Macs and Engineering

pyroza · 10-21-2009, 09:16 PM

I'll be honest, I used to be anti-Mac but the release of the new iMacs really piqued my interest. I'll be an aerospace engineering freshman next fall, and I was wondering how an iMac would work instead of a Windows PC. I know that some engineering programs require Windows, but that's no problem as I can just use BootCamp. Plus the iMac can double as a TV with a TV tuner USB device.

So basically all I want to know is if there are any other engineering majors out there that use Macs. How well do they do the job?

PS. I already have a laptop if I really need to do work on the go, but I figure that classes will mostly be math/science related, so I'd rather just use pencil and paper and leave a desktop computer in my dorm.

ThisCouldBeHeavn · 10-22-2009, 04:52 AM

I know some engineering majors with Macbooks. If you have Boot Camp I don't see how that could be a problem.

I don't think iMac's are really a good deal though, even relative to Macbooks. The cheapest one is similar to the desktop I recently got for about 1/3 the price. If you're willing to shell out the extra $700-$1000 you can get a PC with much better specs, if that matters to you.

srunni · 10-22-2009, 07:12 PM

For the price of an iMac, you can get a much better PC. Unless you're really craving that shiny Apple logo, there's no reason to get it if you're just going to run Windows for engineering.

don9992 · 10-23-2009, 11:36 AM

As long as you're willing to pay at least twice as much for more or less the same hardware and no real increase functionality, a Mac is the perfect choice.

fabrizio · 10-23-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

So basically all I want to know is if there are any other engineering majors out there that use Macs. How well do they do the job?

A Mac is a PC that officially supports Mac OS X. It won't do the job any better or any worse than a PC that doesn't officially support Mac OS X.

As for the new iMacs, none is a bad deal. All come with LED-backlit IPS-panel LCD monitors, which are far superior to TN-panel LCD monitors. Despite being the most expensive, the baseline $1,899 (after student discount) model actually offers the most value, as it comes with a Core i5 quad-core processor and a huge 27.5-inch monitor of the highest quality.

ThisCouldBeHeavn · 10-23-2009, 12:24 PM

You could get better hardware + a large HDTV for less than $1,899

It is a nice monitor though and a better deal than what you got before. It's still not a good deal though, unless you really like that monitor.

fabrizio · 10-23-2009, 12:57 PM

You can definitely get the same performance for less and better performance for the same price. I add, however, that you're not likely to get a similar all-in-one system with better performance at around the same price. If you want the "same for less" or "the better for same," then you have to get a midtower or a tower system.

ThisCouldBeHeavn · 10-23-2009, 06:15 PM

Well, you certainly can't get an all-in-one with a better monitor.

IMO, having a tower has just as many advantages as not having one.

fabrizio · 10-23-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

IMO, having a tower has just as many advantages as not having one.

Oh, absolutely. For sure, an all-in-one's major drawback is greater difficulty in doing your own upgrades. Sure, replacing RAM in the iMac is relatively easy, but the hard drive? You have to disassemble the whole thing, which is not for the faint of heart!

Lergnom · 10-24-2009, 12:30 AM

Here's a thread of kids discussing using Macs in their engineering classes.

The new iMacs, particularly the 27" one, have the most beautiful displays.