<p>Hey guys,
I was wondering what sort of computer would be the best for life at Williams?
Also, is there a program where you can buy computers through Williams or do you have to buy them on your own?
PC or Mac?
What sort of model?
Any general thoughts on the computer issue would be greatly appreciated, I have absolutely no idea where to start.</p>
<p>From the Williams site:</p>
<p>[Purchasing</a> a Computer](<a href=“http://oit.williams.edu/w/?u=docs/Purchasing+a+Computer]Purchasing”>http://oit.williams.edu/w/?u=docs/Purchasing+a+Computer)</p>
<p>I actually already read that, but I didn’t find it exceedingly helpful… it was kind of vague. Do they provide students with a computer-purchasing service?
And what’s the favorite type of computer on campus: PC or Mac? Essentially, what does everyone have (conformity much)?</p>
<p>MAC is the only way to go.</p>
<p>PC’s are for aspiring nerdlings looking for assistance. Why look to conformity when taaking the lead is where it’s at.</p>
<p>Hey, Williams beat Amherst yesterday at Pittsfield for their 150th anniversary game for baseball. COOL!</p>
<p>GO EPHS!</p>
<p>Go Ephs/Williams, definitely, but that post wasn’t informative at all… just strange.</p>
<p>just use whatever you’re comfortable with.
you don’t need others to tell you which computer you need. From what i’ve read, they fully support both PC’s and Macs so it should be totally personal preference.</p>
<p>I just want recommendations on specific models or types of laptops.
I’ve never used a Mac before, so is it preferable to get a PC?</p>
<p>My S got a PC last summer. He just went with the specs on the Williams website that Midwesterndad linked above. I think he had a question about something over the summer and emailed them and got a quick, helpful response. So far it seems to suit his needs well.</p>
<p>Okay, thanks for the info!
Maybe I should get a Mac and learn how to use it over the summer, that way I won’t have to worry about virus protection and all that jazz, and it’ll be a nice, aesthetic addition to my college gear. On the other hand, they’re very expensive.
More tough decisions to make, I thought I was done after I picked Williams!</p>
<p>re: virus protection – I’m pretty sure that Williams provided some anti-virus software for free. I can’t remember what it was, but I’m sure you can email and the IT guys and ask. The cost was the main reason my S went with a PC. </p>
<p>I think there are probably a lot of threads elsewhere in CC (i.e. not just on the Williams area) that discuss the pros and cons of PC vs. Mac. A quick search will probably turn up more than you care to read!</p>
<p>[Purchasing</a> a Computer - Confluence](<a href=“http://wiki.williams.edu/display/docs/Purchasing+a+Computer]Purchasing”>http://wiki.williams.edu/display/docs/Purchasing+a+Computer)</p>
<p>I say get a MAC because I own Apple stock! (Just kidding, but I do own stock. We bought in 9/12, right after the attacks to show support for the economy in a difficult time.</p>
<p>But we bought it because my H loves Apple and we all have MACs and love them.</p>
<p>But we’re quirky. We have two Saabs in the family. (One very old and one bought used.)</p>
<p>Yeah, Macs look appealing, but they’re pretty expensive and I have NO idea how to use them.
I’ll just have to figure this out myself, haha.</p>
<p>Thanks for the link, kkari I’ll check it out.</p>
<p>if you can dish out $2k no problem, then getting a Mac would do.
The thing is, you can get a PC with similar if not better specs for $700 or less.</p>
<p>If you’ve used a PC all your life, why not get a solid PC for $700 and save the rest. Getting a Mac shouldn’t make you feel like more of a college student than someone who has a PC.</p>
<p>I would say close to half of the students here own macbooks, but with that in mind, choose what you will, because it really doesn’t matter.</p>
<p>Conformity’s good for me when it comes to computers: I’m computer-challenged. Macbooks simply look like something I personally want, but if the pricetag is THAT high it looks like it’ll be a PC for me. I do like the whole no-viruses thing about the Mac, though.</p>
<p>goodguysm: I’ll probably have to use a PC, since I can’t afford a 2k computer.</p>
<p>Thanks for y’all’s (lol) input.</p>
<p>haha maddie,
If close to half the students own macbooks, half of the students must own PC’s right?!
:D</p>
<p>^ Lol, good point. I guess it’s only semi-conformity then?</p>
<p>Macbooks are not 2k unless you go for the most expensive models… perfectly good macbooks can be had for under $1000.</p>
<p>[MacBook</a> - Apple Store (U.S.)](<a href=“http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook]MacBook”>Mac - Apple)
That $999 white macbook is very weak, their lowest one i believe, and you’ll easily be able to get a PC with equal if not better specs for $500.</p>
<p>Though I guess it could work out if you’re a very light computer user, but then again, the biggest issue for me when I buy computers is money. And unless money isn’t much of an issue, PC’s are the better choice.</p>