<p>Having used Windows my whole life, I am now interested in getting a MacBook or MacBook Pro for college. The only thing that puts me off purchasing a Mac is the compatibility of the programs I'll have to use for class. I read in another thread in this forum that over half of Stanford students use Macs, so is incompability something I need to worry about? Is the Windows OS more convenient for running applications and doing calculation-intensive assignments?</p>
<p>Current students doing physics or math, please advise. </p>
<p>Apart from work, I also plan to use my laptop for video editing, and I understand that Macs are excellent for this. I have no qualms about transitioning to the Mac OS, and will purchase my laptop a few months before fall quarter in order to familiarise myself with it.</p>
<p>I have a related question. Does Stanford provide free Windows and Office license like Caltech and MIT do or do you have to go out and purchase it yourself?</p>
<p>I do have qualms about switching from PC-->Mac, though. I'm not a math/physics student, but I would really like to check out a Mac, especially since I heard Vista is terrible. I can get a regular mouse for a Mac, right? That has scroll and a right/left click? That's my main issue with Macs, albeit a small one. I'm just thinking it's going to be a huge change from PC to Macs. Did anyone else make this change from high school to college?</p>
<p>Macs seem really tempting...and I found this great sensor-based wireless w/ scroll mac mouse. So basically, it looks like a one-click, but depending on where you click, it'll be a different click. :D I get excited easily...</p>
<p>^Are you talking about the Apple Mighty Mouse? If so, please don't buy it. That's probably the worst mouse Apple has ever produced. Any regular old USB mouse should work with macs. You don't have to buy a mac specific mouse. Ironically, Microsoft makes the best mice. Also look into Kensington.</p>
<p>You can "right click" and scroll on a mac pretty easily without buying an external mouse. To click, all you have to do is put two fingers on the trackpad and click. To scroll, you have to put two fingers on the trackpad and move up and down. It's really much easier than using a scrolling mouse. I can't get myself to go back to the old method.</p>
<p>I've used an iBook G4 for three years now, and it's worked great for me. The mouse thing was a little annoying at first, but it's pretty easy to get used to. I'm getting a macbook in May, and am very excited about it! :) I think you'll find it easy to switch to mac. Not sure about some of the programs, though, so can't say I've answered OP's question...:p</p>
<p>Over half of Stanford students use macs? Are you kidding? Heck no. Not true. Not having to worry about compatibility? Now that's true. Some stuff for physics, I believe, only runs on Windows, and as far as I know the same is true for Matlab, which you'll be using in some of your math courses (notably, the 50 series and above, as well as the CME series). However, given that the new Macs can also run Windows, I doubt you'll run into problems. Also, you can just use a cluster computer for an hour to do your pset; windows is definitely not required.</p>
<p>Stanford does not offer free licenses. You have to get them yourself. There are, however, often discounts on stuff.</p>
<p>As for switching to Macs, I would definitely say it's really not a big deal. I'm perfectly comfortable using either, it doesn't take a lot to transition. That, and they're pretty damn sleek. A MacBook is definitely a solid investment, especially if you're not particularly tech-savvy. It's simple and sweet. I mean, come on, it comes with videoconferencing. And video-editing stuff. And a camera. And built in widgets. And a whole lot of other stuff. Still not convinced? Tell me what you're worried about, so I can put those concerns to rest.</p>
<p>Logitech makes some sweet mice, too. Just throwing that out there. :-)</p>