<p>I will be starting engineering school at Cornell in the fall. I will probably major in either mechanical engineering, information science systems and technology, or operations research and engineering. I currently have a 3.5 year old Apple MacBook Pro and have always been a Mac person however I see windows as being a much more practical system for school and work after.*
Right I see myself with 3 choices.*
1) Start school with my current MBP and take the first semester to see what would work best and purchase during winter break.*
2) Get a windows computer now and fully learn how to use it before school starts. 3)Just get another MBP sometime between now and school.*
As for windows laptops what would be best. I'm thinking a Lenovo w520. I want something fast and reliable just like everyone else. I don't have much experience with PCs so any other laptop recommendations?*
I'm afraid be switching computers in the middle of the year might be tricky and it's easier to just start with one. Does any one else have<em>Experience with with starting with an old computer to gauge what's best?</em>
Also with the PC would strongly consider getting an iPad to go along with it. My mom has one and unlike many I see a real value in it. But that would definitely wait till after the first semester. Anyone have experience with this?*
In the end based on experience which choice would you advise and what PC would you recommend.*</p>
<p>Does Cornell engineering have recommended computers or system requiremente you could look at?</p>
<p>[Cornell</a> Engineering: Computing Guidelines for Incoming Students](<a href=“http://www.engineering.cornell.edu/resources/computing/guidelines/]Cornell”>http://www.engineering.cornell.edu/resources/computing/guidelines/)</p>
<p>Recommended PC Laptop
Processor 2.0 GHz Core2 Duo
Memory 2 GB RAM
Hard Drive 100 GB
Network Card 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet and 802.11b/g wireless
Optical Drive CD-RW/DVD drive
Operating System Windows XP Pro, Vista, or 7; OS X10.6 and/or Linux
Warranty 3 year warranty plan, accidental coverage if desired</p>
<p>Cornell engineering dept seems pretty open/flexible…
stick with what you have, upgrade later to another MBP
Hold your old machine as long as it does the job as needed.</p>
<p>-Someday - if you NEED Windows, install it on your MBP but wait until you actually need it.</p>
<p>BTW Cornell appears to be MAC and PC friendly
<a href=“IT@Cornell | Services and Support”>http://www.cit.cornell.edu/services/bearaccess/software.cfm</a></p>
<p>If you are considering going into Information Technology and don’t have any experience with Windows, I suggest you get familiar with it quickly, most companies use Windows as opposed to Macs.</p>
<p>^^^^ yeah that’s what I was thinking. Macs are fun but it’s time to move on.
Macs are simple to use and easy to learn but having knowledge of a PC could have much more value IMO.
If I do choose the PC route when’s the best time to buy typically? And any thoughts on good one?</p>
<p>The W520 you mentioned at the top is a great choice. Honestly, if I were you, I would just start with the Mac provided it’s not falling apart or anything.</p>
<p>I agree with qanda</p>