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My son will be starting at LU in the fall in engineering, and we're trying to decide between a Mac and a PC. The LU computer literature for engineering students says most of the engineering applications are windows based, but can be adapted for a Mac. Any current students or other knowledgeable parties have any input? Thanks.
Lehigh has computer labs that contain both Mac and Windows-based computers. For a laptop, go with what you are most comfortable with. Most of the programs available for one can be made compatible with the other, and if not, there are plenty of other computers available on campus to use.
HOWEVER, I'm a huge Mac fan. I run VMware Fusion on my Mac for those rare instances that I need to run a program in Windows. If your son really wants a Mac (and loves the iLife programs), he can install Bootcamp/VMware/Parallels and buy a copy of Windows. In fact, the Lehigh tech services may offer Windows for a nominal fee since they likely have a campus-wide license with Microsoft.
We had the same concern as the OP. My daughter is doubling in Architecture and Engineering and after talking to both departments and the IT people she decided on a PC. She ordered it yesterday because most of the computers are backordered at this time.
Lehigh IT upgrades Windows Vista and installs Office on student computers, so don't get anything but basic software. The campus has a license with Microsoft...it's why you pay a tech fee.
I am a current Engineering student @ Lehigh University running a Mac. I would say it is about a 50/50 split of kids using PCs and Macs at school. I installed Windows on my computer via bootcamp and everything worked fine. I ended up however using the computer labs on campus for most of my work. In fact, most of the expensive engineering software used by the advance classes will only operate on university owned computers. I would buy a computer based on your personal preference on what operating system feels natural and best for you for everyday activities
i agree with henw. macs are also very portable now-a-days. one of my friends in civil engineering also has a tiny netbook that he carrys around- great for lectures, 7hours of battery life, $300.
