How to Convince Your Parents to Buy You a Mac

Last Updated: March 9, 2020

Convincing your parents that you're ready for the responsibility of a macbook can be tricky, especially if they answer with things such as "You can use my laptop!" Or "We already have the family desktop!". Whatever style of laptop it is, the air, the pro or the macbook this guide will teach you how to get yourself a sweet new macbook!

Steps

1
Figure out your situation first. Do you already have a Mac? If so, they will not want to pay for another one. Do your parents have PCs that are constantly slow for your use? Make sure that your reasons will mean something.
2
Understand that they might think you are too young. For example, if you wanted one in 3rd grade versus 6th.
- Maybe convince them to get one at the beginning of 6th grade because you will have more papers to write and things to research.
- Tell them Macs are more reliable and have a much lesser chance of getting viruses than Windows.
3
Show them that you are responsible and that you know how to take care of your things.
4
If your school has all Macs tell them that you need a Mac so that your documents can be compatible.
5
Have your parents talk to your school computer technician or teacher. See what they have to say.
6
Tell them the reasons for needing/wanting a Mac.
- I will have a lot of papers to write and more things to research and you will not want me hogging your computer.
- I can put all my documents on it. You will not have to have my documents clogging up your space on your computer.
7
Ask them if you can help pay for it out of your savings.
8
Show them you are ready to get your own a computer.

Community Q&A

Question

My parents say there is no difference between a Macbook and PC, regardless of price! What can I do?

Community Answer

Tell them that Macbooks are safer (in terms of virus protection) and they are a lot faster. They're also better for things like coding and graphic design. You can learn skills related to these on a MacBook that you can later use to get a great job!
Question

What if they say I should use the family iPad instead of buying my own Mac?

Community Answer

Tell them that an iPad is less trustworthy and a lot of online programs don't work on iPad. If you are doing homework, word processing/text document production is easier and more efficient using a computer. Another option is to look for a used but reconditioned one.
Question

My parents say that we already have a PC and that I should use that for school. How can I convince them that Apple is better, they also say it's expensive (I'm also saving up for it) but I want to convince them. What can I do?

Community Answer

Write out the research for them, list all the different ways Mac is better than PC, particularly as it pertains to the stuff you need to do for school. You can also tell them that Apple is more protected when it comes to viruses and stuff like that. Tell them you're willing to help pay for it, and prove yourself by doing extra chores around the house, etc.
Question

What if they say no?

Community Answer

Keep up the good work. Ask for one for a holiday, and have them keep your savings towards it. Keep telling them that you need it, and you would like to have your own space to download games and keep your school documents. Show them you are very responsible, and do all your schoolwork and homework and turn all your papers in on time. Show them you are serious about getting one.
Question

What if I lack the confidence to ask them?

Community Answer

If you lack the confidence to ask them face-to-face, you can always write a persuasive letter to them.
Question

What if you don't have a lot of time before school starts and you need it ASAP?

Community Answer

Show them quickly (bullet points) the advantages of Mac over Windows. Look for a convincing salesperson when you are in the store.
Question

I have an HP laptop; I've had it for about 2 years now, but I want a Mac laptop for my birthday. My parents are asking what I'd do with my old laptop. What can I do?

Community Answer

If you have a younger sibling who doesn't have a computer, you could give it to him. If not, you could sell it on Craigslist and put the money toward the Macbook.
Question

If they say it's too expensive, what should I do?

Community Answer

Respect their choice but offer to save up and pay for at least half of it. This will convince them that you're serious. If you can show them that only a Mac would work for your hobby, interest or even work, that might help them too.
Question

My parents are cheap and rude and say no because of money even though they buy many expensive things for themselves and neglect my wants and needs by being selfish.

Community Answer

Really? That's a huge judgment on your behalf, you aren't earning the money and they may need those items for work. If you feel that they are being unfair, talk to them about it and what you see their own practices as. Perhaps they don't realize how you see their own purchases. Start saving your own money -- demanding that they purchase you one can come off as sounding entitled if you sit around waiting for them to pick up the tab. Borrow their computer a lot and use large files that take up space, then insist your school projects require all that space and wouldn't it better if you had your own...
Question

What if they say, "We are saving for other important things?" What do I do?

Community Answer

Ask them if you could pay out of your savings/allowance and discuss maybe buying a refurbished model, which would be cheaper. There are also cheaper refurbished models that do not come with the Apple warranty on eBay, Amazon, and elsewhere.

Warnings

Do not annoy them to the point where they will not hear you talk about it anymore.

Thanks!
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Your parents might not want to buy one because of the high prices.

Thanks!
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