Mac vs. PC, does it matter?

katiex73 · 02-24-2012, 10:39 AM

Going to college next year, and I am planning on getting a new computer.
My mom seems to think that certain colleges require certain computers, is that true? I figured with macs becoming so popular recently it wouldn't matter anymore, considering the last time she had to get a college computer for a sibling was 8 years ago.
I definitely prefer Macs, so yeah, does it really matter what kind of computer you have?
If it makes a difference, I will be majoring in Accounting.

turtlerock · 02-24-2012, 01:33 PM

It will matter as a business major - kind of.

I have also heard of some schools requiring a specific platform, however I have not come across any myself and I think they're scarce.

What I have found in the Mac vs PC for school debate is that it won't depend on the school itself so much as the specific CLASS and PROFESSOR. I think it should be obvious that PC, mainly due to MS Office suite, is still the majority of the business market. I have talked to business professors who have Macs, but mostly run VMWare on them for the associated PC programs. A smarter professor once explained to me that they want to teach with what the current business world is using - whether that's Mac or PC, the market will decide. Most of the younger business professionals are turning towards Macs, but again, they may most likely be using VMWare or another comparable product to still run PC programs on it.

I would suggest to you to do what I plan on doing: Gettng a Mac and having the school I attend install VMWare and other software for free. You should check into the school(s) you plan to/are attend(ing) and see if they offer that sort of thing because then the decision would be easy. Mac. If they don't, and you find that a lot of the business classes offered are teaching through PC/MS, then it may be easier just to get a PC this time around and wait for an upgrade until you get into a specific employer/business market and see what's being used there (unless you'd plan on installing and managing a virtual windows software on a Mac yourself).

You might be suprised at how much Mac and PC software differ especially in the business (and accounting) realm. The professor may be going over a spreadsheet or book in quickbooks on Windows and you have the Mac version installed that may have other commands and options/ways of doing things. You'd be more lost in trying to learn the program let along get what they're teaching in the class otherwise (if you didn't already know how to navigate the software fluidly).

You may also want to view some other recent posts regarding Mac or PC for college.

MichaelH37 · 02-24-2012, 07:04 PM

Macs do seem popular with the trendy people, but I don't think they are appropriate for everybody. For example, AutoCAD doesn't run on a Mac, so if you were going to do engineering or drafting or any other program that included the use of AutoCAD, I say go with a PC.

Since you are going into accounting, I do not know all the software that would have to be supported in your program. My advice: don't rush to buy anything. Wait until you are enrolled in your program, and you get a list of software your computer has to run. You wouldn't want to buy a computer and then find out it can't be used for some of your courses. (Plus, the longer you wait, the more you get for your money, and most universities have computer sales on in the autumn anyhow--so you get an even better deal).

excelblue · 02-25-2012, 02:38 AM

You can easily virtualize Windows inside a Mac.

The saved frustrations of using a Mac, plus the more rugged design (compared to most PCs), will be well worth the extra money you spend.

vonlost · 02-25-2012, 03:07 AM

Yes, all PC software runs on a Mac, either virtualized with something like Parallels or booted into Windows with Bootcamp. But you can also run Mac on a PC (albeit illegally and with some hacking) if you're so inclined. If you go Mac you have to decide which one; our daughter loved her MacBook Pro but now prefers the Air for its lightness.

rhythmgaming · 02-26-2012, 01:01 AM

I have a hard time thinking of any freeware or open-source program that is limited to outside Windows without a good alternative.

Also having a mac and only using bootcamp never seems like a good idea because companies like Asus and Lenovo make reliable laptops (but then again thats often disregarded.)

Also excelblue for future reference virtualizing is generally the worst possible option, especially if trying to use a resource-heavy program. Instead Bootcamp is essentially a way to dual-boot.

