The best Macbooks in the UK 2023

For 2020, Apple offers a laptop that is light, thin, resistant and powerful with its MacBook. Indeed, the Apple brand has greatly improved its products in many respects, especially in terms of its keyboard by opting for a Magic Keyboard. However, it is always important to choose the MacBook model that is best suited to your needs. Between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro and the different sizes available, which version should you choose? Follow the guide!

2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip 512GB 1
9/10

Best value for money

2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip 512GB

The best MacBook in 2021

The MacBook Air has good performance and reasonable storage capacity, which hasn't always been the case with previous MacBook Airs. For those who need power that Apple is willing to cram into a 13-inch laptop, this one is worth a look.

1 039 £ on Amazon

The MacBook Air is powerful enough for everyday tasks. This model shares many similarities with the MacBook Pro, they both have almost identical configuration options, including the same number of ports. They have very similar speeds, battery life and displays. For example, this model has two USB-C ports, a 720 camera that uses Apple's image signal processor, Touch ID and the Magic Keyboard. So, we can say that having this model is a good choice for buyers. Because it is a great option for those who want a little more than what the Air has to offer with the benefits of Apple's M1 chip.

2020 Apple MacBook Air avec Apple M1 Chip 256Go 2
8/10

Best value for money

2020 Apple MacBook Air avec Apple M1 Chip 256Go

The best entry-level MacBook

The new MacBook Air is the best MacBook for most people. This latest model demonstrates the capabilities of Apple's M1 chip, which transforms the Air from an underpowered entry-level option into one of the fastest laptops on the market.

850 £ on Amazon
2019 Apple MacBook Pro 3
9/10

Best value for money

2019 Apple MacBook Pro

The best high-end MacBook

Apple has finally resurrected it, in a sense, with the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, killing the long-running 15-inch version in the process. It's huge, at least compared to the 13-inch MacBook, but still more portable than most laptops.

1 839 £ on Amazon

The 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) is more than just a computer you need to browse the Internet, edit documents, or do casual photo and video editing. But if you want a bigger screen for editing large spreadsheets and databases on the go, or if you want more Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C ports, the Pro might be worth the extra money.

And while it still uses Intel processors rather than newer Apple chips, it still offers all the performance you need to edit photos and videos professionally, run 3D drawing programs, or compile app code for Apple's app stores. It's also the best MacBook if you want to use multiple external displays. It supports up to four, where the two Mac M1s we recommend can only use one. Its speakers are also surprisingly good for a laptop.

2020 Apple MacBook Pro 4
7/10

A great choice

2020 Apple MacBook Pro

The best 13-inch Macbook Pro

Apple's Intel versions of the 13-inch MacBook Pro fill in the gaps in storage, memory and connectivity compared to the M1 model. This version from Apple is a big step up from the air especially if you do processor intensive work.

1 335 £ on Amazon

This version of Apple's 13-inch MacBook Pro is better than the MacBook Air for specific types of work that benefit from extra processor speed, and it has a larger battery that lasts a few extra hours. This Pro model has a fan inside to help dissipate heat, which means the processor can run at its peak speed almost indefinitely.

Compared to that processor, this model is powered by Intel with the help of a Core i5 chip, which should be more than capable of handling heavy workloads. It has the same Retina display as Apple's M1 laptops and the Apple Magic Keyboard. Like its M1 sibling, the Intel-based 13-inch Pro also has high dynamic range speakers. It's safe to say then that the MacBook Pro is more powerful than almost any PC on the market, including some workstations.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best MacBook

Any specific needs?

The best MacBook in 2021

The best entry-level MacBook

The best high-end MacBook

The best 13-inch Macbook Pro

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best Macbooks

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip 512GB 5
9/10
2020 Apple MacBook Air avec Apple M1 Chip 256Go 6
8/10
2019 Apple MacBook Pro 7
9/10
2020 Apple MacBook Pro 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip 512GB
2020 Apple MacBook Air avec Apple M1 Chip 256Go
2019 Apple MacBook Pro
2020 Apple MacBook Pro
The MacBook Air has good performance and reasonable storage capacity, which hasn't always been the case with previous MacBook Airs. For those who need power that Apple is willing to cram into a 13-inch laptop, this one is worth a look.
The new MacBook Air is the best MacBook for most people. This latest model demonstrates the capabilities of Apple's M1 chip, which transforms the Air from an underpowered entry-level option into one of the fastest laptops on the market.
Apple has finally resurrected it, in a sense, with the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, killing the long-running 15-inch version in the process. It's huge, at least compared to the 13-inch MacBook, but still more portable than most laptops.
Apple's Intel versions of the 13-inch MacBook Pro fill in the gaps in storage, memory and connectivity compared to the M1 model. This version from Apple is a big step up from the air especially if you do processor intensive work.
Functionality
MacBook Pro-like configuration
Stand-alone
Featuring Multiple Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C ports
High dynamic range speakers
Performance
Very powerful
Improved screen
High performance
Additional processor speed
Specificity
Featuring Apple's M1 chip
Very portable
larger screen
Equipped with internal fan

