Choosing a computer for college? Mac or PC?

<p>I want to get a SONY VAIO but I don't know if it worth it or not. My parents are leaning more towards the DELL side of the spectrum. I don't know what to do. MAC isn't an option seeing as how my father (who is paying for it) does not like MAC's and loves PC's.</p>

<p>MacOS is not based on linux. I don't know how you're getting your facts so wrong yet do so much programming.</p>

<p>I have a Windows desktop and an Apple laptop and here's my thoughts. </p>

<p>If you want a desktop, build your own and get a Windows disk from your school. You can build a computer for as cheap as $500 and throw on a $10 Windows Vista disk from your school.</p>

<p>If you want a laptop, go with the Apple macbook. 13.3'' screen which makes it big enough to see what your doing and small enough to travel with. I carry my Apple to and from class and when flying home from school I've never had a problem. You can get a core duo 2 2.0ghz processor, 80gig hd, and 1gig of ram under $1200, can't beat that. And as usual, college students get a free $100 printer and free Ipod Nano. A lot of you say Windows is better but why? Apple doens't get viruses yes, but what about the software included. Wanna build a website, no need to spend money on Dreamweaver when you have Iweb. Wanna make a movie, don't spend money on Adobe Premier because you have Imovie. Then it's got the usual AIM, Itunes, and Safari. You can also go pick up a Windows Office disk for like $5 at your school. Another thing is the webcam, which I've found looks a lot better than the built in Sony webcams. In conclusion, it gives you everything a Windows laptop would give you and more at a lower price.</p>

<p>..linux...why Don't You Guys Understand!!!!!!!!11</p>

<p>Mac OSX is based on the Unix foundation, which is the same foundation which Linux is built on. In other words, it's easy to confuse the fact that Mac is based on Linux. But it's not.</p>

<p>Cheers,
Alex</p>

<p>@kinglin</p>

<p>I could find a PC laptop with better stats for less. Heck even dell is hundreds cheaper for a laptop with better specs.</p>

<p>I don't want this to get out of hand, but if you can find a Dell laptop with a screen under 14.1'' and includes a 2.0ghz processor not even worrying about ram and the hd then give me the link. I doubt you'll find a deal that good.</p>

<p>i'm building my own</p>

<p>Dell is now shiping ubuntu pre-installed on some machines ^_^ makes me happy</p>

<p>i'm probably going to get a dell xps.</p>

<p>just about 1k for a well performing computer for gaming.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.notebookforums.com/reviews/laptop-coupons.php%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.notebookforums.com/reviews/laptop-coupons.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Laptops = easier for someone to steal</p>

<p>Hi, I'm looking for a laptop for my Freshmen year. As of right now, I am majoring in Electrical Engineering.
I've only used Windows my whole life, but I do not really consider myself a power user of any kind. I'm not really into gaming on the PC, I'm more of a console person. I mostly use my computer to download and watch movies and play music. I do however use mIRC, and uTorrent, and was wondering if there are good OSX alternatives. Also, if there is a good video player (I know VLC player, but I prefer Media Player Classic, with the right codecs).
I also network my home computers so I can view movies/music on each computer. Is it possible for a Mac to connect to the Windows network? Also, I was wondering if it is recommended to use Bootcamp for Windows if one does decide to get a Mac.</p>

<p>Thank You</p>

<p>what do you guys think of the dell xps m1330? <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/04/dell-xps-m1330-performance-ultraportable-revealed/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/04/dell-xps-m1330-performance-ultraportable-revealed/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>it's not out yet, but it looks pretty nice.</p>

<p>I used both mac and windows.. and eh. I'm more familiar with windows and it does everything I want it to while there are some stuff macs can't still do (I'm Korean so alot of korean programs I use are made only for windows (not much mac users in korea) I also heard mac has poor foreign language support, although I had no problems with it (apparently a certain korean magazine company using mac couldn't type some character's name because mac wouldn't let it)</p>

<p>Just use whatever floats your boat, if you are just a common user either would do you fine.</p>

<p>I had a desktop and didn't have too much problem. I only have it because its cheaper and I don't really need a laptop. I did steal another person's laptop for a bit and it was convenient but I also did get sidetracked alot in class <em>cough cough cough facebook cough</em></p>

<p>Why don't you peeps understand Linux...it doesn't matter what type of computer you have...just get some linux</p>

<p>Sheed30:</p>

<p>For one, the majority of college students are going to want to run software that is only compatible with Windows or Macintosh (especially those with more specific majors, such as graphic design or animation). Linux isn't really practical in a college setting.</p>

<p>Linux is great, not for the classic college students, but it's great.</p>

<p>Cheers,
Alex</p>

<p>I'm getting a Mac Powerbook. I'm currently a Dell user, but I think Macs are way ahead.</p>

<p>My computer has both Linux and Windows.... that's what i suggest...the best of both world baby</p>

<p>Sheed30:</p>

<p>Not to put you on the spot or anything, but how about sharing what you love about Linux? Tell us how it's different, tell us why it's better than Windows or Mac.</p>

<p>Really, don't think I'm being a smart-ass, I'm genuinely interested in WHY you like it.</p>

<p>Cheers,
Alex</p>