Mac or PC in college?? Any opinions please...

so save me · 04-01-2006, 04:01 PM

I know this subject has been beaten to death..but..

I want a Mac but I don't know which one to get or if I should even get one because of possible compatibility issues or something? I don't know what I'm going to major in so it's not like I can check with a department and see what their requirements are. Are there any majors where I should avoid a mac?

Has anyone tried the new Macbook? What's the difference between the Powerbook and the Ibook?

Basically all I do on my computer is internet/chatting.. paintshoppro or photoshop.. wordprocessing and music. i don't play games so that's not an issue.

What can't I do on a Mac that I would have to get on a computer in the library to do, for instance?

kk06 · 04-01-2006, 04:34 PM

To add on to this question - what can't you do on a pc that you would need to visit a mac lab for?

sorry to take away from your question, but that has been bugging me forever!

iplayoboe · 04-01-2006, 04:49 PM

MOST colleges are completely compatable with the Mac. Even the math department programs here have a Mac version of the programs people here need. If you find yourself in a class where you need to run powerpoint presentations you need to check compatability with the projector. All the projectors here are Sony, designed SPECIFICALLY so you can't use a Mac with them, but Apple has fixed that so MAKE SURE YOU BRING YOUR ADAPTOR CABLES WITH YOU. they are included with the purchase of your laptop. For me, all it meant was making sure my first presentation was done the class period before it was due so I could figure out how to make it cooperate with the projector. (Tech support at school and at apple can be helpful here).

The big question is what can't you do on a pc that you can do on a mac? The answer is photo/video and in general sound work. I mean, we all know it CAN be done, but it is not the same quality as the same work done on a Mac. I don't know of any specific tasks that require a Mac and don't work on PCs, but I do know that here the language labs are all Mac only, but I guess that is a school software (and sound quality) thing, not a personal user software issue.

If you go into an apple store, the Geniuses and Floor Dudes can help you pick which machine is right for what you want. There isn't a real big difference between an ibook and a powerbook, things like speed (which usually doesn't make that big a difference anyway, the internet connection at school has a lot more to do with it) and built in speaker quality.

Irbis · 04-01-2006, 05:18 PM

Mmm... there is one problem with Macs, iBooks have 12'' ($999) and 14'' ($1,299) displays, MacPro Book have only 15.4'' display ($1,999). PowerPC G4 has only 17'' display, but it initial price is $2,499.

Alienware: Area-51® m5700 17'' ($1,389), Area-51® m5500 15'' ($949)

Dell: Inspiron E1505 15.4'' ($749), Inspiron E1705 17'' ($999)

Since 1998 I use only 17'' monitors and there is no way I'll go back ot 15''. It's very important for me to have a big sceen size cuz for the next 4 years I'll spend a lot of time working on the laptop and I don't want to seat in front of 15'' monitor, so I prefer PC laptops.

Sites I used: www.apple.com, www.alienware.com, www.dell.com

jessetfan · 04-01-2006, 10:06 PM

Irbis if you're willing to purchase a Powerbook rather than the Macbook you can purchase one with a 17" monitor ($2499). I personally have found the 15" to be very useful and perfectly fine to work on, and my roommate finds a 12" sufficient, but as a matter of personal choice there is a 17" model available.

Irbis · 04-01-2006, 10:31 PM

We all different, I personally cannot seat in front of 15'' or 12'' monitors, that's why I'll buy 17'', but I won't buy Mac because for the same price I can buy hela nice PC laptop, no offence to Mac lovers

redski59 · 04-01-2006, 10:51 PM

I dunno about how it is at other schools, but at USC you can have any computer for yourself that you desire, regardless of major. When it comes to classwork and compatibility, there are several 24/7 computer labs w/ the latest in Mac and PC technology that also have all necessary programs installed for classes.

Bottom line is see if your school has student labs that have flexible hours. If so, then go with your heart and get the computer you desire, be it mac or pc. Then any program that might possibly not work on your computer should work in the lab.

celebrian25 · 04-01-2006, 10:55 PM

I'd say engineering is one that is more PC than just about anything else; it's just that a lot of the programs you need for engineering aren't made with mac equivalents. But then there are always computer labs when compatability issues arise.

Personally, I'm not doing engineering, and I'm getting a macbook pro (and I can't wait!)

manderz1 · 04-02-2006, 03:14 PM

Macbook pro===Mother of all laptops. If you can afford it, buy it.

a 17" display is excessive, anyway.

Deathsadvocate · 04-02-2006, 03:14 PM

Since the new macbook pro can run microsoft windows nativly (Look around and there are articles/videos that will show you how to install it onto the macbook) You will have no problems at all because if there is a problem you can just restart your computer and use windows.

Irbis · 04-02-2006, 03:33 PM

Buying Mac to instal Windows is like buying Dell to install Mac OS on it

Deathsadvocate · 04-02-2006, 04:19 PM

I was refuring to dual booting both windows and mac. The only way to legally do that is to purchase the macbook pro.

dcfca · 04-02-2006, 04:58 PM

Pretty stupid to buy a 17 inch screen laptop, makes it heavy, eats battery, just all around dumb. The point of a laptop is to be able to easily bring it wherever and be mobile. If you don't want that, then buy a desktop. Much smarter choice and you'll have the ability to upgrade later. The maximum anyone should have with a laptop is probably a 15 inch screen.

Oh and that point about not being able to sit in front of a 12 inch screen? Have you tried it? I did a lot of graphic design in high school to where I was used to sitting in front of Dual 19 Inch CRTs, then I got my Ibook and opted for a 12 inch. Works fine. I have no real regrets. All it does is take a day to get used to.

Oh man and here's another thing. Why do people NOT want to install windows on their macs? Are they crazy? Maybe its just me but sometimes I want to occasionally play a game or better yet -- some software works only on PCs, lots of trading simulation software. You shouldn't think it's a bad idea to install windows on your mac. It's not. It gives you a wider range of functions and that's always good.

fendergirl · 04-02-2006, 05:07 PM

Just stay away from Dell's.. and I think Alienware's are very overrated as well.. so it's suiting to see them together now.... But I'd probably go with the MacBook.

so save me · 04-02-2006, 05:32 PM

i don't want a 17" .. i actually prefer smaller. I find the widescreen a little tacky looking =p

so MacBook is the only one i'd be able to do dual booting? O_o ok i'm not extremely technically savvy.. how hard would that be for me to install windows, and would it mess anything up possibly? is it worth the extra money? How reliable is it.. I mean it's pretty new so it seems kind of risky.. don't know what problems there might be related to it.. And it's kind of expensive -_-

i was thinking of just going with an iBook, i don't think the 12" ness will bother me much. Maybe. Duno, haven't tried it.