Woman figuring Out Her Choices

Which Device Should I Buy?

A guide to help you navigate purchasing decisions for your new computing device.

Index

Introduction

Buying a new device can be overwhelming. Reddit threads, YouTube reviews, and endless product listings often leave you with more confusion than clarity. Influencers tout features that you neither need nor desire. Keep in mind the words of the wise Dr. Ian Malcom: we can get caught up in asking whether or not we can when we should ask whether we should. This site is about helping you pause and think critically before clicking “buy.” This site exists to help simplify that process. I created it for anyone feeling stuck; whether you’re a student heading to college, a creative professional, the tech illiterate or someone trying to make a smart tech purchase with little research either for themselves or someone else. I also hope to help anyone stuck in decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is real, and having too many options often leads to paralysis rather than empowerment. This guide helps you think more clearly, prioritize your actual needs, and choose a device that serves your life—not the other way around. If you want to read more on the thought behind this site, scroll to the Why Make This Site? section below. The key idea in all of this is to ask yourself: What's my device for?

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Let's begin!

👵 Everyday / General Use

This section is for those who just need the basics. You just need a computer to pay bills, browse the web, send emails. Typically, if you've been Windows, you'll stay with Windows. Likewise for Mac. Your first thought might be to ask about virus protection. In modern operating systems, you don’t fully need additional antivirus software. Modern Windows automatically includes Microsoft Defender, a built-in antivirus solution that provides sufficient protection. Most popular browsers like Chrome or Edge also help detect malicious websites. If you feel extra protection is necessary, you can install antivirus software as a precaution. Each platform builds mechanisms into their system to help prevent unauthorized access. The biggest threats today are scams that trick users into calling fake tech support lines. These scams are designed to induce panic and convince victims to share gift card information or other payment data, leading to financial loss. For that reason, you should choose Malwarebytes. That plus your system's default virus protection would be enough for average users. Other programs slow your computer down by taking up resources and bog your system down.

📱 Best Picks

🔗 Suggested Products

✍️ Writing / Students / Academics

If you’re a writer, blogger, or student, most systems will serve you well. It basically comes down to operating system preference but also software choice. Remember the principle: what's your device for? Consider your field/use. Depending on your use, you may NEED Word and Docs just isn't sufficient. There are some popular specialty writing software that are system specific you may want to look into. Ulysses is a good Apple only option. Scrivener (Windows, Mac, iPad) is used by a lot of writers and academics for organization as well as handling very long manuscripts. Lastly, something I consider below in my narrative essay, (novel), you could make use of your computer lab or library.

🖥 Platform Flexibility

🔗 Recommended Products

🎵 Music / Podcast Production

Whether you're producing lofi beats, recording vocals, or mixing audio, both macOS and Windows are viable platforms. But iPads are also very versatile with music production. While Apple is popular among creatives, Windows machines offer equal power and more flexibility at lower prices. Podcasting doesn't require the most powerful system, but reliability and clean audio capture are crucial. A digital audio interface bridges your mic and your computer, giving you better sound and control. Don't go for a Chromebook.

💻 Key Considerations

🔗 Suggested Products

🎬 Video Production

Video editing demands strong performance, color accuracy, and good software support.

🔧 Ideal Setup

🔗 Suggested Products

🎨 Design and Creative Work

Designers often rely on color accuracy, performance in Adobe or Affinity Suite, and stylus support.

🔧 Ideal Setup

🔗 Suggested Products (see the iPads above)

🧪 STEM / Engineering

If you’re in engineering, programming, or scientific modeling, you’ll want a machine that supports specialized software:

📦 Common Software

💻 Hardware Tips

🔗 Suggested Products

🎮 Gaming Forget Anything Other Than Windows (well, except maybe Linux)