Also what would you be getting? You'd be getting an Air vs a Windows ultrabook, then the biggest difference is the OS since ultrabooks generally have very similiar characteristics.

turtlerock · 02-26-2012, 05:43 AM

"Also having a mac and only using bootcamp never seems like a good idea because companies like Asus and Lenovo make reliable laptops (but then again thats often disregarded.)" - You're saying dual booting on a Mac isn't a good idea BECAUSE Lenovo and Asus make reliable PCs? That doesn't even make sense to me. Why does the quality of a PC manufacturer have anything to do with how another third party program will run on an entirely different machine with different hardware? Did you mean that a Mac with dual booting capability is not necessary because there are great stand alone PC alternatives? I think that's the whole point: the Mac interface is more intuitive and simple, there will be less need for hardware support in the future, and right now the machines themselves are more "hip", especially in the younger circles. If someone can have all that without sacrificing the essential Windows link just to get some work done, then the Mac is obviously the better alternative barring any financial discrimination.

katiex73 · 02-26-2012, 10:33 AM

"Also what would you be getting? You'd be getting an Air vs a Windows ultrabook, then the biggest difference is the OS since ultrabooks generally have very similiar characteristics."
I'd probably get the macbook pro. And I don't know, the insides might all be the same but I find PC's and Macs extremely different with the way you use it and how it all looks, and I definitely prefer a Mac over a PC. I just like them better, so I would definitely try my best to be able to use a Mac in college and I'd be willing to spend more money.

detailmore · 02-27-2012, 12:37 AM

Quote:

I'd probably get the macbook pro. And I don't know, the insides might all be the same but I find PC's and Macs extremely different with the way you use it and how it all looks, and I definitely prefer a Mac over a PC. I just like them better, so I would definitely try my best to be able to use a Mac in college and I'd be willing to spend more money.

Just get a Mac then. 99.9% of the time you will be fine. For the rare instances, you can always use a computer lab to do the work.

rhythmgaming · 02-27-2012, 09:04 PM

I mean in the sense of running windows exclusively on a Mac.

Also stating the interface of a GUI to be better is regurgitating BS spewed directly from Apple. If you want to further that argument, linux has better GUI options. Fact != opinion. Only reason linux wins is open-source, which in spirit has to win.

And again, if we're talking about GUIs, customization makes this all irrelevant.

vonlost · 02-27-2012, 09:09 PM

^ These are respectable opinions, like everyone else's who prefers Lin or Mac or Win.

rhythmgaming · 02-29-2012, 12:16 AM

^The opinion is just so prominent though that it needs a counterpoint. It needs to be contextualized when claimed.

To be more neutral, its a phrase often bolstered by apple's own advertisement department and like anything connected to advertising must be taken with a grain of salt.

Big Cat · 03-02-2012, 04:11 PM

^Using the boolean operators. Good job my friend lol. Being able to run Windows software via bootcamp is extremely useful and convenient, but I really wouldn't buy a mac if you have very important program(s) that are windows only. Bootcamp & Virtualization are acceptable means of using some software, but having to constantly switch back and forth all the time gets old quick. I've used the last 2 versions of VMware, parallels (trial), and virtualbox (though its really only a cheap stopgap with its lack of features), but I've never really enjoyed using any of them when it came time to really get some work done. They've done their best to make it a nice experience and its getting better, but its obviously not the native experience and can really become a huge frustration for you if that software you need is very important. All I'm saying is don't rule out buying a windows computer. Macs are great and I love mine, but get what you need. If money is tight, keep that in mind. Macs are really nice computers, but the thrill of getting a mac wears off quickly after you see the bill for a G and a half. Hope that helps (it was mostly rambling so i'm guessing it won't lol).

vonlost · 03-02-2012, 04:25 PM

I agree. If the bulk of your computing activity requires PC programs that have no equivalent on a Mac, a PC may be better.

The thrill comes back after the bill is paid!

windrider07 · 03-29-2012, 02:58 AM

I don't know to be honest. I've always used PC and will never switch to PC due to compatibility. I've had college friends who used MACs and they went through their coursework just fine. Both are good but I guess it depends on if your classes require any specific kinds of software. MACs are acceptable anywhere, however not all software applications can run on a MAC (unless I am mistaken).