r/computers • u/Proof_Independent877 • 1d ago

Question/Help/Troubleshooting What should I replace my Mac with?

I got gifted a Mac for my birthday a few years ago but now I just got in Uni and need to learn coding. I also play video games sometimes but not much, mostly minecraft. I also draw a lot as well. However, I know nothing about computer so I wanna ask for help. Preferably light for transportation but not necessary.
I don’t have much money so I will have to sell my current Mac. Is there any computer suitable for me?

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5

u/Witty-Reason-2289 1d ago

Are you taking a 'coding' course? Can you ask your instructor what they recommend? Other students? Why do you think you're Mac isn't suitable to learn coding?

1

u/Proof_Independent877 14h ago

I have to learn Sql and it’s only for window, there’s also a lot of stuff that only Windows can download

3

u/Abaldujis 1d ago

What is stopping you from using your mac for coding?

1

u/Proof_Independent877 14h ago

I can’t download Sql sever on Mac. I can’t run a Virtual machine on it either

1

u/hspindel 10h ago

You certainly can run a VM on a Mac. Look at VirtualBox. If you have a need for a Windows-only program, you can run a copy of Windows in a VM.

The limitation would be performance. Don't know how an old Mac will do with VMs.

3

u/northrivergeek 1d ago

look on amazon - see what's out there,, for games expect 1000 minimum for the absolute lowest pos

2

u/northrivergeek 1d ago

find out what specs u need from uni first, and specs the games u want to play need, then make choice on based on that

2

u/msabeln Windows 11 1d ago

If your current Mac is slow, get a new Mac Mini or MacBook Pro.

1

u/Odd_Razzmatazz_7423 Arch Linux + 11 + XP 6h ago

Mac mini in uni?

1

u/msabeln Windows 11 5h ago

Maybe not in the classroom. But it would be fine for the dorm.

1

u/A_Red_Void_of_Red i7 10700, Rtx 3060 12gb, 48gb DDR4 5tb Storage 1d ago

Absolute top recommendation is an aside zephyrus g14 or g16, or did proart laptops, by far the best windows laptops

1

u/VoltageinTheory Pop_OS 24.04 1d ago

why are you replacing your Mac?

1

u/Proof_Independent877 13h ago

Cuz I can’t download a lot of stuff on it bc they’re windows only. I also can’t run a Virtual machine on it

1

u/VoltageinTheory Pop_OS 24.04 11h ago

Then get a ThinkPad. Basically all other Windows laptops that aren’t a ThinkPad, a Framework or from Clevo are e-waste from the factory. Or System76. You should also consider using L”I”N”U”X (that word is basically banned in this sub), it works great on all of those above.

1

u/Budget-Push9834 1d ago

Honestly don’t rush to sell your Mac It might already be good enough for coding and drawing, and Minecraft runs on many Macs too check the model first before spending more money.

1

u/OutrageousCrab9224 1d ago

"Coding", is, in fact, perfect on your "old" mac

1

u/Beautiful_Bake921 1d ago

There's no need to replace it if you don't want to. Many people in my Computer Science course, including professors, use Macs

1

u/kpatelreddit007 17h ago

I have the MSI Titan with a 5090, and it runs hot with loud fans and low battery life, unless you plug it in.

For school you’re better off with a 5080 or 5070 laptop or MacBook Pro.

Save the gaming for a desktop.