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Buying guide - MacBook

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How to choose your MacBook

The choice of a MacBook is based on its size and weight, but above all on its configuration. This is a crucial decision before you buy your laptop, as most features cannot be changed or are particularly expensive. To help you make this choice, read on for details on these purchasing criteria to consider before buying your ideal MacBook.
meilleur MacBook

#1 - Height and weight

Currently, Apple offers two main sizes of its Mac laptops: a Pro model available in 13-inch and 16-inch sizes, and the MacBook Air available in 13-inch.
For those who prefer transportability and practicality, a 13-inch MacBook is recommended for its compactness, especially since these devices weigh nearly 1.29 kg.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is dedicated to professional use in the creative field: video, photo, sound, etc., because it allows a comfortable use at the visual level. It should be noted that this laptop from the American apple firm weighs only 1.83 kg.

#2 - Storage space

The storage space of recent Macbooks is limited to 128 GB. But the firm offers to increase this storage capacity when you buy your device. Thus, you have the choice between 256GB, 512GB or 1.5TB storage. This extra storage space allows you to use your MacBook more comfortably, but the more you add, the more expensive your device becomes.

#3 - The processor

Be aware that once you buy your MacBook, you can't upgrade its processor. So you should buy a model with this feature that really suits your needs. It's highly recommended to buy a MacBook with the best processor possible, especially since the price difference between the different levels on a Mac laptop model is not that significant. A model that runs on a core i7 is recommended, or else a latest-generation core i5 processor.

#4 - Random access memory

RAM

is another important purchasing factor for a laptop

.

On a MacBook, it's impossible to upgrade once you've purchased your device. If you plan to run heavy applications, plan on at least 32GB of RAM, although 16GB may be appropriate if your MacBook usage is moderate (running basic Mac environments).



How to install your MacBook?

Once you have your Apple Macbook, you need to install it. How do you do this? Follow the steps:

Welcome
The first step in installing your MacBook is to choose your country of origin. Depending on your country of origin, Apple will offer you several options later, including your keyboard layout.
Selecting the keyboard
The next step is to choose the keyboard layout that suits you best: French AZERTY or Belgian AZERTY? QWERTY?

Choose the Wi-Fi network
Now you need to connect your device to a Wi-Fi network by choosing from the list. Just enter the password if you want to secure it. You can also connect to a local network.

Transferring data
If you want data from your old computer to your new MacBook, choose your option: from a Mac, a boot drive or a Time machine backup. If your data is from a Windows PC, choose the option from a Windows PC. You can also wait and transfer it all later via the Migration Assistant.

Enable localization services
In this step, you need to specify whether you want your MacBook to communicate your location to the websites and applications you connect to.

Use your Apple ID
With your Apple ID, log in to the various Apple applications that are essential for using your MacBook: App Store, iTunes, iCloud, etc. You can choose to log in later or add more data later.

Agree to the terms
For those who have time, it is advisable to read the Apple Macbook terms and conditions. If you agree with the terms, just click Accept.

Create a computer account
On this step, you need to enter your name and some details of your account, including your account name. Your account name is also your personal folder name when using your MacBook. Be sure to choose a password that is complex enough to ensure the security of your data.

Select a time zone
This step is necessary if you have decided not to enable location-based services. You must then specify your time zone to make the MacBook work properly, especially with regard to the time display.

Activating Siri
Activating Siri may come later, but it can be useful. This personal voice recognition assistant from Apple can answer most of your questions and requests such as launching an app, solving a calculation, asking for the weather, etc.

Setting up Touch ID
If your MacBook has Touch ID, you can configure it during this step. To do so, place your finger on the dedicated reader and follow the instructions. The fingerprint reader makes it easier for you to log in to your MacBook.
Once all these steps are done, you can now use your MacBook and enjoy all its features.

