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<p>While linux has gotten much more user-friendly since the late '90s when I messed with Slackware 8.x/9.x on my second Toshiba notebook, it still has a long way to go in some ways. </p>
<p>Even with Ubuntu, the GUI transition issues with Unity, Gnome, and KDE are such that I’m hesitant to recommend it to non-techies…especially novice computer users. </p>
<p>For the non-techie novices, I’d recommend Apple all the way if possible.</p>
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Hardly any students use Linux as their only OS - it’s almost all Windows or Mac. On the decision between Windows/Mac it’s sometimes useful to see if the particular program has a recommended platform - especially if it’s engineering/computer science. Sometimes particular IDEs or other software is recommended that may, for example, only run on Windows.</p>
<p>My computer science kid had a windows laptop that had vmware on it so Linux could be run as well so apps could be run on Windows sometimes and Linux the other.</p>
<p>If the OP is concerned about cost I’d recommend a Windows system vs Apple since it’s usually less expensive and still feature rich and supports a wide array of mainstream applications.</p>
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<p>Maybe from an uncritical pricepoint. However, the cost may be borne in other ways such as lower-quality hardware/build quality of particular computer hardware* so that one needs to return them more often for warranty repairs, less user-friendly GUI, etc. </p>
<p>It doesn’t matter as much to me as I’m comfortable using Windows, Mac, and Linux…but I’ve found that novice non-techie users…especially those with little/no interest in learning the technical intricacies of computers tend to be better served and less irritated on Macs than on most PCs…except the higher-end corporate models with equivalent quality hardware/build quality that’s around the same price point when user-friendliness is taken into account. </p>
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<li>The adage “You get what you pay for” really applies with notebook computers…especially if you dip below the $500-600 pricepoint. Only exception to this I know of is Sony…where its build quality really leaves much to be desired despite its high cost for its branding.</li>
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<p>My son started off college with a laptop but it rarely left the dorm room. With all his books he needed to study with, it rarely left the desk. When the laptop started to have some serious isues, he switched to a desktop machine. After a while he also got a tablet PC. I believe the tablet/desktop combination is the best. My daughter (a couple of years behind my son) started off with that combination and also finds it the best.</p>
<p>Some of the potential issues with any laptop can be mitigated with a 4 year warranty that also covers accidental damage since a dorm environment can be harsh on a laptop with drops, spills, etc.</p>
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But the OP’s S is planning civil engineering and I’d expect he’ll likely end up using a PC in the workplace as is true with most professions since over 90% will end up needing to use a PC. If someone can’t handle using the Windows GUI then they have some serious issues in my mind and would probably have no chance at attaining an engineering degree. </p>
<p>But it’s a user preference so while both would work, although Windows is arguably more flexible, it usually comes down to whatever appeals to the user and this is where Apple has done well with its slick physical designs.</p>
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<p>I’ve seen plenty of engineering/CS majors at various Engineering schools/divisions using Macs because of the hardware build quality and the fact OSX also has unix under the hood so it’s convenient for learning about/using unix. </p>
<p>With virtualization software, they also have no issues installing other OSes such as Gentoo linux, Windows XP/7, etc. </p>
<p>More importantly, most hardcore techies have had little issues with adapting to different operating system environments…a useful trait to have in the technical world. Granted, my experience has mostly been with CS/CE majors…some of whom are more platform agnostic than I am.</p>
<p>A professor here. I am sure I am going to sound like a dinosaur, but it is my firm opinion that unless a specific class requires otherwise (like a CS class, perhaps) students should leave their laptops/ipads in their dorm rooms and take notes in class on paper, with a pen or pencil.</p>
<p>Students who type their notes tend to transcribe rather than sythesize. Also, as most college classrooms are internet equipped, having itnernet access during class can be a temptation to check email/facebook/etc.</p>
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<p>While I can get along with pen and paper and agree with your point about the need to synthesize, some people don’t write fast enough to even catch the important highlights in a given lecture/discussion. </p>
<p>Moreover, I would never advise a student leave portable electronics like a laptop/tablet. I’m of the opinion such devices should always be carried by the student unless they live in a single and they always lock the door to their dorm room before leaving for class. It just takes one careless roommate who’s not security minded for a thief to gain access and to abscond with various items…especially portable ones like laptops/tablets.</p>
<p>Heck, back when I was in college, thieves would go so far as to steal desktop computers…including monitors which weighed 50 Ibs+. Happened in a friend’s freshman dorm back in the mid’90s.</p>
<p>Parents & Students - I’ve read the various comments coming in over the past two days, and appreciate the different points of view and external links given. A few comments based on postings…</p>
<p>MAC or PC. Yes, more like a religious debate than technical. She “wants” a MAC, but hard to justify the price difference. Yes, there is the “uncritical” analysis that shows the PC is much cheaper. But perhaps the quality of the MAC makes up for it. Not sure, but the reason for the original posting was twofold - size and price. With the 13", price was about $1200 vs $1600 for 15". These are the base prices, as we’re just looking into it now. After selecting the “right” options the price will go up and perhaps the delta will be much lower. We (parents) were thinking that the external monitor doesn’t enter into the price since we’d suggest that to D regardless of the chosen laptop. Anyway, price was part of the reason for the posting.</p>
<p>With cost a consideration, we won’t be going for the iPad + 2nd device option. Just too costly at this time.</p>
<p>D is not convinced the external monitor would be a good thing. She doesn’t know if the dorm will be the primary place to study, and was scouting out places in the library already. Our S has a 15" windows laptop, with 20" external monitor. After my original posting D & S had a discussion on the choices. He finds even though he has the external, he’s commonly elsewhere on campus, or even on the bed, and isn’t using the monitor. We skype weekly with S, and he’s always on the bed with no monitor plugged in.</p>
<p>D’s chosen school is Northeastern U, which says either MAC or PC operating system is fine for civil engineering. This is in writing on their site, and at the admitted student’s day Q&A period. Dual boot / vmware are tools that help eliminate differences. Although as you can tell from my likely improper usage of these terms, I haven’t used the dual boot myself.</p>
<p>We told D we’ll all gather info and compare notes. She’s reading this thread, talking to older brother, etc. Final decision and purchase in a month or two. After all the debates/discussions on final college choice, this laptop decision is a much easier task to tackle.</p>
<p>Thanks to all contributors!</p>
<p>A lot of tech reporters are saying to wait before buying a new laptop until the summer or possibly fall. For example, [Your</a> Next Laptop Is Worth Waiting For - WSJ.com](<a href=“Your Next Laptop Is Worth Waiting For - WSJ”>Your Next Laptop Is Worth Waiting For - WSJ)<br>
Waiting until fall isn’t possible for new college students, but waiting for the summer and some possible price drops makes sense. </p>
<p>Definitely wait on buying a monitor to see if your D really wants/needs it. Easy enough to buy one at the student store, or have one shipped within a couple of days from an online retailer.</p>
<p>Really looking forward to seeing those Windows tablet/laptop combos, and I’m a Mac person through and through. A Mac version eventually, pretty much an iPad that pivots off of an attached keyboard.</p>
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<p>Those prices may be lower with educational discounts your D will be eligible for…or you can have your older college student S make the purchase using his educational discount.</p>
<p>If you must go PC, I’d stay away from Sony, HP/Compaq, or consumer/budget line versions of Dell or Toshiba. Instead, for the last…go for their mid-high end corporate lines(No inspirons or Satellites) or get a Lenovo. </p>
<p>Hardware quality and support tends to be much better IME. PC companies support their corporate lines much better as they don’t want to alienate their institutional customers whom they rely on for a lion’s share of their revenues.</p>