<p>This probably is an overwhelmingly talked about topic... but what is the best computer to use at USC for a pre-med (science major).</p>
<p>I'm going to buy a computer soon and haven't bought one in a LONG time, so I am wondering what is the best computer to use these days...</p>
<p>Basically, I'm not going to use it as gaming, and want to keep the computer below $3000, and just want it to work without having to tinker with technical mumbo jumbo every other week (what I'm doing now... with an old PC btw)</p>
<p>I've never owned a PC. That said, I believe as far as ease of use goes, macs are the way to go. But if you are a huge gamer, a mac would just be a waste of money. Basically, if you are into film, audio, or graphics go mac. If you are just using it to type reports and talk to friends, either is fine, but you'll be happier with a mac. If you want to play games that just came out, go with a PC. You can play games on a mac, but you'll get frustrated because by the time they come out for mac, they'll have been out for PC for a year and everyone's kicking your ass.</p>
<p>if you do decide to go mac, i would (and did) go for an ibook. i've owned a lot if not every mac they've put out and the 14" ibook i got about 4 months back is the best yet. if you have the money spring for a powerbook, but if not, $1,300 for a great laptop is reasonable.</p>
<p>There several threads around CC that could be of help to you:
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=64078%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=64078</a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=57868%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=57868</a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=51858%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=51858</a></p>
<p>In my personal opinion, go with what you might feel comfortable with. If you've used Mac before and aren't that comfortable with Windows, then go with Mac. If you're literally an ace at Windows, then you might have probs using a Mac, so it might be best to go with Windows. For games, most of them are written for Windows, remember that.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if most of the computers on USC's campuses are mac or pc?</p>
<p>Probably 60/40 PC to Mac. In every computer lab I've been to, they've always both.</p>
<p>I think its personal preference. I debated between an ibook and a sony vaio for a few months and ended up choosing the ibook. I just got it 2 weeks ago and so far I love it! I have used both platforms but from the internships I've done so far (I'm premed...and have worked in lab and medical settings) mac seems to be the way to go.</p>
<p>I've used both machines and am equally competent w/ both, I just need some input from those who know what works in the college setting...</p>
<p>For the mac users: do you encounter any compatability issues with software for school (like textbooks, which I hear some are for PC's only)?</p>
<p>Right now I'm debating between a powerbook 15'' and an IBM T32</p>
<p>Thanks all</p>
<p>haven't yet, though i suppose there is always the possibility. most software these days is cross-platform. i personally wouldn't worry about it. (if its 60/40, software better be cross-platform)</p>
<p>spyderefs,</p>
<p>If you are looking at a Powerbook I would suggest that you look at the 12" Powerbook with an external monitor. That would give you the portability around campus and the screen size in your dorm room when you need it. I am not a student but I much prefer the Powerbook to the iBook. It is a bit more rugged.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>i've heard the ibook is the more rugged of the two. soemthing to do with the plastic and the frame? either/or, the monitor idea is a really good idea. haven't done it, but it makes great sense. go with the 12"</p>
<p>The iBook's plastic scratches easily, but the PowerBook's metal can dent (especially on the sides). However, only the new PowerBook has a motion sensor that parks the hard drive if the laptop is dropped. This probably makes it more durable, or at least safer for your data. Some Windows laptops have this motion sensor type feature too. I believe IBM has it on some of their laptops (not sure about the T32).</p>
<p>Is the IBM T32 an older, discontinued model? Because I couldn't find it anywhere. Maybe you mean T42?</p>
<p>I jusr ordered my computer. I ordered a MAC, I am an avid mac user. I did look at PC's but in the long run I know I would be happier with a mac. They are better computers. Plus I got virtual PC so I can also run Windows XP on it. I own both platforms and enjoy using the mac more. Avoid the 12" powerbook. It is too small period. The 15" is the best bet. I am still considering an external monitor, but if you dont want one or dont have the money or space for an external monitor or if you do a lot of work away from your base then it is difficult to use the 12
plus there are a few items not on the twelve.</p>
<p>yeah, I meant the t42.</p>
<p>Still haven't made my decision yet. One thing I hear is that medical schools recommend PC's only as a lot of their software are for windows only.</p>
<p>Well, since apple is gonna start putting Intel in their macs next year, I'm not gonna get a macintosh. The article on the paper had a lot of people said that if they were gonna buy a mac, the would wait until the "Mactel" comes out next year (Powered by intel).</p>
<p>Looks like Apple wants to be mainstream now, as windows would be compatable with the new Macintoshes</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/jun/06intel.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/jun/06intel.html</a></p>
<p>i just hope their computers don't go to **** with intel processors in em. i trust apple knows what they're doing.</p>
<p>I would wait for the Intel-powered Macs. The G4s do seem underpowered now that they mention it ;)</p>
<p>Actually, I'm pretty sure Apple is going to pull off something amazing to get people to buy the rest of the PowerPC stock.</p>
<p>basically
PC = programming
MAC = gaming</p>
<p>for u i would say pc cuz i think u do programming in med.</p>
<p>huh? mac for games? are you serious?</p>