<p>Would it be a hindrance? Its not like I'm an engineering student, but someone told me that ALL science students should have windows b/c a lot of the software you're supposed to use is incompatible with macs. However, I like macbooks and am used to using them, so I would like to get a macbook pro for cornell this fall.
Do a lot of science majors at cornell have macbooks?</p>
<p>I used a PowerBook G4 for my undergrad years and didn’t have any major compatibility issues. I can think of one time where I absolutely needed a Windows computer…but I was able to work in computer lab.</p>
<p>Come to think of it…I’ve experienced more Windows/Mac compatibility issues in med school coursework than I did at Cornell 
However…I just installed VM Fusion/Windows and I was good to go.</p>
<p>You can always install multiple systems on your computer. In fact, that’s what I’m planning to do. I’ll probably bring a MacookPro with three systems installed: Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux based OS (I’m an engineering major).</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses. At this point, I’m trying to convince a parent that a macbook pro is a practical choice for me, as a science major >.<
For biology majors–what kinds of apple software did you have to download in order for you to do you assignments? What kinds of situations were there (if any) in which you could not use your mac?
And how easy is it to run a macbook with multiple OS installed on it?</p>
<p>edit: actually, now that i look into it, vm fusion seems like a good option</p>
<p>To do your assignments the two biggies are Microsoft Office for Mac or iWork (depends on your personal preference). The other obvious necessities are the ability to read PDF files and view animations/videos. Like I said…I had one situation where I couldn’t use my Mac b/c the software was only compatible with a PC; I believe this happened in a nutrition class I took.</p>
<p>If you install an additional OS on your Macbook Pro, I highly suggest you do so using Parallels or VM Fusion (the guys at the Apple Store recommend Fusion). You can switch between the OS with one key. I have Windows installed on my iMac and it works beautifully. I also installed Windows on my Macbook and when I run Windows, my computer slows down a bit. I imagine the Macbook Pro would run somewhere in between those two. </p>
<p>Keep in mind though that there are some software programs that run only on Windows and won’t even work in Windows that is run off a Mac.</p>
<p>I have not really needed my computer much for anything as a bio major. I guess I have used Word, Powerpoint, and Excel and not much else (besides a web browser obviously.) the times I have gotten either supplemental software or eBooks they have been fine with macs as well.</p>
<p>What about for chem/physics classes?</p>
<p>I did not have any special computer needs for general chemistry or organic chemistry.</p>
<p>I’m a science major and I love my MacBook. The laboratory I work in is a Mac based lab.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine.</p>
<p>I also have Parallels on my computer in case I need it, but haven’t needed it once for school.</p>
<p>For science major, would a 13-incher be fine (2.66 ghz, 320gb)</p>
<p>itd be more than enough. bio majors dont need any high tech power draining stuff. the most demanding software ive used as a bio major is probably pymol, sure it lagged like hell when the molecule got humongous but it was only for 1 short assignment, so it was alright</p>
<p>@Nano1991: any concerns you might have about Mac vs. Windows are moot; the Macbook Pro is able to run any edition of Windows reliably, so you have no reason to worry if you’re concerned about support for applications. The only thing that might make me think twice about the Macbook Pro is its relative cost and even there, I think the price is justified for all the benefits of owning a Mac, especially if you opt for the 13 inch bottom of the line model.</p>