Man goes to an Apple Store with $1K to see what he can actually buy

Published on Sep 27, 2025 at 3:14 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody

Last updated on Sep 24, 2025 at 3:19 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

Walk into the Apple Store with $1,000, and the choice quickly narrows to the MacBook Air, an iPad, or the extra cost of Apple Care.

Apple Store pricing begins within reach for a few products, but moves out of range once accessories or coverage are added.

Desktops and higher-end laptops surpass the budget immediately.

The decision comes down to which device fits under the ceiling and delivers the most value.

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$1,000 and the Apple Store Lineup

Desktops fall outside this budget. The Mac Mini costs around $600 but needs a display, keyboard, and mouse, which push the total above $1,000.

The iMac and Mac Studio start far higher, keeping them well out of play.

That leaves laptops and tablets. The MacBook Air, starting at $999, is the only Apple Store laptop priced within budget.

It runs macOS, manages everyday tasks, and does not require extras to be fully functional.

For buyers aiming to keep costs down, the MacBook Air is the only clear option.

An iPad with a keyboard and case can function as a workstation, but the total often reaches $1,100 or more.

That places it above budget and makes it a less practical choice compared to the MacBook Air.

An iPhone with a Bluetooth keyboard can cost close to $1,000, but it does not match the capability of a MacBook Air or iPad.

It lacks the larger screen and flexibility that many users expect from a primary computer.

Apple Care and the Real Cost

Apple Care adds another layer to the decision.

It reduces repair bills and extends warranty coverage, but the price increase puts pressure on anyone working with $1,000.

Choosing Apple Care often means compromising on storage or skipping accessories.

Without Apple Care, repair bills can be expensive, which is why some customers opt for it despite the cost.

Others prefer to take the risk and keep the initial purchase lower.

Both approaches reflect how Apple Store spending can climb well beyond the base figure.

With $1,000, the MacBook Air stands as the only straightforward option.

An iPad with accessories exceeds the limit, desktops are too costly, and the iPhone is not a suitable replacement.

Adding Apple Care offers protection, but stretches the spend even more.

The result is a narrow set of choices that shows exactly where Apple Store pricing begins and where it leaves budget buyers behind.

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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.