<p>First of all, ignore everyone telling you to first get the “specs”. If you’re spending 1,000+ on a PC (or 2,000 on a Mac), there’s an 100% chance that your computer handle everything you need it to.</p>
<p>Second, Windows 8 got pretty good reviews. The only major problem is the learning curve, but I use it on my Samsung Series 9 and it’s not buggy at all. The metro design can be frustrating sometimes, but the live tiles are actually useful if you use them correctly.</p>
<p>If you’re actually considering a “retina display”, I promise you it’s a wate of money. I owned a Macbook Pro in the past, and the display is more than adequate. TBH, I’d feel guilty wasting my grandparents’ money for such a futile component.</p>
<p>Between Mac and PC, it really is preference. Yes, Macs are less susceptible to viruses but they can still get them. PC’s are generally more reliable, and are compatible with all of the software you use as an engineer major. After switching from PC to Mac and then back to PC, I assure you that PCs are the best value. I can spec out a better laptop (PC) for 1,000 dollars less than the highest spec Mac. If you like the design, look into high end PCs made by Sony (S Series), Samsung (Series 7 or 9), and HP (Envy line in particular). The Acer S7 has also been receiving glowing reviews, and is essentially the Windows 8 flagship model.</p>
<p>However, I think you should definitely hold off on the purchase until around March. Intel is releasing its next generation of processors (Haswell). They will be faster (rumored 10%) and even if you don’t care for a faster processor, they will drive the cost down of current laptops drastically (i.e. what Sandy Bridge laptops are currently priced at). Even if you don’t care about it now, in a year when your processor feels dated you’ll regret not waiting.</p>