecosystem, go for it. It sounds like you’ve got gaming covered at home, so losing portable Windows access might not matter. If you can sell the ASUS for $800, the price difference for a MacBook Air isn’t bad, considering the efficiency and battery life of the M chips.

If the MacBook suits your needs better, why not go for it? No need to keep the gaming laptop if you don’t use it.

Some people here don’t understand your needs. Sure, a cheaper laptop might get the job done, but it won’t match the MacBook’s display, speakers, or battery life. If the deal is good, get the MacBook. Don’t waste time debating with trolls.

I’d say go for it, but if you can wait, the next-gen MacBooks might be worth considering for better efficiency and longevity.

Amory said:
I’d say go for it, but if you can wait, the next-gen MacBooks might be worth considering for better efficiency and longevity.

The Black Friday deal is a big part of why I’m considering this now. The M3 Air is on sale, and I can’t justify spending over $2K on a laptop.

@Daryn
If the M3 deal works for you, go for it. It’s more than capable for student use. Just be aware of the upgrades in future models.

Amory said:
I’d say go for it, but if you can wait, the next-gen MacBooks might be worth considering for better efficiency and longevity.

There isn’t an M4 MacBook Air, nor is there a 13-inch MacBook Pro anymore.

@Indra
I meant the 14-inch, my bad.