<p>i know its kinda stupid question.... but ok </p>
<p>which one is better to use at berkeley? mac? pc? no difference?</p>
<p>or generally... which one is better to use in college?</p>
<p>macs are wayyyy better :]</p>
<p>Of course there is a difference. You save hundreds of dollars when you buy PC and get a computer that is no worse. Of course, Macs are sexier, if you really care about that.</p>
<p>Macs are too expensive. Too much eye candy.</p>
<p>Get a cheap Dell.</p>
<p>thanx helplesslyhoping, bartleby, and UCBChemEGrad =)</p>
<p>helplesslyhoping: in what way is Mac way better than pc? i'm kinda.. ignorant about mac...</p>
<p>If you're ignorant about Macs, don't buy one...the one button mouse will drive you crazy...</p>
<p>I'm going into Architecture, does anyone know if we need a specific kind of computer, or if one is preferable?</p>
<p>^ I would call the architecture department and ask their recommendation.</p>
<p>To be fair, Apple offers a two-button mouse for a hefty price of $50 ($70 for the wireless version.)</p>
<p>I'd disagree with UCBChemEGrad and say that the best option for a incoming student with a need for a basic computer to perform basic functions is an HP. Dell is overrated - it's not cheaper, no sleeker, no better than an HP.</p>
<p>^ Fair enough.</p>
<p>Hmm, since Architecture may require special software, I'd get a PC, since the software is guaranteed to work with Windows, but may require you to buy Windows and bootcamp it if you get a Mac - but UCBChemEGrad is right, give them a call and see if it makes a difference.</p>
<p>(I used a PC before coming to college, and now own a MacBook Pro)</p>
<p>It depends entirely on what you're looking for in your computer. Previous posters are right--Macs tend to be more expensive than PCs. However, this does NOT necessarily mean that Macs cost more than PCs of the same quality. It simply means that the available options are more expensive than their PC counterparts.</p>
<p>I do think that OS X has its benefits. For one, you rarely have to worry about spyware/malware/etc. on Macs. As I'm sure you'll hear from many people, you can browse the internet pretty much without concern. Secondly, (I think this is actually the most important thing for many people...) Macs are muuuch more attractive than PCs. I have seen customized PCs that look really nice, but that takes a lot of work and ultimately isn't worth the effort. Thirdly, OS X tends to have a much more friendly freeware/shareware culture than Windows. Many of the best OS X programs (Quicksilver, Adium, NetNewsWire, etc...) are available free of charge. While it's true that Windows has similar programs, I feel like OS X has many more options in terms of free/shareware.
Just a side note: I don't think UCBChemEGrad's criticism of the mouse really applies to notebooks. While it's true that the MacBook/MacBook Pro only have a single-click, the trackpads on both are fantastic. You can right-click by holding two fingers on the trackpad while clicking (amazingly convenient and easier to use than right click, in my opinion), and scroll by simply scrolling two fingers down the trackpad, etc. </p>
<p>That said, PCs do have their merit. They run many more programs than OS X, generally are available at cheaper tiers, tend to have better battery life than Macs, more customizable than OS X, and just more common in the real world. </p>
<p>If you have the money to spare, I'd recommend a Mac. They're just very clean and easy to use. I don't think that most people can well justify the purchase of a $1800 MacBook Pro over a $1100 Dell, unless you have the money or specifically need it for academic purposes (design, for example).</p>
<p>i have a sexy white macbook! and im gonna use it!</p>
<p>You can be like Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde and go bring your fancy Mac Book Air to class...thank gawd they stopped those candy colors.</p>
<p>If you do buy an expensive laptop, I'd suggest getting a good lock system for your dorm and maybe look into those Lojack systems for laptops.</p>
<p>qkrdusdn: i have to agree with quirkily about all the good things about macs. they are easier to use (in my opinion) and are much cleaner. they usually don't crash nor do you have to deal with viruses as much. you don't have to buy a macbook pro and just go with a macbook , which is what i have. they start off at $1,099, which is comparable to pcs. go to a mac store and just check them out :]</p>
<p>Macs are more user-friendly, and as a result, cost more.</p>
<p>PCs are "more difficult" to use, but it's cheaper to produce and cost less.</p>
<p>mariak89: my friend is an architecture major at berkeley and she has a mac, but she has to run special photoshop-like programs and autocad which only work for pcs so she has to use boot camp. so if you don't want to use boot camp, go with a pc</p>
<p>how about EECS? do EECS majors need windows-only software? :p</p>
<p>^ LOL...EECS majors don't need the training wheels.</p>
<p>I've used PCs for probably 14 years and I've never had a serious problem with viruses, malware, spyware, et cetera. Take basic precautions like installing anti-virus software, Windows Defender, and Firefox.</p>