<p>I would like to by my son a laptop to take to school in the fall. I would appreciate any input reguarding system specifications. I did see the school website that offers suggestions but I was hoping for further guidance.
Thank you</p>
<p>me too please</p>
<p>What major are you guys?</p>
<p>S will double major math and CS (maybe game design)</p>
<p>Math will probably require nothing beyond Matlab or mathematica. And there are tons of computers on campus with that software. Get whatever specs are recommended for that software. </p>
<p>For CS, Visual Studio is probably the most sophisticated software you’ll need to run. But you might want to invest in a nice PC in case he needs to use 3D software or Flash. Both are pretty sophisticated. So if you have the money, I’d get a laptop with whatever specs are recommended for 3DS max and Maya.</p>
<p>My S will major in Chemical Engineering. The web site says to get windows vista business edition. If I am reading it right my s can upgrade to that in the computer lab for a nominal fee. Thanks for your input so far.</p>
<p>I’m an EE, so I don’t know what CAD software is used for Chemistry. But you probably want that. </p>
<p>The EE building is open 24/7, so I’ve never had the need to have the electrical design software on my computer. But chemical engineering may be different. I think that the Chem building is Goddard.</p>
<p>check out this link! [WPI</a> Computing & Communications Center (CCC) - Student Computers](<a href=“http://www.wpi.edu/Academics/CCC/Student/]WPI”>http://www.wpi.edu/Academics/CCC/Student/)</p>
<p>Are Macs a good fit at WPI?</p>
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<p>Can’t Mac run Windows on a virtual machine? In that case, you’re all set unless performance is a top priority. </p>
<p>I think that most of your math/engineering software will run on Macs, and all design software will. However it might be annoying to design programs on a Mac and then have to use a PC in the lab.</p>
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<p>That is why S is wanting a PC laptop. Although he is a MAC fan he programs on a PC. He can’t take his desk-top with him as he has to fly, so he will need to get a laptop</p>
<p>“Can’t Mac run Windows on a virtual machine? In that case, you’re all set unless performance is a top priority.”</p>
<p>Yes it can. Macbooks don’t have excellent performance? I thought even the non-pro ones where sufficient for an engineer’s needs.</p>
<p>“However it might be annoying to design programs on a Mac and then have to use a PC in the lab”</p>
<p>What do you mean? I didn’t think there was much of a difference between using AutoCAD on a Mac and on a PC. There might just be a slightly different menu. I dont know I could be wrong.</p>
<p>Even though I REALLY want a Mac, I just need a handy, long-lasting laptop that can handle engineering software.</p>
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<p>Oops. I meant to say that software running on the virtual machine had weaker performance. I don’t know how much of an effect there is though. </p>
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<p>Then you should just get a Mac. I knew tons of people who were engineering majors and got by with a Mac.</p>
<p>Something that you laptop shoppers might also find useful is the new Laptop Scout application. Heres a link: <a href=“http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-laptop-scout/default.aspx[/url]”>Experience the Power of AI with Windows 11 OS, Computers, & Apps | Microsoft Windows;
<p>You go to the site and enter some specs on what youre looking for (hard drive, how much RAM, etc.), what you want to primarily use the your laptop for (in your case, your sons schoolwork), balance that out with your budget, and itll pop up a few more potential candidates for you. Itll also link you to some of those laptops Cnet reviews, letting you get a pretty well-rounded take on some other stuff that is available. </p>
<p>It might be a really great way to narrow the search down a little bit. Please let me know if you have any questions, Ill be glad to help in any way I can!</p>
<p>Thanks,
Cody
Windows Outreach Team</p>
<p>For cheap computers that work well, check out this website: [Slickdeals.net</a> - The best coupons, lowest prices, and hottest deals.](<a href=“http://slickdeals.net/]Slickdeals.net”>http://slickdeals.net/) They have laptops for <500$ that have industry standard features like Core 2 Duo, 2GB/4GB ram, good graphics (maybe integrated) and totally amazing specs or maybe more high end.</p>
<p>For EE, I don’t think you need a supercomputer. Many kids probably enter with older laptops and a new laptop (NOT A NETBOOK) should suffice the needs of even the most demanding college software. Remember, you keep your laptop for 3/4 years and laptops that are 4 years old today are still able to run the software needed.</p>
<p>MAC’s are great. but for me, the extra cost is not justified just for having the apple sticker.</p>