Getting a macbook tomorrow for Rice. Anything I need to know as an engineering major?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
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<p>Well, the topic title pretty much says it all but I would appreciate any advice on what I need. What programs do I need to purchase? Is a macbook going to be okay for an engineering major at Rice?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

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<p>I’m just going to be obnoxious and say I dislike Apple. But I honestly have no idea of what you’ll need, I’m afraid :(</p>

<p>I’m sure it’ll be fine for the major, though.</p>

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<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/rice-university/736959-engineers-macs.html?highlight=computers[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/rice-university/736959-engineers-macs.html?highlight=computers&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Oh no, computergeek dislikes Apple! You should listen to him; he’s a computer geek.</p>

<p>Yeah, you should be fine with a Mac.</p>

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<p>^Oh, thanks NYSkins :P</p>

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<p>Start looking around for a good price on MATLAB.</p>

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<p>you’re buying a macbook and you still wanna PURCHASE programs you don’t need to buy?</p>

<p>man i wish i was rich as you</p>

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<p>Very helpful, rymd. We’re all glad you could offer that bit of insight.</p>

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<p>MATLAB (student edition) is $99. Definitely get it</p>

<p>other than that, get Office : mac 2008 at the minimum (compatible with the Labs and their office)</p>

<p>that should be adequate</p>

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<p>@rymd: I’m not an engineer, but I had a MacBook for the four years I was at Rice. For me, it was very much a worthwhile investment. Because of AppleCare, I did not pay a single cent for repairs while I was at Rice, and thanks to the Apple Store if something did go wrong my computer was never out of commission for more than three or four days. My friend’s Dell hard drive crashed, and he had to ship it off for like two weeks. Two weeks in academic time is huge.</p>

<p>I know that anecdotal evidence alone is not good enough to counter your argument (or quip — whatever you consider it), but I’m saying that sometimes it’s worth spending a bit of a premium.</p>

<p>Also, no matter whether you’re going Mac, PC, or Linux, if you’re going to spend a lot of money on one thing for college (besides tuition and room & board), make it your computer. You’ll need it to hold up to daily use (I have no idea how much uptime I logged on mine, but if I was awake and not in class there was a good chance that my laptop was open), and you’ll need it to last you four years.</p>

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<p>I mean, back when we started, laptops were significantly more expensive and , I guess, valued.</p>

<p>I wouldnt plan on a laptop for 4 years. While I also have a macbook that has lasted 4 years (as well as 2 PC’s), a couple of friends got cheaper machines and replaced them their junior year. The result was a significantly better machine with much better battery life for the last 2 years.</p>

<p>Either way, the decision is yours. I personally am for cheaper machines that can be upgraded.</p>