uchpefull

does it matter if we get macs or pc's?? i want a mac and money is not an issue, but i dont want the hassle of having to buy a lot of applications for mac... i want simplicity

Schw1ng

Alright.

Both Mac and PC are great operating systems. And being able to use windows on a Mac gets rid of any inherent problems with software for labs etc for your major helps as well.

Thus said, it comes down to what else you want to use your computer for. Generally, if you know how to use a computer, and want to be able to do EVERYTHING, go with a PC. If you don't how to use a computer, and want to just have a computer for surfing the internet, easy-to-use software for small video projects and editing, go with a Mac.

However, PC's in the hands of a capable person, definitely deliver more bang for the buck than ANY mac can offer. PC's can play any games, handle amazingly powerful editing and graphics software (Mac's are NOT better for editing and graphics, that's why every major movie is in the world is handled on PC operating systems, and that's why video games are generally made from PC's, however, with Mac, things are just easy), and have maximum compatibility for anything that requires the use of a computer... the whole deal.

With the same money you put into purchasing a new mac, you can definitely receive more from a same-priced PC. And you will never worry about having compatibility issues, especially since your major will definitely have to work with lab software etc.

Plus, PC's have Windows 7 to look forward to by October.

UCSD doesn't offer any tech support for Dell's, so if you're deciding on a PC, HP would be the prime choice over other PC operating systems.

I'm a Pre-Med: BioEng major.

uchpefull

so i would never have to borrow my roommates computer or anything if i got a mac??
i dont do much editing and video junk.. just for surfing the web and keeping music and videos organized and microsoft word obviously. are there lab programs that i will need that are not available on a mac?

Schw1ng

If you have a mac, you might end up borrowing someone's computer, unless you have fusion software, like VMware, in which you would be able to run windows from a mac computer. It costs like 100 bucks. I'm not sure about what exact programs are compatible with mac, but the majority of lab software companies design the programs for the windows os. For example when I took AP Bio and AP Physics in high school, the teacher would build groups around people who could bring in windows based laptops due to compatibility issues with macs.

However, if you just want internet, music, and Microsoft office, I would honestly get a PC. It's a lot cheaper, and Itunes runs fine on windows lol. Mac's start at $999, and that's just the base model without the windows os... where as if you want a laptop for everyday computing, a high end HP for casual use would cost around 500-750$.

For a mac, you'll probably end up spending around $1500, where as for the PC, at most, $800 (but, if you spend 1500 on a PC, you'll have one powerful laptop...)

It's up to you though really. What type of computer do you use now?

oneday

i'm a bio major and i never had any trouble w/my mac. totally love it. i'd never go back to PC.