<p>Hey all! I'm Carolyn, one of UNC's Apple Campus Representatives. If you have any questions about computer use at Carolina, please feel free to shoot me an email at <a href="mailto:carolynj@me.com">carolynj@me.com</a>. </p>
<p>Trying to decide what's the best computer for you for college? I can honestly tell you - no matter what major you are, it's a Mac. I'm currently a junior at UNC Chapel Hill, and have used both an IBM PC and an Apple MacBook Pro on campus, and there's a clear winner - the MacBook Pro runs much better than the IBM, and is just as compatible with everything on campus. There's no reason that you <i>have</i> to get a PC to go to Carolina. We're quickly becoming a very Apple friendly campus. </p>
<p>Please feel free to ask me any questions at all about computers at Carolina, or about using Apple computers in college! </p>
<p>Can you tell me why an Apple would be better to get than a PC. I’m really considering a Mac but I want to be cautious because of the much higher price. How will a Mac do things for me as a student that a PC will not be able to do at all?</p>
<p>One of my dad’s clients does IT at Carolina, I’m not sure what he does there…but he told me that its mostly science classes that use Windows-based programs, through DOS or something else. Even then, you can run Windows through Bootcamp just for that.</p>
<p>I don’t know about the rest of y’all, but I intend on taking as few science classes as possible :)</p>
<p>I play video games a little bit and for that you need a pc…^ agreed, i hate science. I don’t know which is better I just know you can get a way more powerful PC for less than a mac</p>
<p>If you’re into hardcore gaming I think you’re forced to go with the PC. If you need programs that only run on Windows, you can always do Bootcamp or Parallels like lauriebeth said.</p>
<p>It’s largely personal preference, but for me I’ve found that Macs tend to just work and have less problems (both hardware and software) than PCs.</p>
<p>I second what Secret Asian Man said. If you’re only needing Windows for a few programs here and there, Bootcamp is definitely sufficient. I prefer Macs, but there’s also people who prefer Windows & hate Mac.</p>
<p>One thing to keep in mind is the support you get if you get a school CCI computer. You have a warranty for all four years and the tech support you get with the computer is unbeatable. Any problems, take it in to the shop and they give you a loaner laptop to take to classes. Granted, Lenovos aren’t the best, but they are a good option with the support especially if you qualify for a free laptop.</p>
<p>I have a dell, and have used it for the past two years and haven’t had any major problems.</p>
<p>jgirl0828: In my opinion, Apple makes better lasting computers than any PC manufacterer that I’ve ever encountered. I’ve had Apple computers that have lasted 6 years and are still compatible with the world, and still work better than any PC that I or my family have owned. With an Apple computer (any model) you’re looking at a more stable computing experience. As for the price difference - with the Apple education discount, even with buying AppleCare, you’re still looking at a lower priced computer than if you bought a model through the Carolina Computing Initiative. </p>
<p>corey91: I personally have not noticed a difference between having a macbook vs having the pro. Both are equally compatible with the campus applications. It’s more your personal preference. I’d recommend playing with both models at an Apple Retail Store, if you have the opportunity. And as for being a Chem Major - I’m a Biology Major with a Chem Minor, and many of my Chem friends use Macs! It’s not a problem. </p>
<p>packerfan89: yes, you get Tech support, but you can also get great Apple support on campus, and with a faster turn around time than ITS. We have an authorized reseller on campus that is a great resource for students with Apple. </p>
<p>Testify: I have had many friends switch to Apple computers after using the school’s computers and other PC models. After having to have your hard drive wiped more than once a year, Macs just make more sense. Applications run smoother, the internet is faster, batteries last longer, they are just stronger machines, in my opinion. I’m not solely basing my claim on my use of one IBM PC. I’m basing it on testimonials and what I see on campus. And here on campus, I see a growing use of Apple computers over other brands. </p>
<p>Keep the questions coming, and feel free to shoot me an email if you need to!</p>