If you're a gamer, you probably already know what you need or want. But, maybe you have no clue or you can't decide. Or, again, you're buying for someone else. If your main goal is gaming, Windows is the typical choice. Windows is compatible with the widest range of games, launchers (Steam, Epic, Xbox Game Pass), and supports the most robust hardware customization. However, Linux is becoming a serious contender, especially with the rise of SteamOS and its translation layers that enable many Windows games to run smoothly. Be sure to check Steam’s compatibility for Linux or SteamOS before committing. SteamOS is currently in beta and shaping up to be a strong alternative to Windows for PC builds. While most gaming laptops come preinstalled with Windows, if you're building your own PC, you don’t need to pay for Windows—you can install Linux instead. Not many gaming laptops come without Windows, but you can install Linux and you don't have to buy windows if you build a PC. Many will prefer to build a PC. My website is not best for that. Go to PCPartPicker. There you can find lists of recommended builds based on budgets or build your own! Also checkout Newegg or below for a couple options. Again, depending on your use case you could get a Steam Deck or the popular Legion Go from Lenovo. The Legion Go comes with Windows by default, making it versatile for gaming and schoolwork—especially when docked with a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Alternatively, you can install and boot SteamOS on it. As Dave2D recently showed, the SteamOS version performs better purely for gaming. Up to you; what's your device for?

💻 Recommended Specs

💡 General Advice

🔗 A few options to consider, that are dedicated to gaming

👨‍💻 Coding

Coding is something I know a little bit from my background. My guess is you know what you need. But for those who don't, both Windows and macOS are excellent for coding, but the best choice depends on your stack and workflow.

💻 Hardware Recommendations

🔗 Suggested Laptops for Developers

Why Make This Site?

TL;DR

I created this site for users like you who have trouble deciding which device to buy. I wrote it with different people in mind but the initial idea was more geared toward students who were entering college but also any sort of tech illiterate person who may not know what to buy or are gifting a device for someone else. But I mostly wrote it for those facing decision fatigue. Are you tired of endlessly browsing Reddit forums, watching YouTube reviews, and scouring Amazon or any other site just to still linger over a decision? You watch one tech guru or read another blog post and you're faced with more confusion, not less. You're not alone. Decision fatigue is a real thing. We have today what Barry Schwartz calls the Paradox of Choice. Schwartz argues that having too many options can overwhelm people, leading to anxiety, dissatisfaction, and decision paralysis. Instead of feeling empowered, more choices can make it harder to decide and reduce overall happiness. He outlined how he decided to switch jeans brands when buying a new pair and was overwhelmed with the choice. So he decided to just go with his original jeans and was content with his decision. His advice was just that: choose something and go with it. That's a bit of my story too. It's probably many people's.

The core idea here is to know exactly what you need and choose a device that serves that end. Over time, I've learned to be guided more by Cal Newport and Greg McKeown's ideas on digital minimalism and essentialism, respectively. They each have their own ideas but share a similar aim in making sure our devices are used by us, not our devices using us. Intentional use and less clutter. The idea is to focus on what's essential. Now, to a certain degree, sometimes we can't always get that. We buy more than we need. We also don't always want to buy what we need for the moment. If you want it to last a while, you want some specs that will last into the future (future proofing is the name). The core idea will be to create intentional spaces and uses for your device regardless of what you buy. This site exists to help you pause before purchasing and think more clearly. It draws from essentialism—the discipline of choosing only what is necessary; digital minimalism—the idea that technology should serve your values, not the other way around; and Barry Schwartz’s Paradox of Choice—the insight that too many options can overwhelm and paralyze. By combining these perspectives, the goal is to help you make a device decision that is deliberate, aligned with your actual needs, and free from marketing noise or feature fatigue.

This idea was born out of some trial and error. I was entering the field of game design. I thought, "Oh I'll get a gaming laptop." At the time they were expensive (they still can be). Usually, people stick with what they know. I grew up with Windows. So if you were in the opposite situation, you've had Apple products all your life, you'd naturally think, "I'll get a Macbook." That may well be the right choice, depending on your use cases, industry, and workflow. Apple had a reputation for being associated with graphic design work and some connection to Pixar, so someone pitched a Macbook as a good buy. Then I thought, "Oh sweet I get to sit behind an Apple logo!" The device that would have been used for 3D modeling with Maya was just as expensive as a good gaming/3D modeling laptop, as well. Why not? Then I found out that the gaming industry lived in Windows. I wasn't well versed in Apple at the time so I didn't realize Macs couldn't game. Also, the specific program we were using, 3ds Max, was Windows only and required for class. So, I ended up back with my original plan. But once I got done with the degree and moved on from that industry, I didn't keep the gaming laptop I used for 3D modeling and games but went with a Macbook because I was entering more into work that didn't require a big 17" gaming laptop with a GPU.

