<p>I've looked at many laptops. I want something that's good for practical use as well as what I may need to do in college. I'm likely buying the $1199 MacBook Pro. I really like the experience that comes with it and it's good for most of my practical needs (entertainment) and I don't see anything wrong with it for college purposes. With a budget of $1200 is this laptop a good fit or are there any better ones anyone would like to suggest. I've heard things about the 13" MacBook Air as well. What fits well for a Finance major. I really want a MacBook but comment any other options as well I guess. Also, comment with pros/cons of MBP 13" and MBA 13"(both non-retina).</p>
<p>If you’re dead set on a Macbook, I would go with the Pro over the Air, unless you really value portability and weight. But for a finance major, I personally would recommend a PC. I’m a HS student, but I have an internship where I have to keep the books of a company as well as create financial models to determine profitability. It demands quite a bit of Excel work. I find that I am MUCH faster when on a PC than on a Mac. Additionally, you could probably get a similar PC spec-wise for a couple hundred less. But if you’re craving a Macbook, you can make that work as well.</p>
<p>“I find that I am MUCH faster when on a PC than on a Mac.”</p>
<p>What is it that is so much faster on PCs than Macs?</p>
<p>Software and hardware. Basically everything on the PC is “faster”. In fact, this is so well known that people don’t do Mac vs PC benchmarks anymore.</p>
<p>Agreed with Chronology. Additionally, I was specifically referring to Excel work. I don’t need to use a mouse or anything on a PC, and I fly. On a Mac I find myself much slower.</p>