<p>With graduation approaching, I'm in the market for a laptop for my freshman year at SC in the fall. </p>
<p>I know much of this relies on personal preference, but what do you guys all think is the better route to take between a mac or pc? I love the capabilities of a MacBook Pro and although it is more expesive than a pc, I think it may be worth the price. Or is it? </p>
<p>I'm a communication major if that makes a difference, but I just want to make sure I purchase a durable laptop with all the functioning and capabilities I will need for my next for years. </p>
<p>A plurality of students have either a MacBook or MacBook Pro. As someone who helps people a lot with their computers, I can tell you that the Macs are more resilient and more intuitive than any of the PCs. Although they cost a bit more upfront, I would definitely get one.</p>
<p>Also, Apple’s back-to-school sale should start in a few weeks. If you wait until then, on top of the student discount that you’d get now, you’ll get a free iPod Touch with your laptop. Make sure you also take advantage of the $100 printer rebatethey don’t seem to mention it at the Apple Store when you go in unless you bring it up first. You can see it here: [Apple</a> - Rebates](<a href=“http://www.apple.com/promo/]Apple”>Offers - Apple).</p>
<p>macs are honestly terrible for their price and are very very overrated. you’re basically paying several extra $100s for the apple logo and shiny case (aesthetics).</p>
<p>I agree with josebiwasbi. I’m not going to get a Macbook like everyone else. I’m gonna get a pimped out Dell Studio XPS 16 with hardware specs far superior to a Macbook Pro’s, and for a cheaper price.</p>
<p>First, check to see if SC has a student discount program, most colleges do. They typically don’t save you that much on hardware, but software savings are pretty substantial.</p>
<p>Second, certain majors will have certain computer biases. In the business world 90%+ of applications are IBM/PC based. Regardless of what Apple tells you, the emulation software can be kludgy and substantially slower than using a PC for these apps. Many engineering packages are also PC as opposed to Mac oriented. Conversely, graphics applications are far superior on Macs. So, I’d strongly consider your major when making this decision.</p>
<p>Finally, there is the “Apple Tax”, ([The</a> Truth About the Apple Tax - MacBook - Gizmodo](<a href=“The Truth About the Apple Tax”>The Truth About the Apple Tax)). For the configurations you get, Apples just cost 5-10% more than similarly configured PCs, this premium also extends to peripherals and after-market accessories. The offset to this is that Apples are intuitively simpler to use and navigate; it’s up to you to decide if that convenience is worth the cost.</p>
<p>Macs are supposed to work better with anything related to Art/Design and Music production (I take this from seeing most professionals at work working with Macs)</p>
<p>For those slamming Mac’s, I need to ask the question about how much time you have spent really working on a Mac? I have been using a Windows based computer for a loooong time. 3 years ago after yet another blue screen of death, I switched cold turkey to a Mac. I had the computer up and running and online in 10 minutes…it found my network without me doing anything! Loved it…</p>
<p>I have never locked up, never lost a hard drive and never had a tech issue that I even needed to call Apple for.</p>
<p>I think that there is room in this world for both companies. But based on reliability and function, the intuitiveness of the product. Apple deserves my money.</p>
<p>I have three teens that totally agree with me. BUT if money is an issue then go with a windows unit, just avoid HP, they have more problems than average. Best rated for reliability in a Windows unit…Sony.</p>
<p>If blue screens of death always seem to happen to you, then perhaps get a mac. I suppose they are easier to use, although Apple keeps a tight control on what you can and cannot customize (if that’s important to you). I have never experienced any issues with the blue screen of death, and am still rocking with my Thinkpad. Just use common sense, don’t do stupid stuff, and you won’t have any problems with Windows (or OS X).
If you are willing to spend the money though, the MacBook Pro is a fine choice. Apple definitely makes high quality products (still carry my first generation ipod touch everywhere).</p>
<p>My kids both got PC notebooks to take to USC. Both of them had their laptops die on them (Sony & HP). S has switched to having a very lightweight PC netbook for carrying around campus & a desktop with several monitors in his apartment–he’s graduating in electrical engineering.<br>
D is currently borrowing an old MacBook from a friend while she contemplates what to replace her dead PC notebook with (will be very interested to see what she chooses–she loves art/cinema & has never spent this much time with a MacBook).<br>
The good thing is that both got a full refund for their dead laptops (due to extended warranty free from the AmEx credit card used to purchase the laptops), which they will use to get better machines.
I’d advise checking to see if any of your family credit cards give free extended warranty on purchase of a laptop & buy a computer on that card. It has been very worthwhile for us!</p>