Later on, when my Macbook Pro was not charging well, (due to a faulty power adapter on the charging cable and not the Macbook 🤦‍♂️), I faced a new venture: what device should I buy? Chromebook? iPad? Another Macbook? or a Windows laptop? What was best? Then came the Paradox of Choice. I landed with a Surface Pro. It was a mix of both an iPad and a Windows laptop. I could play (some) games again! I enjoyed it; for a while. I then started to recognize how dependent I was on some fun Apple ecosystem features. I didn't realize how much of a system/routine I had built into place over the years and how many Apple-only apps I relied on. It's not like Windows and the Surface Pro were terrible. For a while, I would use the pen for class notes. But then, I started to just miss my pen and paper. I also learned of the benefits of pen and paper as well as the detriments of a computer for note-taking. Eventually, I was able to go to a Macbook Air and I stuck with it. After awhile, I switched back to Windows and now have just become ambivalent about which system I use and have embraced this more essentialist approach to any device. Related to that, I tried installing Linux. I thought the tinkering was fun. "I could live with this bare-bones system." But you know what, Apple made a great choice on that ad campaign. You want a computer that "just works." Not one that you have to spend 4 hrs on to get an app to run that would run natively on Windows or Mac.

The kernel of the idea of this site came from my own journey. Trial and error helped me realize that picking a device is less about chasing features or brands and more about understanding your real use case. It helped me learn to ask: What's my device for?

Knowing what you need will help you make a good purchase because you can buy with your needs in mind. You could enter into a scenario where your specific app will either not be available for your platform, or will be stunted on your platform. But there are other kinds of scenarios that you can take advantage of when shopping for a new device. You could use a companion piece more than a full computer. Instead of getting a Macbook, you get an iPad. Perhaps you already own a desktop computer or an older Macbook or other laptop that handles most of your heavy lifting; file management (not the best on Chromebook and improving on iPads), photo libraries, music, or video editing. In that case, your money might be better spent on something more portable like an iPad or a Chromebook for casual tasks. As a companion piece, you can take advantage of cloud syncing: upload files to Dropbox, iCloud, OneDrive, etc. on your desktop and keep everything in sync without needing to duplicate full computing power on the go. Even that's a misnomer though as iPads are capable devices, especially ones with Apple Silicon chips (many of the things above are able to be done on an iPad). But in some cases, some features may be stunted on an iPad with full capabilities on a desktop/laptop.

Apple’s ecosystem offers convenience through features like AirDrop, Handoff, and iCloud syncing. But these are not necessities. A Windows PC and iPhone can coexist with a bit more effort with cross-cloud platforming. Likewise, an Android phone and Mac can work together depending on your tools. The key is understanding your workflow and selecting devices that match what you need not based on branding or advertising but on function.

Here's an example from my life: As an academic involved in ministry, I use a niche app called Logos Bible Software, which supports deep study through various Bible translations and original Greek and Hebrew texts, plus a vast library of commentaries and academic works. This software is best experienced on a full operating system—Windows or macOS—where all its features are accessible. Web-based and iPad versions are excellent for reading and offer some language tool access, but lack many desktop-only capabilities. If you're aiming to maximize your investment in such software, a desktop-class environment is recommended (desktop-class is also laptop it just means full featured operating system and comparable hardware). But maybe you’re a pastor who uses Logos (or another program) who benefits from language tools but doesn't dive into all the advanced features. You might use an iPad or a Chromebook and write sermons in Pages or Docs instead of Microsoft Word. That works too. Maybe you don't use a software at all and get by with the basics. That also works.

