<p>My son will be attending Case as a freshman, need advice on a laptop to purchase MAC or windows? I would like to surprise him with a laptop for his graduation on Friday. Are the programs used at Case available in both operating systems? </p>
<p>Mom</p>
<p>Almost all of the programs used at Case are available for both operating systems. In general, Macs seem better suited towards the music and liberal arts majors and the vast majority of engineering students use Windows. I do recommend looking at the systems available at a discount through Case as they do have some good systems that are "bundled" to work well with the Case network and how they will need to be used in classes.<br>
I was really glad that I was able to pick my computer out for myself because so much depends on personal preference (I wanted a light, small Dell laptop, but other people in my family prefer a larger screen, which makes the computer heavier). Because there are so many variations and laptops are difficult or impossible to upgrade, it might be a good idea to hold off on getting the actual computer until he has a chance to look at his options and decide what will be best for him. Many of my friends received computers from their parents for high school graduation, typically it was a thing where the parents told them or handed them a note indicating their intent instead of giving them a specific computer, and they all appreciated that.</p>
<p>That being said, there are numerous computer labs around the Case campus (some macs, some running Windows, and some running Linux). If your computer isn't well suited for something you want to do, you can always find one that is.</p>
<p>Check the Case website and see if they have any recommendations. Could depend on major. My daugher is an enginerring major at Vandy and PC's are the rule.</p>
<p>I would definitely either ask your son what his preferences are or take him computer shopping. Ctheflute is right, choosing a computer is a pretty personal choice. Say, take him computer shopping after graduation friday? </p>
<p>Some students go for a smaller computer because they think they will need to carry their laptop EVERYWHERE, when the fact is that after trying for a while, no matter how big or small the computer is, most students realize carrying their computer to class every day isn't necessary, nor worth the weight, even with a "small" laptop. </p>
<p>The Software center offers all of the basic programs for both Mac OS X and Windows Vista/XP.</p>
<p>I don't think there are many recommendations on the website as far as major and computer choice. Could be wrong though. </p>
<p>Personally, I'd almost suggest a mac, or a PC not running Windows Vista, because I'm running a laptop that I upgraded to windows vista, and its definitely not worth it. I don't really like vista, and will be switching back to XP once I get my recovery CD.</p>
<p>Thanks for your responses. I will take your advice and wait until after graduation and let him come shopping. Does anyone know where one can find the information regarding the Dell discounts for Case students?
Thanks again.</p>
<p>No problem Shelly - hope your son enjoys Case!</p>
<p>The computer discounts for Case can be found here: [url=<a href="http://www.case.edu/its/estore/computer.htm%5DComputers%5B/url">http://www.case.edu/its/estore/computer.htm]Computers[/url</a>]</p>
<p>Your son will need to log in with his Case username and password to get the actual info.</p>