For college students, the ideal laptop balances portability, performance, battery life, and versatility. Two of the most popular choices in the ultraportable category are the MacBook Air M2 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 9. Both devices are sleek, lightweight, and marketed toward mobile professionals and students alike. But when it comes to long library sessions, back-to-back lectures, note-taking, coding assignments, and late-night paper writing, which one actually delivers a better experience?
This comparison dives deep into real-world usage scenarios that matter to students—keyboard comfort, multitasking capability, stylus support, software compatibility, durability, and value over time. The goal isn’t just to list specs but to determine which device supports academic success with fewer compromises.
Design and Portability: Lightweight Champions
Both the MacBook Air M2 and Surface Pro 9 weigh under three pounds, making them easy to carry between classes. The MacBook Air M2 tips the scale at 2.7 pounds and features a unibody aluminum design with a wedge-shaped profile. It’s fanless, silent, and built for passive cooling, contributing to its reliability and low maintenance.
The Surface Pro 9, at 1.94 pounds (for the base model without Type Cover), is even lighter—but this figure excludes the keyboard. Once you add the optional Type Cover (0.65 lb), the total weight jumps to about 2.6 pounds. That said, the detachable design gives it an edge in flexibility. You can use it as a tablet during lectures or sketching sessions, then snap on the keyboard for essay writing.
In terms of build quality, both feel premium. The MacBook Air has no moving parts, which reduces wear over time. The Surface Pro 9 uses Gorilla Glass and magnesium alloy, offering good scratch resistance, though the kickstand hinge can collect dust if used on messy desks.
Performance and Multitasking: M2 Muscle vs Windows Flexibility
The MacBook Air M2 runs Apple’s custom silicon, delivering impressive CPU and GPU performance while sipping power. With an 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU, it handles video editing, coding environments like Xcode or Python IDEs, and multiple Chrome tabs effortlessly. Students using creative apps such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, or Adobe Creative Cloud will notice faster rendering and smoother playback than on most Intel-based laptops.
The Surface Pro 9 offers two processor options: 12th-gen Intel Core i5/i7 or Microsoft’s SQ3 ARM chip (exclusive to LTE models). The Intel version performs well for everyday tasks—web browsing, Word documents, Zoom calls—but struggles slightly under heavy multitasking or sustained workloads due to thermal throttling. The ARM variant is more power-efficient but suffers from app compatibility issues; many desktop programs run through emulation, leading to reduced performance or bugs.
“Apple’s M-series chips have redefined what we expect from fanless laptops. For students doing computational work or media projects, the M2 remains unmatched in its class.” — Dr. Alan Reyes, Computer Science Lecturer at NYU
RAM configurations also differ significantly. The MacBook Air M2 starts at 8GB unified memory (soldered), expandable to 24GB. While 8GB is sufficient for basic tasks, students running virtual machines, development tools, or large datasets should consider upgrading. The Surface Pro 9 allows configuration up to 16GB RAM, but again, only the Intel models benefit fully from this due to ARM emulation overhead.
Battery Life and All-Day Usability
Battery endurance is critical for students who can’t always access outlets between classes. Apple claims up to 18 hours of web browsing or video playback on the MacBook Air M2. In real-world mixed use—browsing, document editing, music streaming, occasional Zoom—the average lasts 12–14 hours, easily covering a full day of campus activity.
The Surface Pro 9 advertises up to 15.5 hours, but actual usage typically yields 7–9 hours, especially with brightness above 50% or active pen/stylus input. This means charging midday is often necessary unless usage is minimal. The difference stems partly from the M2’s superior power efficiency and macOS optimization.
Charging convenience also varies. The MacBook Air uses USB-C/Thunderbolt ports and charges via any standard USB-C power bank. The Surface Pro 9 requires its proprietary magnetic charger unless using third-party PD-compatible solutions, which aren't always reliable.
Display, Input, and Note-Taking Experience
The MacBook Air M2 features a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with 2560x1664 resolution, P3 wide color, and 500 nits brightness. Text is sharp, colors are vibrant, and the notch houses a 1080p webcam—a significant upgrade from previous models. However, there’s no touchscreen, so interaction remains strictly keyboard-and-trackpad.
The Surface Pro 9 boasts a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display at 2880x1920 resolution with touch, HDR, and 120Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate makes scrolling and inking feel buttery smooth. Paired with the Surface Pen (sold separately), it becomes a powerful tool for annotating PDFs, solving math problems by hand, or drawing diagrams in biology lectures.
| Feature | MacBook Air M2 | Surface Pro 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size & Type | 13.6\" non-touch LCD | 13\" touchscreen OLED option |
| Resolution | 2560x1664 | 2880x1920 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Stylus Support | No (iPad alternative only) | Yes (Surface Pen required) |
| Keyboard Included | Yes (MagSafe) | No (Type Cover sold separately) |
Typing comfort is subjective, but most users prefer the MacBook Air’s full-travel Magic Keyboard with excellent key stability and backlighting. The Surface Type Cover is thin and responsive but lacks depth, causing fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, losing or forgetting the Type Cover renders the device nearly unusable for writing-heavy coursework.