Obviously, there are other users. You're a creative who wants to use Photoshop and Blender. You'll need better hardware than I. Or you are an academic but you dabble in 3D modeling or gaming. You'll also need better hardware but not so much that the creative needs. Or maybe you don't need those. Maybe, you're a grandparent. You just need a computer to pay bills, browse the web, send emails. Maybe an iPad or even an all-in-one is just the thing you need.

I've shared this site had students in mind. Here's something to consider: if you are a student, many learning institutions (though not all) usually have a computer lab that is suited for specific majors needs that provide access to software that you cannot buy (because it costs a lot) nor a laptop that you can afford can run. When I got my AAS Degree in simulation and game development, there was a computer lab with top tier gaming desktops for students to do work on.

The key takeaway: identify your actual needs and buy accordingly. Buy your values. Make your device work for you, not you for it. Don’t get lost in decision fatigue. Write a list of all you'll use your computer for and figure out what's going to drive the decision. Whether you're running SolidWorks, Premiere Pro, or playing games, focus on what serves your needs best.

Keep apps in mind, too. Microsoft Office, for example, is available either through a subscription or a one-time purchase. The latter you have (essentially) for life though support cuts off at 5 years. You save money in the long run this way. But you don't get the ability to use the app on an iPad. The Office subscription offers updates and cross-platform support. ...But if your use is basic—writing papers or managing spreadsheets—you may not need the latest features. There are alternatives like Google Docs (free, web-based), Scrivener (which works on Windows, Mac, and iPad), Ulysses, (which is Apple only), or Markdown editors like Bear, (which is Apple only), and iA Writer (which works cross-platform). If you buy a Mac, Pages, Sheets, and Keynote are all included with your purchase of a Mac or an iPad. They are capable software. But in certain industries, you have to use Excel. Say you go with the one-time purchase of Office for desktop. But you need it on the go. You could just pay a monthly subscription or you could have an iPad and use pages and edit the document in the cloud. The hiccup is just that you have to export it each time and you’ll run into formatting issues. But those are just hiccups. They can be worked with. The point is there are hiccups but also workarounds. Part of the point of the website is for you to ask questions based on your use case. You may not know everything, but maybe you know some things. “Will this device help me x? Can it run y? Will I be able to z?” This will help you narrow down your choices. Whatever is not among your choices, don’t work about it.

Another instance of niche apps at play: I also use a software called Zotero for academic referencing that auto populates footnote information for me. Super helpful. This program is not best used with Pages because in Word there are macros and extensions/plugins that can be added to Word so that it becomes a button that adds the footnote information directly to the document. On macOS, you get that with Word (another purchase) but not Pages, where for Pages, you just have to copy and past manually the footnote information. Tedious, for sure. It's also available for iPad too but it's a process of switching back and forth between apps.

If you’re into gaming, desktop PCs generally provide the best performance for the money. Building one is ideal (and fun), but prebuilt systems are fine too. Gaming laptops are also valid if portability is what you want. Desktops are often overlooked in today’s mobile-first world, but they still offer tremendous value for power users. You can often get more storage, faster processors, and better cooling for the same price as a mid-tier laptop. If portability isn't a priority and you do most of your work in one location, a desktop can be the more efficient and cost-effective choice. Or maybe your gaming is console-based—PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch. Your computing needs are more minimal. That’s great. Here's one idea that you could consider if you do go the PC gaming route: get a Steam Deck which underneath the gaming HUD is a Linux GUI. Pair it with G Suite or LibreOffice and a monitor, keyboard and mouse, and it could serve as a minimalist all-in-one device. Better, get the Legion Go from Lenovo because you can access Office on Windows.

Depending on your budget, a fun option is to have a Mac mini, a decent monitor, a keyboard and mouse, and an iPad for portability (or even a Windows machine and an iPad or a Chromebook). This of course is assuming you have no computer access at all and or need to upgrade whatever device you currently have, as well as have the money for this option, also. Make use of an old computer you have and get a companion device like an iPad.

