<p>My son will be starting as a freshman this fall. He has a four-year old MAC laptop that's on its last legs (although it does have all sorts of useful software on it). If it matters, he is more math/science-oriented than social science/humanities. He may take some computer science courses, and he may end up applying to the business B.A. program.</p>
<p>Any thoughts/advice/tips would be appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>Hi! I have a few things to say, its all IMHO so please take what you want & leave what you want. Has his experience with the Mac been a favorable one? That’s the first thing I’d consider. Then, to narrow down your choices somewhat is he the type to take his computer everywhere, to the coffee shop and to classes? In this case, a macbook air or acer c720 chromebook are not bad choices. I pulled this acer choice from amazon because it has received excellent reviews from >1000 customers. Obviously a significant price difference between these two, so its up to the buyer whether paying extra for the fit & finish, Apple name, increased specs is worth it.</p>
<p>If he wants more screen real estate or enjoys movies etc. you can never go wrong with a macbook pro or an MSI GE70 Apache Pro-012 17" Laptop/ if you have $$, otherwise there are perfectly good cheaper options like the “Acer P2020M NX.MGAAA.004;E1-731-4699 17.3-Inch Laptop”. </p>
<p>All these have great reviews on Amazon and I realize in retrospect these (Air / Chromebook portability) ,MBP / Apache power) are extremes, and there are many other choices which offer a compromise of both).</p>
<p>From what you’ve said if there are classes (there are only a few, though) which do require complicated computer programs beyond just word/excel/ppoint etc. a PC is I believe often more likely to have more flexibility with the program than the Mac.</p>
<p>But I would say in general, that the PC is a better choice for the budget conscious & those who are computer buffs and want customizability/programs/gaming that are unavailable for the Mac, and the Mac a better choice for those who want a plug & play generally ‘easier & cleaner’ computer experience.</p>
<p>Whatever OS he’s most comfortable with would be my advice.
The library is mainly Macs, while the math building runs Ubuntu.</p>
<p>I definitely recommend something portable though. Lugging a heavy laptop on a hot day is not fun.</p>
<p>Thanks for the helpful info.</p>
<p>My son has a 15" MAC BOOK PRO. No issues. Great computer. He is in the business school at Emory. </p>