MacBook is a stable computer

Since MacOS is Apple's own operating system, it is specially designed for Apple computers. This ensures that the software and hardware work together perfectly, which makes your MacBook stable.

Tips

Using Siri

With your MacBook, you can also use Siri, Apple's voice assistant. To do this, simply press and hold the Command and Space keys. You can also activate Siri by clicking on the icon on the menu bar or on the Dock. Since this version of Siri is more advanced, it can switch between system functions or pull up individual files stored in the system based on the information you provide to it about them.

Use Split Screen

With

Split Screenview, you can work with two windows or two applications open side by side easily on your MacBook

. Just

right-click and hold the green application magnification button in the upper left corner.

Signing documents

With

your MacBook, you can add your signature to your documents. In Preview, go to the Signatures tab and click on the +. All that's left is to sign your name in black ink on the white piece of paper, then hold it up to your device's webcam. Line it up well and click Accept. When you open a document to sign, simply bring up the editing toolbar and click the Signature (S) icon to embed it.

Store your files in iCloud Drive

To

store your files, you have iCloud Drive. In addition to doing it from the dedicated icon, you can simply drop the documents on the Desktop or in the Documents folder to have them synced automatically. This way, you can access them from any Mac you log in with your Apple ID.

Limit access to your MacBook

You

can limit what a third party can do on your device by accessing the dedicated options for doing so. In addition to Parental Controls, which are easy to set up, you can also limit tray usage to a time of your choosing per day, set a time to turn off the computer, limit Finder functions, control access to various applications, etc.

FAQ

Which is the best MacBook?

The best MacBook depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find the best products out there.

How to reset a MacBook?

To restore a MacBook, first back up your files to another location by going to Time Machine and clicking Choose a backup drive. Then, connect your device to the power adapter and restart it. Hold down the "Command" and "R" buttons at the same time until the Apple logo appears. Click on "Disk Utility" and open the "Erase" tab before selecting your computer's main drive. Select "Mac OS Extended" and click the "Erase" button. Now you just need to close the "Disk Utility" window before completing the reset process by connecting your device to the Internet. Go to the "macOS Utility" menu and click on "Reset macOS". Finish by restarting your computer.

How to recover data after system restore?

The easiest and fastest way to recover your data is to use Time Machine, provided you backed up your data before resetting your MacBook. Otherwise, you need to use a professional data recovery tool like Wondershare Recoverit for Mac. It is an effective software to recover data lost due to disk formatting, virus attacks, system errors, etc.

How to transfer files from a MacBook to an iPhone?

If you have a recent MacBook as well as a recent iPhone, it is easy to transfer files from your computer to your iOS smartphone using Airdrop. To do this, right-click on the file you want to send, then go to Airdrop in the Messages flyout menu. Choose the destination device for the files and you're done.

How to clean a MacBook screen?

To clean your MacBook screen effectively, choose the right cleaning materials. All you need is a little water and two soft cloths. With the first cloth, clean the screen with a little water. Then, with the second dry cloth, wipe it clean. You can also use a cleaning product specially designed for computer screens, which can be in liquid or wipe form. Always finish with a soft cloth.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , consomac.fr
  2. , consomac.fr
  3. , lesnumeriques.com
  4. , macg.co
  5. , wired.com
  6. , macworld.com.uk
  7. , digitaltrends.com
  8. , apple.com
  9. , fnac.com
  10. , ldlc.com
  11. , apple.com
  12. , apple.com
  13. , boulanger.com
  14. , fnac.com
  15. , darty.com
  16. , rueducommerce.fr
  17. , fnac.com
  18. , amazon.co.uk
  19. , boulanger.com
  20. , backmarket.fr
  21. , ldlc.com
  22. , laredoute.fr
  23. , amazon.co.uk
  24. , materiel.net
  25. , macway.com
  26. , fr.wikipedia.org
  27. , support.apple.com
  28. , fr.wikipedia.org
  29. , support.apple.com
  30. , carrefour.fr
  31. , futura-sciences.com
  32. , inmac-wstore.com
  33. , fr.fnac.be
  34. , 01net.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip 512GB 9
2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip 512GB
2020 Apple MacBook Air avec Apple M1 Chip 256Go 10
2020 Apple MacBook Air avec Apple M1 Chip 256Go
2019 Apple MacBook Pro 11
2019 Apple MacBook Pro
2020 Apple MacBook Pro 12
2020 Apple MacBook Pro

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