<p>I will be a first year majoring in architecture this fall and I'm trying to decide what laptop to buy. </p>
<p>Im deciding between a middle MacBook or a middle MacBook pro. </p>
<p>I know that of course the MacBook pro will be better but it is pretty pricy.</p>
<p>So Id like some input from you guys, what do you guys think? Should I get the pro or not? </p>
<p>And also, what kind of computer do you use and how do you like it.</p>
<p>[I feel that getting a MacBook Pro as a first year is kind of too much, since I'm guessing I wouldn't be touching any of the softwares like Maya for a while]</p>
<p>speaking of pricy..here's the SU website for first yr students...comments? My computer geek friends are surprised there's no Lenovo on the list.</p>
<p>Ask at the Arch dept of the school you are attending. When my son was in the college search mode I was surprised at the wide range of requirements for system/software from different schools, there didn't seem to be any standard. I was very happy that the school he chose supplies and includes the required laptop + software and maintenance plus upgrades all into the price of tuition, plus it gets replaced during 3rd yr with a new one which goes home with the graduate. Seems to me like a smart way to go, volume buying, everyone starts on the same page from day one, much easier on the tech department, and very little concern about theft as everyone has one. Asking around campus I found many students do bring a second laptop from home for non-school stuff.</p>
<p>Well, what's pricier than a MacBook Pro now would be to get the MacBook, and then need to upgrade in a couple of years. Macs have such great lifespans, that I'd just get the Pro now so that you don't have to replace it until after you graduate and have a job (and $$$ to do so).</p>
<p>this is another question about laptops: for a Syracuse freshman which laptop is best, dell or macbook pro? which one does the majority of students prefer?</p>
<p>Clocks,
You might get an answer on the Syracuse forum, but wouldn't the Syracuse Arch Department be the folks to speak to? Ask for Victoria, (Director of Arch Admissions) she'll help you.</p>
<p>AutoCAD, 3DStudio, FormZ, SketchUp, Rhino.... all pretty common architectural programs.</p>
<p>Most architects who work on macs run either Parallels or Bootcamp so that they can still keep their windows programs. The programs themselves aren't any more expensive, it's only the hardware, and having to purchase the dual operating system in the first place. But it's not like your Adobe suite is going to be more expensive for Mac than for PC or anything.</p>
<p>KU requires a laptop for their 3rd year studio. I would be more focused on the hardware your school requires rather than the brand of computer. I'm personally not fond of Dell. Here is a list of minimum requirements for KU. </p>
<p>Intel Core 2 Duo 2.00GHz 4M L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB</p>
<p>2GB DDR-667MHz SDRAM</p>
<p>80GB HDD 7200 RPM</p>
<p>CDRW/DVD+RW Combo Drive</p>
<p>512 MB Video Card (not integrated)</p>
<p>15.4” LCD WUXGA</p>
<p>802.11G Wi-Fi</p>
<p>Windows XP Pro SP2*</p>
<ul>
<li>Some of the School’s software is incompatible with Microsoft Vista, therefore we do not recommend students purchase computers with the Vista operating system. </li>
</ul>
<p>I'm not sure about the Mac. You'll have to ask the experts on that.</p>
<p>MBP! i dont know about mb but i know that you can run parallels on mbp, which allows for you to have a mac AND a pc in one. keep in mind that you will use your laptop more during your latter years, so you want one that will be able to sustain for 4+ years and wont break down (but macs really never do :) ). if your studio is completely hand done first year, youll still use your computer to go on the internet, watch movies, type papers for other classes, etc. but the mbp is more powerful than the mb, which is what youll need. it also has more memory upgrades available and thats really important; the design and CAD files that you will create eat up a lot of memory.</p>