<p>Based on what (admittedly little) I know, mac will be better for design and pc will be better for programming... engineering includes both, so with computer would be best for this major?</p>
<p>For engineering, I've heard there's specific software that you'll be using that isn't available for Macs. Generally, engineers have PCs, from what I've seen.</p>
<p>Stick with the PC. You won't have to worry about software incompatibility.</p>
<p>I asked myself the same question before I bought a PC.</p>
<p>For engineering, I would say it depends. From what I know, windows is used a lot more for engineering. With a windows based PC, you wont have any compatibility problems. I know some Autodesk software has trouble running with bootcamp, for example.</p>
<p>My state college, NCSU, has Macs recommended on their webstore for engineering though, So like I said, it depends on the programs you'll run, the school, ect.</p>
<p>You would probably be better off just buying a PC so you wouldn't run into any issues.</p>
<p>Hope this helps</p>
<p>Unless you love Macs, go with a PC. Things will just be easier for you in terms of compatibility. If you do go with a mac, and things dont work out, you can always just use the school's computer labs though.</p>
<p>If you go into EE, you can use Matlab on Mac-based computers. There is a Mac version of it. But for programs like PSpice, you'll need XP. That's where Parallels comes in... I just run a virtual machine on my MacBook. I open up XP and I can easily use PSpice.</p>
<p>In the end though, I do wish I got a tablet PC, it makes life so much easier/organized.</p>
<p>Mac is better, you get all the great mac features AND use windows apps on it.
It doesn't get better than that :) !!!!!</p>
<p>^sorry, but for engineering, PCs are undoubtedly better</p>
<p>Keep in mind that you could always use Parallels, Boot Camp, or any of the other similar types of software available to run Windows on your mac, which should take care of compatibility problems.</p>
<p>But why would you get a mac if you're just going to run windows on it. Apple's hardware is extremely expensive....there's no point in wasting money</p>
<p>The new Intel processing MAC's will allow you to run PC software natively as well as MAC software. Our son is a CS engineering major and does both. Reports show WINDOWS VISTA actually runs faster on the Intel MAC than on a comparable PC.</p>
<p>^^
but a macbook pro with 2.4ghz core duo, 2gb ram, 160gb hd costs $2499, while a comparable lenovo T61p costs $1600. Upgrade the lenovo to the same price point and it will blow the mac out of the water.</p>
<p>Best advice is probably talk to the college you are going to attend. RPI, which my son considered, wanted PC only at the time he applied. Were he went MAC vs PC was up to student. That was something that was important to him. He wanted an engineering school that MAC or PC was an option. If you have the time, get the schools input and if you aren't a MAC Adict or want their strengths, PC will be cheaper as halhalb pointed out.</p>
<p>IMHO:
Windows + cool looks + sleek hardware + $200-300= mac</p>
<p>Windows - problems + performance = Linux</p>
<p>I wouldn't use mac unless I didnt' like Windows</p>
<p>As many people have said before, Apple hardware is overpriced. You're going to be using Windows most of the time anyway in engineering, so don't bother getting a Mac.</p>
<p>At Cornell, it's about 50-50, engineers who use macs vs engineers who use PCs. If you already have either, it's no problem. As mentioned earlier, parallels can be used or if the school has an engineering library with the software, one can utilize that. </p>
<p>Most schools will list the type they prefer so I recommend going with that, but if you already have a Mac or PC and the school recommends the opposite, there are easy ways to work around it.</p>
<p>I for one am a crazy Mac fan (recently converted from PC) and wouldn't give it up for anything, so I'm willing to make the effort to adjust.</p>
<p>If there is something that you need that is Mac only, get a Mac. While the hardware is more expensive, it is built to run together. All the test that have been done that show that the Mac's hardware is better than hardware of a compatible system made by someone else. Boot camp allows you to install windows on it and there you go. You have both.</p>
<p>If you don't need a Mac, get something that would have better hardware for the price and just install windows and Linux on it. My advice. I don't know how much better hardware you need to make the normal PC's run the same as a Mac, but that is how it is. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>A big advantage to Mac's that keeps getting mentioned is that it is less susceptible to viruses. If I used bootcamp and ran windows, will I end up with the all the viruses anyways? Or is there an improvement since I'm running it on an Apple machine?</p>
<p>You can still get viruses on the windows part of your machine.</p>
<p>Notice how most of the people suggesting a mac use "it can run windows!" as the main selling point? Just get a Windows PC to begin with, especially if you're already used to it (you didn't mention so I'm not sure). It will just make things easier on you.</p>