Macbook Air Purchase: Worth it for security reasons?

I’m on a similar boat to you.

Can’t decide between Mac & PC

I’m on a PC with Window 10 and I have refused to update it to Windows 11 despite the former no longer being supported. I’ve had my PC long enough that I am now experiencing hardware issues, and it might be time to replace it. However, it is not clear to me if I should buy another PC or Mac. I cannot afford a high-end computer, so regardless of which system it’s on, it will have to be middle range.

The issues with Mac

I understand that MacBook Airs are considered middle range, but they are still expensive. Moreover, I have issues with then centralization of Mac apps, and having to go through the Mac App Store.

I also have an old MacBook Pro, that is no longer updatable. A year ago I had to replace the SSD so it was like starting from scratch. I did not log into the Mac App Store to avoid being traced. However, I did use iMessage on Mac, to send a message to a friend abroad, because I didn’t want to use WhatsApp and I don’t have an iPhone. I haven’t had an iPhone in years.

Ever since I logged on iMessage, the Mac seems to have logged me on the Mac App Store. I logged out immediately. However, I have noticed that some apps like LanguageTool are not working, and I suspect it’s because it requires me being logged into the Mac App Store. I do not like that. Also, when I log onto iCloud on web on my PC, it does 2FA verification via the Mac even though I am not logged on it.

There are also many apps I use on PC that don’t exist or don’t have a FOSS equivalent I like on Mac.

This is why despite Windows 11 being shitty, I am still leaning on PC. I also find Macs super expensive, and I worry that if I buy a Mac now, and get used to Mac exclusive apps, I will not be able to replace it when that Mac eventually dies.

That is exactly what happened with my first Mac which was gift. When it died, I could not afford another one, so I went back to PC. It was the only Mac I ever owned. The old Mac I am currently using belongs to a relative who is no longer using it. Their profile on it is still there.