<p>DD has a Macbook pro that she has used throughout high school, but it is getting a bit banged up after 4 years. I thought I would get her a new computer for fall, and am wondering whether it is fine to stay with a Macbook or if changing to a pc would be better?</p>
<p>She will be in SEAS, if that matters.</p>
<p>S is in Seas and has a macbook pro. He has not had a problem using the macbook book academically. HOWEVER, he has had problems with it that required repair and even though we purchased it through PENN computers they could not help him with repairs. They are not an authorized repair center. He had to take a taxi to center city both times to go to the apple store. Had we known this going in we would have purchased a PC. Good Luck. </p>
<p>Thanks Mamalumper
Do a significant percentage of students use MacBooks? Is there any special software required if using a MacBook?</p>
<p>I cannot answer about the number of students but so far my S has not needed any special software, at least not any that I had to pay for. :)</p>
<p>I would suggest a loaded Macbook Air instead of the Pro. The form factor and weight are really nice when toting it around all day. Should you ever need Windows you can install Parallels on it.</p>
<p>I was thinking about a 13 inch Pro, but that is a good idea, I will compare to the Air. I was also thinking about a larger monitor and keyboard for her to use in her dorm room that would provide a larger viewing area.</p>
<p>Does anyone do that?</p>
<p>At this point you don’t even know if she will spend most of her time studying in her room or at a library. If it turns out to be the latter, the monitor just becomes more room clutter. </p>