<p>I really want a Mac but I am afraid of software conflicts with Macs since some programs run on only PC's and I don't really want to convert my Mac into a Windows computer. If I did get a PC what brand would I get? I was thinking of Dell XPS or HP Envy Series.</p>
<p>I’ve had my Dell Inspiron for about four years now (and from what I’ve heard this is pretty amazing for a Dell). A lot of people in my classes (I’m an Ecology and Evolution major) have macs and have never had a problem with any software issues, so I think you would be fine with a Mac if you really wanted one(:</p>
<p>If you’re worried, you should consider a Mac. You don’t “convert” an Apple computer in to a Windows based computer, you can choose to either have Windows run in a virtual machine or you can use Boot Camp which just allows you to boot into either OS X or Windows. An Apple computer can give you that kind of flexibility. If you decide to go with a Windows based computer, perhaps you should consider a Lenovo or Asus (like I recommended in the Computer section in the forum) and avoid HP and Dell.</p>
<p>Or, what’s your budget?</p>
<p>It is $1300</p>
<p>See if you like any of these models.</p>
<p>13" Macbook Pro Base Model
13" Macbook Air
Lenovo W520
Lenovo X220
Lenovo T420s</p>
<p>I’ll definitely consider Lenovo. As for the MacBook Pro I shouldn’t worry for any software or program conflicts? Why is Dell and HP so low on rankings? Is the Lenovo reliable, 4-5 years?</p>
<p>I suggest looking at the failure rates for certain brands:
[ASUS</a> best, HP worst for notebook reliability | Electronista](<a href=“http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/11/17/reliability.study.has.apple.4th.place/]ASUS”>http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/11/17/reliability.study.has.apple.4th.place/)</p>
<p>The bonus of Lenovo laptops is that they are very well defended against accidental damage.</p>
<p>Aside from the failure ratings, Dell and HP both have terrible customer service.</p>
<p>I’ve owned a Dell, Acer, Asus, and Toshiba products. I would absolutely recommend Toshiba for their quality of product as well as their customer service. Their Satellite series of laptops is very diverse and you’ll be sure to find something that fits your needs. :)</p>
<p>OP, I wouldn’t worry about software conflicts if you really want a mac. I’m also a bio major (not yet transferred to UCSC) and haven’t had an issue with anything so far. I’ve got some time under my belt at a four year institution as well. I would highly recommend doing some outside research aside from what is posted here on CC to see how it would meet your needs outside of school. For example, if you are a hardcore computer gamer, you might opt for a PC because of the flexibility with the computer itself. However, if you like photo/video editing, and basic (yet AWESOME) computing abilities, maybe a mac would work well. But as for software conflicts, I doubt it would be an issue. Especially because macs have the parallels and boot camp options. Anyways, its best to weight your options and choose what is best for you. Good luck!</p>
<p>What laptop do you own right now?</p>
<p>^I’ve got a Mac and love it to pieces. I was trying to write an objective, unbiased opinion above though. For me personally, the price tag of the mac is totally worth not having to deal with the shenanigans my PC use to present to me, as well as a few other things I use it for. I will say though- I used to vehemently despise Macs because I had used an old clunky desktop version, but I took a chance on the Macbook Pro and will never look back. Like I stated above though, what somebody else may like might not be the best for you. Research your options and pick what would be a good fit for your academic/personal life!</p>
<p>As long as you can get Microsoft Excel, and know how to use it, you should be fine with either a Mac or PC. A lot of chemistry classes and upper division bio classes use Excel for labs and whatnot. Microsoft does make a version of it for Macs.</p>
<p>–
Personally, I’ve had a Sony Vaio for 3 and a half years now and have never had any significant problems with it. But yeah, along with what other people said: AVOID HP.</p>
<p>Did you ever buy AppleCare Protection and install Bootcamp or Parallels for your Mac?</p>
<p>AppleCare is a must-buy in my opinion. I have bought them for my Macbook and my iMac and soon I’ll have to buy it for my Macbook Air. Apple fixed my Macbook after I got an expanded battery right before my AppleCare ended (within 3 years) for free and my iMac has a broken Superdrive that I have yet to take to the store (since it’s so big and heavy) and I’m positive that will also be a free fix. You don’t have to buy it until up to a year so no rush in buying it. If you’re going to buy a desktop like an iMac or Mac Pro, I strongly recommend you get AppleCare since if Apple has to ship it and you are out of warranty, you will have to pay for the expensive shipping plus the repairs. </p>
<p>And Bootcamp comes standard already on your Mac. I should also mention there is a virtual machine route you can take via WMware.</p>
<p>What exactly is WMware?</p>
I’m currently a Biology/Premed student and use a Mac. Never had an issue. Love it!
In this day and age anything will work. Honestly I write most of my essays with Google Docs. I’m a bit of a computer nerd / UNIX nerd though so I’m biased towards OS X…
Go windows, buy a ASUS ZenBook UX303UB that thing is a beast and is only $1200. It also weighs less then a macbook pro and has way better specs for the same price. I’m biased against apple as I have a custom built gaming desktop and a gaming laptop. I don’t really see the purpose of apple and you are paying an extra 30% just for the brand.