<p>I need to buy my computer for college, but I am having trouble deciding what type to buy. I know I want a laptop, but should I get a PC or a Mac?
what do most people at PSU have?
will I be able to use a Mac easily at PSU or will it be more difficult to handle?</p>
<p>thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Don't worry about what most people have; instead, decide on a computer that you'll want/need for your major.</p>
<p>Macs and PCs are both used here, and every online service provided by PSU will work with both just as well.</p>
<p>Why don't you tell us your major and I'll give you some advice?</p>
<p>what would you recommend for a business major?</p>
<p>I would say that in general, Macs are good for digital artists, graphics designers, and the like. It's really just a matter of personal preference. If you feel comfortable with PCs, there's no reason to go out of your way to learn how to use a Mac if you don't already. The only guidelines I can give regarding picking computers are these:</p>
<p>For engineering students, the faster processor, graphics card, and larger display are ideal for working with CAD programs like AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Also look into computers featuring the Intel Core Duo processors.</p>
<p>For anyone using graphics design or art programs, Macs are probably ideal.</p>
<p>In general look into the HP Pavilion/Compaq and Dell lines for those on a lower budget but still want good computers.</p>
<p>If your budget is a bit higher, you can look into the HP Business line or the sturdier models of Dell. Probably the best quality notebook you can get is a Lenovo ThinkPad, but those come at an appropriately high price.</p>
<p>NotebookReview.com has forums that address these issues and it's worth visiting if you're buying a new computer.</p>
<p>thanks for your input z5sharp! as far as my major is concerned, I havn't chosen one yet, and I am not really leaning toward any particular area of study. So I guess I am looking for the type of computer that will be the best option in general.</p>
<p>is it true that Macs do not get viruses?</p>
<p>
Nope. They're not invulnerable to viruses. You still should use a virus scanner and be careful what you download!</p>
<p>As for your previous comment, I'd say go with a PC unless you have a reason not to. If you've never used Macs before, I don't think it's the best idea to buy one just because you think you'll need it for school because certainly a PC will be just fine.</p>
<p>I'd say at PSU, I see more PCs than Macs but I have seen quite a few Macs. Dell and HP are popular, as well as Lenovo ThinkPads. I own an HP myself because I was restricted to a budget of around $1100, so I got the most for my money by getting a dv5000 15.4".</p>
<p>I know some people who use Tablet PCs, but those are a little too expensive for the average person who needs a computer for college.</p>
<p>Keep in mind portability as well. If you want to take your computer to class with you, you will NOT want a 17" notebook. You may not even want a 15.4" if you bring it to class every day. In that case I'd get 14" but some people like the 15.4" for mobility as well. I use my notebook at my desk but it's certainly light and small enough (it's a 15.4 inch) to bring to the HUB or to class; I just don't often.</p>
<p>Keep in mind what you'll need for the future because you probably won't be buying a new notebook for 3-4 years after.</p>
<p>I've used both PCs and Macs for a while. I'm going to be a freshman at PSU (biology) and am using a Macbook Pro for college.</p>
<p>Macs and PCs are essentially equal these days for graphics purposes. In the past, Macs had a major advantage in anything design-related, but that doesn't really exist anymore. In fact, until spring 2007, Intel-based Macs (Macbook, Macbook Pro, Intel-based Mac Mini, Intel-based iMac) are at a disadvantage for most graphics and design work since Adobe is not releasing Creative Suite as an Universal Binary until then. This means that Creative Suite will run somewhat slower on these newer Intel-based Macs than on G5s or on PCs running Windows. Quark, a leading print design program, is in the same situation. Many art and design people do continue to run Macs though because they feel more comfortable with them than PCs. However if you are more in the audio/video side of things than design work Macs have a major advantage since they are the only computers that can run Final Cut or Logic.</p>
<p>Most people aren't impacted by any of this though... For average users, both college students and in general, Macs are probably superior if you don't mind getting used to a new operating system. It is 100% true that Macs do not get viruses (if you disagree, please link to something that tells about a virus that affects OS X and has actually been widespread rather than as a proof-of-concept.) Running a virus scanning program on a Mac is a waste of your computer's resources and your financial resources. Some sort of firewall is probably not a bad idea though. Being careful what you download and run is a good idea though just as a general precaution.</p>
<p>Macs do generally "just work." The built-in software (iMovie, iPhoto, etc) is far better than anything like it on Windows. MS Office runs fine and is compatible with the PC version. The new Macs are even capable of running both Windows and the Mac OS.</p>
<p>You don't really need a Mac for school, but if you don't have a specific reason one wouldn't work for you (some obscure program that you currently run that is Windows-only) getting one would not be a bad choice. I'd look at the 13" Macbook because it is most portable.</p>
<p>If you do get a PC though, Thinkpads are far, far above anything else out there. Penn State has discounts on them which is nice because the Thinkpad's only disadvantage is price. The 14" T60 is the best model unless you want a tablet PC. Thinkpads are built like tanks and once you've used one for a while any other PC laptop feels like a toy.</p>
<p>thanks for all of your input everyone!
I have decided to purchase a Mac because eventhough my major is not going to be anything art related, I like to do photoshop etc for fun. and in general the mac seems like the better choice for me. </p>
<p>i do have one more question though..what extra software should I buy?</p>
<p>I would probably hold off on actually purchasing Photoshop for the Mac if you plan on buying it. Wait until CS3 comes out; that's the version that runs natively on Intel Macs and will be much faster.</p>
<p>That being said... I don't have any problems using Photoshop CS2 on my Macbook Pro for casual stuff. When I brought yearbook stuff home last year and tried to use more heavy-duty Photoshop and Indesign on the Mac it was annoyingly slow though and I ended up using my PC desktop.</p>
<p>MS Office and Adobe programs (Photoshop, Acrobat Pro, etc) are the only things you probably will really need. Most software for the Mac is actually distributed more as shareware and there's even a lot of quality software that's free. Here's two links:</p>
<p>To find Mac software: osx.iusethis.com</p>
<p>General mac info: <a href="http://www.applepedia.com%5B/url%5D">www.applepedia.com</a></p>