Keep this in mind: some features you think you’ll use might not click. Maybe you bought an iPad thinking you'd write all your notes with a stylus, only to find you prefer a regular notebook. You haven't failed, you've only clarified what it is you like. You’re not missing out by choosing what works best for you. Part of the website is for you to ask those questions now. How do I like learning best? Do I function better with pen and paper? Do I like the feel of the stylus on the screen? (Some companies make a screen protector-like device for iPads that mimics the feel of paper with the Apple Pencil. I haven’t tried those but it’s worth looking into). Don’t feel too much pressure that you can’t fail. I’m a Christian and while my aim is not failure, the gospel of Jesus provides grace and forgiveness when I do fail. You want to make a wise choice. I know plenty of times people have bought things expecting one thing and finding it doesn't deliver. I wanted to provide something for everyone could think through before they buy, or are stuck in decision fatigue.

Maybe I've added more anxiety about your purchase. Oops, sorry. Remember the key takeaway: it’s about what fits your life and values; your work and industry; most of all: your budget. Don’t spec a machine for a life you might live. Spec it for the life you actually live. You're already doing that. Make a deliberate decision and move forward without second-guessing. Make your device work for you and not you for it. Maybe you're willing to endure some of the challenges that you didn't foresee. That is actually very necessary. Develop Grit. I can't factor in every variable. The point of this website was to help gather ideas and factor in some variables to help inform your purchase decision. Ask yourself: what's my device for?

Also, listen: If you want a Mac, get one. It's really okay. If you don't like Macs and you want Windows; also, okay. You grew up with one and not the other. You like one and not the other. Buy your values.

Also, I wouldn't be concerned about the need for AI features unless somehow your use case necessitates them. Most AI features that serve people well are found in browsers like through ChatGPT. But I have my own thoughts on AI and its uses that make me sound like a Luddite. I have used it most for providing information at command; it helped with some of the code on this page but it was me, a person, who used it and said, "yeah that's what I need." You can find varied opinions on the future of AI from "meh," apocalyptic, and absolute utopia. But look at how long it's taken Apple to get their AI in their OS. Some of the features either from Samsung or Apple just seem a bit gimmicky right now. Do some research on those old videos from the 50s and 60s that paint a vision of the future and see how many things are really implemented.

Marketing and influencers constantly push the idea that you need the latest model to keep up, and every year, there are glowing reviews saying “this is the best ever!” But five years later, that same “best ever” machine is treated like it’s obsolete. The reality is, for most people, real-world use doesn’t change that fast. Office apps, web browsing, email, and tools like Logos Bible Software don’t suddenly demand double the power. A good machine from 3–5 years ago still runs those things just fine — just like a used car from 2015 still gets you to work. The difference between a 2020 MacBook and a 2023 one might feel huge in marketing, but not in daily use for the average person. The tech world creates artificial urgency — but durability, not novelty, defines value over time. If you don’t need new features or performance for your tasks, chasing the latest upgrade is like trading in a perfectly good Corolla for a newer one just because someone online said it was smoother.

You may not need to buy new. Typically, you want to buy a Windows laptop new. Perhaps you can get buy with a used gaming laptop. But Macs generally keep their value. I recommend not getting Macbooks from 2017-2019 due to the odd butterfly keyboard that caused all sorts of problems (Some models from 2019 have a Magic Keyboard so look for that, if you do). Aim for the new M chips (Apple Silicon) with M1 still being quite sufficient for modern uses. Check out Refurb.me for a great tool on finding the right refurbished Macbook or iPad (or other devices) with all sorts of filters for parameters to weed out the right one.

TL;DR

Whew...that's a lot. I've probably not hit everything that you would ever encounter. This guide was to help with decision fatigue and just give you some options and perhaps hone in what you may be looking for. Know what you want in your device and just go for it. The key takeaway is know what you want your device to do for you. Buy your values. Make your device work for you, not you for it. Don’t get lost in decision fatigue. Write a list of what you're going to do on your device and purchase accordingly. What are your use cases? What's your everday go to tasks? What programs do you need? Any niche specialty software? What's your device for?

Down to the Wire

If you're still stuck, here's my go to options for which device you should get, bearing in mind all the categories in above:

Take me to the Top

Peace to you.

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