Dell XPS 13 or Apple Macbook Pro 13" for an undergrad computer science major?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

I’m going to Texas A&M this fall and the engineering school requires one of three devices specified here: https://engineering.tamu.edu/easa/areas/academics/byod/devices/2015-2016.

I’m between 2 laptops: the Apple MacBook Pro 13" ($1,699) and the Dell XPS 13 ($1,576). Both of those prices include a 4-year protection plan that covers accidental hardware damage. The Dell XPS 13 isn’t on the list however I can still buy it through the school’s authorized dealer… I’ve checked the specs and read many reviews, it seems like a strong contender but I’m worried an ultrabook might not be the best idea especially since all the devices they recommend are workstation laptops. I have more experience with PC than Mac and overall Windows is the preferred platform for engineering, but I’m not 100% sure what OS A&M’s engineering department uses. There’s cons to both devices: the Dell XPS isn’t on the recommended list, and the Macbook Pro might not be optimized to run some engineering programs. Should I go with Dell or Apple?

Here’s the Dell XPS 13: http://premierconfigure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=RC1367429&oc=rcRC1367429-4132408

Here’s the Macbook Pro: http://store.mac-resource.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=45_44&product_id=140911

2

TAMU Engineering says for BYOD you MUST buy one of 3 configured models - not may. From what we have seen so far, engineering departments have good reasons for picking what they do for required laptops. Since the Dell XPS 13 is not on the list, I would not buy it. The apple is on the list. My h just received the Apple MacBook pro 13" with retina display for work. Awesome laptop. I would pick it over the XPS 13 in a heartbeat. It is just as portable and lightweight as the XPS.