<p>I was reading somewhere that everyone who is enrolling needs a computer that meets some basic requirements, but that specific majors may have additional requirements on top of that. Does anyone know what those majors might be/ where i could find that info?</p>
<p>Check this web site in mid-may for information on the computers that UVa sells:
[CAV</a> Student Computer Programs | CAV - Cavalier Computers](<a href=“http://www.uvastudentcomputers.com/]CAV”>http://www.uvastudentcomputers.com/)</p>
<p>You really don’t need to buy one of their computers, though. The service center here (in the back of the bookstore) is a certified Dell and Apple repair place, so they will do repairs that are covered by warranty, even if you didn’t buy from Cavalier Computers. You can also get Windows 7 Ultimate and Office 2007 enterprise from the bookstore for $10 each, so don’t worry about buying those if you buy third-party.</p>
<p>To answer your specific question: I don’t know what specific departments require. When I was a first year, the engineering school said we needed Windows computers, but I know a lot of people with Macs and they don’t have any problems. This information will probably be on the uvastudentcomputers site when they get their offerings posted, or you can contact your specific department for more details. I haven’t heard of any requirements other than the Engineering Windows one (and like I said, that’s not a real requirement).</p>
<p>Telling us your intended school might help. I think all schools except nursing are represented on here.</p>
<p>So is it possible to use a Mac with no conflict issues as an engineering first year? How about following years?</p>
<p>Arts and Sciences. I’m leaning towards a double major of physics and something else (maybe commerce) but I’m not really sure about any of the major choices.</p>
<p>I’m on a Mac. A bunch of my friends are too. And lastly, I have a few professors who swear by theirs too. As long as you can run Parallels or VMFusion, you’re fine.</p>
<p>Galt: get whatever computer you want. You need word processing and the internet basically. I’m not saying get the cheapest out there, but if you have a computer in mind, go for it. Macs are popular in CAS too</p>
<p>Alright, thanks!</p>
<p>Just remember that if you use Apple, you will become fat and bald, even if you are female. It’s tough for interviews and internships. But you will be smarter than the unenlightened ones.</p>
<p>Nice to see you again Mech. Wish I could stick around and say more, but I gotta go shine my head. I would shine my shoes too but I can’t see them over my gut. Maybe I can use my Mac to hire someone to do that? ;)</p>
<p>Shoebox, I believe you mentioned you were in engineering at UVA. Have you found it necessary to utilize the Mac-to-Windows switchover software (Parallels, VMFusion)? In other words, are there programs electrical or mechanical engineers would need to use that are technically meant to be used on Windows? Thanks for your help with this. I want to get a Mac (and am aware of the side-effects :)), and it appears like that’s fine according to the posts here.</p>
<p>I’ve only come into contact with one program requiring Windows (Mathcad). I primarily use MatLab and another UNIX-based program, both of which can be run a Mac. It would be a good idea to get Parallels though, and you can get a copy of Windows 7 in the bookstore for 10 bucks. I also recommend picking up the $10 copy of Office. In short, you can make a Mac work in the e-school, fear not.</p>
<p>Seriously, while an Apple will work just fine, you have to keep in mind that it is very hard for a laptop not to get beat up rather badly after three years, if not two years. Pretty much anything with an i3 or better processor is probably good enough. You need to test out laptop keyboards – ones that feel good with a separate number pad are great for engineers/business types.</p>
<p>[The</a> best (and worst) laptop keyboards | Crave - CNET](<a href=“http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20003544-1.html]The”>http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20003544-1.html)</p>
<p>ryanh126,
Have you used a MAC, love the platform, and want to make sure that everything you will need can be compatible, or are you thinking of buying your first MAC? MAC lovers are everywhere and now, more than ever you can use them just as easily, if that’s your preference. There are undeniable advantages to a MAC. The only thing I would caution is if this is your first MAC. Your first semester of college is not a great time to find out the learning curve from MAC to PC is steep for you, or that you are not really thrilled with it.</p>
<p>I use a MAC, have several friends who haven’t bought anything but MACs for over 15yrs, as well as one or two who have bought MACs and regretted the choice. I am not against MACs at all. I am simply stating that your first semester may not be the best time to switch from PC to MAC.</p>
<p>I do agree I miss not have the number pad. When I’m crunching numbers it’s much slower.</p>
<p>Thanks blueiguana</p>
<p>I have used PCs all my life personally, but the schools I’ve attended have been all-Mac, so I feel reasonably comfortable with their operation and whatnot. Definitely something to consider though.</p>
<p>“fat and bald”!! Just spit out my drink with that remark!! Thanks for the laugh Mech!!
