Laptop up to PLN 5,000 – bet on a MacBook or Windows? We check two specific computer models and compare their capabilities. Check which model will meet your needs better.

Choosing a new laptop is a real challenge – especially when we have about PLN 5,000 to spend and face a dilemma: focus on a strong specification with Windows or risk entering the Apple ecosystem? (Well, unless you have already fallen into Tim Cook’s trap, then the choice is probably quite simple).

In this article I will compare two specific laptops that can be found at a similar price. This Acer Swift Go 14 (SFG14-73 – Ultra 7 155h) and Apple MacBook Air 2024 with a processor M3. The answer to the question “Windows or MacOS?” It may vary depending on what you mainly use the computer for. But hey – let’s try to analyze the facts and see what pays more to you.

Acer Swift Go 14: Specification “rich”

Let’s start with Windows equipment. Acer Swift Go 14 in the version SFG14-73 This is a laptop equipped with:

  • Intel Core i7-155H processor (13th generation),
  • 14-inch OLED screen (great image quality and depth of black),
  • Until 32 GB RAM – it’s really a lot for demanding
  • SSD with a capacity 1 TB,
  • Windows 11.

Already at the start we are dealing with a specific set that gives a supply of computing power for photo processing, video, as well as trouble -free playing in less demanding titles (remembering that it is an ultrabook, not a gaming machine with powerful graphics). OLED screen It makes a huge impression – the colors are alive, and the contrast is fine, which will be appreciated not only by fans of watching movies on a laptop, but also people dealing with graphic design.

In terms of ports And connectivity, Acer Swift Go 14 falls better than a MacBook. You have several different 2 x USB 3.2, USB-C connectors with DisplayPort, USB-C Thunderbolt 4) and HDMI, which makes it easier to connect to the projector or external monitor. For some people it is a lot of convenience – you do not have to fly with adapters.

Apple MacBook Air 2024 with M3 – a little less on paper, but …

On the other hand, we have MacBook Air 2024. The model is equipped with Apple M3 processor, 16 GB RAMdisk 256 GB SSD and 13.6-inch Retina screen. On paper – what to hide – it looks a bit like a knockout compared to Acer – a smaller disk and less memory. Dry specifications, however, do not always tell the whole truth

MacBook Air He is a real master in energy management. Apple Silicon processors (now M3) are famous for its great performance with low energy consumption. In practice, this means that the MacBook will work very quietly and withstand the battery noticeably longer than Acer Swift Go 14. noiseless work For many people it is absolutely unrivaled: no fan = zero annoying noise, even at greater load.

This approach “less on paper, more in practice” is also manifested in MacOS optimization. The Apple system is designed strictly in terms of equipment, thanks to which 16 GB RAM in a MacBook translates into performance that some do not expect from such a “modest” looking specification. Of course, 256 GB It’s not much, so if you often work with large files or collect large photo and video libraries, you can quickly need an external disk or cloud.

Which model should you choose and why?

The choice between the new MacBook Air and Acer Swift Go 14 boils down to what is a priority for you. If you care about:

  • A large amount of RAM – 32 GB in Acer is a really powerful supply,
  • capacious disk – 1 TB gives comfort to keep a large amount of data,
  • a wide range of ports and flexibility,
  • Windows (e.g. due to specialized software or gaming),

Then Acer Swift Go 14 will be like a hit. You can take him to work, to study or travel and not be afraid that you will run out of place or computing power.

However, if:

  • you value yourself silence and maximum mobility (MacBook is silent and very light),
  • battery life This is a key parameter (MacBook Air from M3 can work “centuries” on one charge),
  • you already have an iPhone and you appreciate Synergy in the Apple ecosystem,
  • You don’t need to keep a huge amount of data on the disk (or use the cloud),

This MacBook Air 2024 will be a solution for you more convenientand even more pleasant in everyday use.

Numbers don’t always tell us everything

This is the most interesting: when we only look at the numbers, it Acer Swift Go 14 He eats a MacBook in terms of memory and disk capacity. But in practice, a lot depends on how the laptop copes with everyday tasks and how much energy it consumes. MacBook Air is completely silent (no fans) and thanks to sensational optimizations you often get the impression that the computing power is greater than the specification suggests. And this one batterywhich does not call for rescue after a few hours – it is for many people Game Changerespecially when you travel a lot or work outside the office.

On the other hand, if you need a large disk space and intensively use applications that require many resources (also closely related to Windows), then MacBook can simply limit you. Buying external disks or having a still large package in the cloud – this is an extra cost and maybe an additional problem.

Take Windows or Mac?

Acer Swift Go 14 It is a machine that has great potential and will not disappoint you in terms of performance. Windows 11 gives a lot of possibilities and is compatible with virtually every software. For this sensational OLED screen, 1 TB SSD and 32 GB RAM are impressive. If you are an enemy of restrictions and you care about the greatest universality, Acer will be a great choice.

Apple MacBook Air 2024 It has a smaller disk, less memory in numbers and (for some) a more closed ecosystem. But … it is light, absolutely silent, it works on the battery longer and thanks to the refined MacOS copes with daily tasks like a master. If you are already sitting in the world of Apple, you will appreciate this integration of the system and devices. If you are looking for a longer battery life and get used to another approach to files or application installation, you can even forget about any compromises.