<p>I know this sounds very odd, but I think it's a pertinent question. I ask because I have heard of schools that suggest to get PCs or to only get Macs. I don't want to get one or the other and have to run into issues related compatibility and what not. </p>
<p>Does anyone have any insight on this?</p>
<p>Thanks in Advance!</p>
<p>rdad138 - Your question may be a schoool/major specific question…</p>
<p>My husband, son and I toured McCombs (business school) last week and our guide mentioned that many of the students use Mac’s, but then must go to McCombs’ computer lab to use a PC, depending on the assignment. When we reached the lab on our tour, there was not an empty seat in the lab (I’m guessing 80-100 or so PCs) If you are in a business-related major, I would recommend a PC, or expect to wait for an open slot in the lab, along with all of the other Mac owners.</p>
<p>my son and husband just got back from visiting UT this past weekend. They asked the computer science students and their dorm tour guide what to bring and were told to buy a cheap laptop to keep in the dorms, as most kids use computer labs around campus. All work can be stored remotely and accessed anywhere, so the students said to not worry about buying anything too expensive.</p>
<p>Thanks so much! I really appreciate the feedback. I just recently started looking at computers and it started to become an issue because I started getting conflicting information from different students.</p>
<p>dude…a mac is almost no different from a pc </p>
<p>its just more expensive and runs apple’s software.</p>
<p>if you MUST have a macbook for the aesthetics…you can install windows on it and it will run exactly like a pc will.</p>
<p>although that would be about $500-$1000 more expensive than just getting a pc that looks and functions the exact same</p>
<p>i got a samsung series 7 chronos laptop for 1200</p>
<p>i went on apples website to set up their macbookpro with the same specifications…it came out to be 2199 and not to mention since i dont want to use OSX i would need to install windows myself</p>
<p>its not necessary to run windows:
microsoft office is on OSX
…as well as many other programs</p>
<p>its just those professional math programs such as wolfram alpha or mathmatetic might not work on OSX</p>
<p>Facebook and Gmail work on both.</p>
<p>Hope you don’t mind me butting in, but I’m going to UT and am looking for a laptop. I’m going to Cockrell so I’m sure a funcitonal laptop will be useful. What kind of laptop would you recommend? I was thinking a Macbook 13" Pro. I need something that is lightweight, has an excellent battery life, runs smoothly and quickly, and (preferably) has nice aesthetics. I’m worried about compatibility issues though. Anyone have a Windows alternatives that fit all my criteria and are under $1200?</p>
<p>Texas is home to DELL and Compaq which is now HP. </p>
<p>Guess where Dell started his business?</p>
<p>xcloudy look up samsung series 7 chronos</p>
<p>the 15inch screen model is as big as a normal laptop that is 14inch because of the small bezel</p>
<p>similar to the macbook pro that is configured with specs that is worth about 1800-2100
windows is already installed so you dont have to worry about compatibility</p>
<p>for the mostpart…if you’re trying to do “work” windows is what you’ll need</p>
<p>for video editing and music editing a mac would be better
(there are exceptions to this “rule” but im just saying in general)</p>
<p>rdad138: what major/school are you going into? </p>
<p>To xcloudyx, if you’re going to into Cockrell then windows is recommended because of the program that’s used. My friend has a mbp but also a Windows desktop for when he needs to do some of his assignments.</p>
<p>Would a Mac be ok for a business major?</p>
<p>I’m doing International Business at McCombs. </p>
<p>I looked into the Series 7 before you mentioned it, but the issue is the battery life. Also, the i7 is a dual core (as far as I know) versus the quad core i7 on the Macbook Pro.</p>
<p>Enticing–A Mac is ok for general classes, but for MIS 301 (Information Systems) --a required course–and any other MIS classes for that matter, you will have trouble using your Mac. MIS uses Windows Access heavily, and the Mac version of Windows Office leaves something to be desired. Also, McCombs’ email and IT stuff is based in Outlook. </p>
<p>If you have a Mac, it might be advisable to get an inexpensive PC since finding a PC available on campus to use while projects are due can be difficult. Many business students who own a Mac have a PC as well.</p>
<p>If Macs were the same price as equivalently equipped PCs then I could understand why some might opt for aesthetics over utility. However, I am dumbfounded as to how Steve Jobs convinced so many “omg I’m so broke” college students to fork over a relatively outrageous premium for a Mac. Bravo Steve Jobs, bravo. #PC4Life</p>
<p>if you already have a mac…dont get another pc…just dual boot windows…</p>
<p>why do people act like a mac is a different kind of computer…it’s just the operating system</p>
<p>@frever Because when I researched PC computers in the $700-800 range, they always fall short of Mac whether in battery life, screen, performance, weight, etc. Only when you get to the 900+ range is it when the PCs start really matching up to Macs. The Macs provide the whole package; nonetheless, if you’re on a strict budget and/or NEED Windows, it would be much smarter to opt for the PC.</p>
<p>Do UT students have any special discounts to buy a laptop when they are already enrolled? If they do how does it work?</p>
<p>check the campus computer store at the UT website. I spoke with them a few days ago to see if they could have a laptop there for pickup when my son flies in for orientation. Not an option. You can have one shipped to you though. And, they recommended waiting to purchase software until on campus either during orientation or in August to get the better discounts. There are some good deals on the store’s website.</p>
<p>We were debating whether to buy a new laptop before orientation so that it can get “plugged in” to campus during orientation versus bringing an old one from home in June and waiting for all the back-to-school sales/promotions that come out in July/August.</p>
<p>My S took my old laptop to the orientation and it was fine. You just need a laptop to plan schedule and register for classes (and of course FB :)). UT has computers/laptops for students to use during registration but it will probably take longer to register for classes if there are not enough computers for everyone to use.</p>
<p>I would wait for a good deal but don’t wait too long either. The laptop you want could be in back order. It took a long time for my S to receive his laptop because he ordered the newest model which was not yet manufactured at the time.</p>
<p>Thank you. </p>
<p>We are also debating whether to buy a new laptop as a graduation present or wait until August and try to get a better price with student discounts.</p>
<p>If my D brings her old laptop to orientation will she need to bring any special internet cord? Or the cord will be provided? Or the internet is wireless?</p>