Software Ecosystem and Campus Compatibility
iOS and macOS integration benefits students already using iPhones or iPads. Features like Universal Clipboard, AirDrop, Sidecar, and seamless Handoff streamline workflows. iCloud syncs notes, calendar, and documents across devices instantly. However, some university systems—especially lab software, engineering tools, or legacy administrative portals—are Windows-only.
Windows 11 on the Surface Pro 9 ensures full compatibility with campus networks, printing systems, and department-specific applications. It supports dual-booting or virtualization if needed. Microsoft 365 integration is native, and OneNote + Surface Pen creates an exceptional digital notebook system for lecture capture.
On the other hand, Macs excel in creative fields. Film students editing videos, music producers using GarageBand, or design majors working in Illustrator gain tangible performance and ecosystem advantages with the M2 chip and optimized macOS apps.
Real Student Scenario: A Week in the Life
Meet Maya, a sophomore majoring in neuroscience with a minor in studio art. Her week includes three-hour labs, anatomy lectures with detailed diagrams, weekly research papers, and weekend sketching sessions.
She tried the MacBook Air M2 first. She loved the battery life and quiet operation during long study sessions. Writing essays was effortless, and her Zoom meetings were crisp. But she missed being able to draw brain structures directly on her screen. She resorted to scanning hand-drawn notes, which added steps.
She switched to the Surface Pro 9 with Type Cover and Surface Pen. During lectures, she took typed notes and sketched coronal sections side-by-side in OneNote. Lab data entry was smooth, and she appreciated the touchscreen for navigating complex diagrams. However, she had to charge midday and found the keyboard less comfortable for long papers.
In the end, she kept the Surface Pro 9—not because it was objectively better, but because its versatility aligned with her hybrid workload. For students with similar multidisciplinary needs, the Surface Pro 9 offers unique flexibility.
Cost and Long-Term Value
Pricing is a major factor for students. The base MacBook Air M2 starts at $999 (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD). Upgrading to 16GB RAM pushes it to $1,299. Storage upgrades are expensive—$200 for +512GB.
The Surface Pro 9 starts at $999 for the base Intel model, but that doesn’t include the Type Cover ($129–$179) or Surface Pen ($109). Fully equipped, it easily exceeds $1,300. The ARM version costs more and offers fewer practical benefits for most students.
Resale value favors Apple. A well-maintained MacBook Air M2 retains around 60–70% of its value after two years. Surface devices depreciate faster, often below 50%, partly due to shorter software support cycles.
Quick Decision Checklist
Use this checklist to guide your choice based on your academic needs:
- ✅ Do you take lots of handwritten or diagram-based notes? → Consider Surface Pro 9
- ✅ Are you in a creative field (film, music, design)? → Lean toward MacBook Air M2
- ✅ Do you rely on Windows-only software or university systems? → Choose Surface Pro 9
- ✅ Is all-day battery life non-negotiable? → MacBook Air M2 wins
- ✅ Do you own other Apple devices? → MacBook Air M2 integrates better
- ✅ Is budget tight and resale value important? → MacBook Air M2 holds value longer
- ✅ Do you want one device for tablet and laptop use? → Surface Pro 9 offers form-factor flexibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an iPad with Apple Pencil instead of a Surface for note-taking?
Yes, many students pair an iPad Air or Pro with the MacBook Air for note-taking. This two-device solution offers excellent inking performance and macOS productivity. However, it increases cost and the number of devices to carry.
Is the MacBook Air M2 future-proof for a four-year degree?
Absolutely. The M2 chip remains powerful enough for virtually all student workloads through 2027. macOS updates are guaranteed for at least five years, ensuring security and feature support throughout college.
Does the Surface Pro 9 run hot during long sessions?
The Intel models can get warm under prolonged load, especially in poorly ventilated areas like laps or backpacks. The fan noise is noticeable but not disruptive. The ARM version runs cooler but offers less performance consistency.
Final Verdict: Which Ultrabook Wins?
The answer depends on your academic path and workflow preferences.
The **MacBook Air M2** is the better all-around machine for most students. Its superior battery life, silent operation, robust build, and long-term software support make it a reliable companion for four years of college. If your work is primarily text-based, research-oriented, or creative, and you value simplicity and longevity, the MacBook Air is the clear winner.
The **Surface Pro 9** shines in specialized cases—students in medicine, architecture, or fine arts who need precise digital inking and tablet functionality. Its flexibility is unmatched, but it demands more accessories, more frequent charging, and careful management of software limitations.
Ultimately, the MacBook Air M2 offers fewer compromises for the average student. But for those whose work lives at the intersection of handwriting, visuals, and computing, the Surface Pro 9 remains a compelling, albeit pricier, alternative.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4
Comments
No comments yet. Why don't you start the discussion?