<p>I will be a freshman engineering student in the fall, and I hear all of my friends talking about their new Macbooks. I've never owned a Mac- is this definitely the computer to buy for college? Why/why not?</p>
<p>Also, I know Microsoft is offering an xBox 360 with certain laptop purchases. Does Apple have any similar deals or offers?</p>
<p>Apple has a deal for $100 gift card on their app stores or music stores. It sucks compared to last year’s itouch but at least it’s something. </p>
<p>As for computers, you can get whatever you want, there really is no difference nowadays. You can go mbp or thinkpads or hp or whatever fits your budget and needs.</p>
<p>Out of curiosity, how important is having a laptop? I’ll have a desktop, but I want to know if it’s worth getting a laptop as well (for class).</p>
<p>You do not need a laptop. I am an EECS student, and I would be just fine without a laptop. You absolutely do NOT need to bring a computer to class, and you can get your work done on your computer at home, as well as on the computers in the labs. A laptop is a convenient thing to have – a luxury – not a necessity. If you do get a laptop, you certainly don’t need to get some MacBook. What a waste of money!</p>
<p>The only real advantage of having a laptop for me is that it takes up MUCH less space in my room.</p>
<p>If you are set on Apple, then purchase a MacBook (Pro). Otherwise, if you are not so deluded, purchase a ThinkPad and spend the money you will have saved on something else.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say a laptop is a luxury since they’re so cheap now. It’s all about convenience. Not many people like to stay over in the labs and a desktop is kind of annoying to bring up into a dorm unless you’re a hardcore gamer.</p>