It really depends - it all boils down to preference.

I use both daily - Windows for work, Mac for personal. Previously I have owned a couple of high-end Windows laptop as well; Razer Blade(s) and Dell XPS for leisure / gaming / personal use.

Here's why I go back to a Mac every time.

1) Battery & Power Efficiency - I have yet to find any Windows laptop that can surpass the battery life of a Macbook. You're talking about average 8-10 hours on average use, not even throttling down CPU, fan speed, screen brightness or power-setting. None.

2) Fan Noise - What? As silent as a wind. Even when I am editing photos on ai, ps or lightroom - no sound whatsoever. Only when i am running FCP, then yet it does. From daily use, non-existent.

3) Touchpad - Well, Apple's touchpad is unmatchable. Gestures are always accurate, multifunctional and a good tactile press to it. Windows are usually mushy and the sensitivity sometimes will be a hit and miss.

4) Screen - Okay this is subjective and it really depends on which model / make you are using. My current is a 14 inch MBP so the screen is stunning. The last Windows laptop that I owned, Razer Blade 14 has 240hz screen and the colors are so beautiful - it is one of the best screens i have ever used.

5) Keyboard - I hate mushy keyboards and the one on the previous Macbook Pros (butterfly keys) are the worst I have ever used on a laptop, thank god they've replaced it with the old one. Windows laptops are also a hit and miss - some models good, some mushy. I like the Macs, good tactile feedback, good travel and wide.

6) MacOS - beautiful and familiar OS. very seamless to use especially if you are in Apple's walled garden - copy paste, airdrop, sidecar etc.


And now the things that I don't like..

1) Microsoft Office apps. Ambomination of a suite - such a pain to work on especially if i have no access to my office laptop. limited functions and not even user-friendly.

2) 3rd Party Apps - some apps are just plain wonky to use, doesn't seem to be ported well and adapted well into MacOS.

3) Lack of Gaming Support - well i am referring to native games for Windows only. Except those streaming sites of course - can't play Call of Duty on a Mac now can we?

4) Lack of Ports - I have a Macbook Pro and I am still moaning for the lack of port support, can't imagine those without.

Regardless, these are just my two cents, you are free to make your own decision at the end of the day. I would say the pros of the Mac will outweigh the cons for me.

Ah congrats!

16GB is always a safer bet although they said that it is a unified memory, i still think that for future use it is always better to get 16GB so you can have a peace of mind. Welcome to the 14 inci club! the screen and speakers alone is worth the splurge, trust me.

btw for applecare - as long as it is purchased within 12 months should be alright. personally i don't need it, not sure if its the same for you

You don't really need one actually. Just be wary of where you download contents from - in most cases, antivirus for Macs are not compulsory. I never had an antivirus software for either Windows or Macs for over 10 years