<p>I'm going into a computer engineering major. I know its a matter of preference, but I wanted to get opinions on what would be a better buy...mac or pc. Does bootcamp run ok, meaning at a good speed? Also, CAN it run any windows program, working at the right speed? </p>
<p>I've looked into each, but I favor the macs overall. I'm just not sure if the mac can meet all my engineering and programming needs. </p>
<p>What are problem with macs and engineering? Pros and cons?</p>
<p>Help appreciated thanks!</p>
<p>The truth is unless you plan to buy all of the expensive software suites engineering students use, you will be in the lab like the rest of students. Due to that you really dont even need a personel computer. Even though I had a laptop and desktop while in college, I usually always chose to work in the lab. </p>
<p>So if you still plan on getting a computer get something modest. You don’t need a $1300 laptop.</p>
<p>If you’re doing programming and because you said you like macs, you should consider the cheapest MacBook ($949 plus an ipod touch & printer) because you have that OS, plus direct access to the command line, plus you can install and boot into any other OS, from Windows to something else. The only drawback to this kind of laptop - common to lower price points but above a netbook or really low end machine - is they have limited graphics, meaning specifically they don’t handle 3D well. That affects mostly gamers overall but it can be important to others as well.</p>
<p>I agree with Dr. H that you almost don’t need a computer for most of your work. This is true in a lot of fields. In film, for example, you run Avid or FCP on more powerful, dedicated workstations. So you need a machine that fits what you’ll be doing outside of that work. </p>
<p>But I would first check with your program to see what they might have you do.</p>