I’m female and I have a Mac, oh gosh…not fat yet…
:O</p>
<p>ryanh126 -
Good - being able to use both platforms is really useful! I really didn’t want to come across as negative. Some people get really excited about MACs and jump into the purchase without thinking about the learning curve. Some people take right to it, others take a bit longer… it’s not a PC. It is intuitive, but again it’s not a PC. Everything you think you know where it is, well it isn’t anymore 
I just wouldn’t want someone to have the pressure of new college classes and a computer that was speaking a different language.</p>
<p>I run a partition for windows for a few programs that just don’t come in MAC versions. I blame the software, not the MAC. I can’t imagine why they don’t want to play well with others! Also, Shoe’s advise to get software on campus is really good. Even with a student discount, you’ll pay 10x as much.</p>
<p>Sounds like you’d be just fine! :)</p>
<p>Hello,
Go here for specific information about the computers you will need for SEAS.
[UVA</a> School of Engineering and Applied Science, 1st Yr PC Recommendations](<a href=“http://infotech.seas.virginia.edu/firstyear/]UVA”>http://infotech.seas.virginia.edu/firstyear/)</p>
<p>There are still several issues with using MACs at SEAS. As such they are not recommended for students. Yes, some get away with it, some can make it work, but the majority do no not and suffer through trying to get by. Thus, effecting their grades. I still can’t get over that one. If they would have just purchased the proper hardware to begin with, life would have been much easier for the student.
I have been doing this here with UVA since 1997, and have been told many horror stories by students who tried to buck the system and use a mac.
In the past the students could fall back on school supplied computers. These are going away as ITC is removing them the labs.
There is a solution in the works, but that wont be available for quite some time, and I am not at liberty to discuss this.</p>
<p>Bottom line, stick with a Windows PC for now. That way you are concentrating on your work and not on trying to get by with hardware that was not authorized to begin with.</p>
<p>I am putting the finishing touched on the CAV Computer website right now. expect it live next week.</p>
<p>Oh,m and the other issue… warranty… The Dells and Lenovo computers will come with 3 and 4 year warranties, battery warranties, and accidental damage protection.
The Apple will have a 4 year or 3 year manufactures warranty. 1 year on the battery. And if you drop it, spill something in it, dent it, scratch it up, it wont be covered. Costs can exceed $800- $1000 to get fixed.
and for the record, I am an apple user. The CavComp websites were developed using my MacBook Pro. I use AutoDesk software on my mac using VMFusion for my side business which is designing and building 24-hour endurance race cars. I own a two car team. The one thing I wish I had on my Apple is 8GB ram, but at $1000 it was just not worth it. It has come down to $600, but I decided to get an iPad instead.</p>
<p>Now for almost all my engineering work I use a Dell Precision with dual QuadCore processors and 32GB of ram with RAID SCCI HDDs. speed is your friend, and speed is just not available in MACs at this point. Maybe one day.</p>
<p>That’s not true, batteries are not covered under Dell warranties. I’ve had to replace mine twice at an obscene price and finally have given up because Dells are pieces of, you know what. My warranty is up this month and I’m getting a HP. But I will say Cav Comps is great at fixing whatever it can with these POS computers. Including when I did spill tea on mine and got a free motherboard.</p>
<p>It is true.
For this years student computers sold through Cavalier Computers for the students, the Dell and the Lenovo computers come with 3-Year battery warranty. Average cost of the batteries are $150+ and last about a year. We finally got Dell and Lenovo to add that coverage to the student computers.</p>