<p>I've heard that many science majors require students to run computer programs based on PC operating systems (windows) while these applications arent supported by MAC operating systems. I'm going to be majoring in biology, and I'm leaning towards buying an Apple PowerBook. Will I be able to run the computer applications for my classes on a MAC or will I need a PC? Anybody experience similar compatibility problems?</p>
<p>As a bio major, I honestly think you'll be fine with a mac. If there are particular programs you will need to use that are not mac compatible you can either look into purchasing virtual pc or use computers in the biology labs (if your school has any set up in those areas?).</p>
<p>Why would you buy a MAC a week after they announced they would be switching their entire internal chipsets over the next few years? (to INTEL chips no less!)</p>
<p>Personally, I thought MAC's were nice, but massively overpriced before, but after the announcement I can see no reason to buy an expensive cpu that doesn't run what you need it to to begin with, and only stands to become obsolete and RECORD speeds with MAC switching away from the technology you would be buying.</p>
<p>Dont listen to him and buy the Mac.</p>
<p>It will run what you need and the intel switch shouldnt affect you at all. Unlike the rest of hte PC industry, they have switched before instead of trying to extend an architecture past its time so they know how to handle the switch. It won't become obsolete any faster than any other computer you could buy today.</p>
<p>I have been watching several friends over the past few months who have been long time users of windows but simply were fed up with virus problems switch to Macs
FInally- it is so nice to be able to just use a computer without having to fix it all the time.
My daughter is a bio major- and her campus runs on Macs-</p>
<p>i will also be a bio major this fall and am meaning towards getting an apple ibook. im just a little hesitant though because of the whole switch..im hoping that maybe there will be a sale or somethign because they're switching, so i dont want to buy it too early..</p>
<p>If you have anything that you can use for the next couple years- you might want to hold off
My daughter bought one ibook after high school graduation- it was good enough to get her through the first couple years of college- but then she needed more flexiblity the ability to make dvds etc.
Buy the very cheapest you can get by with- we have had good luck with refurbished computers thorough apple or small dog- then get a new one for senior year and post grad.</p>
<p>After Affirmative Action, nothing seems to stir the blood like a PC vs. Mac thread. Lets try to frame this discussion away from my computer is better than your pile of .</p>
<p>Too often, the question starts like this: I want an Apple/Windows computer. Will it do the following? You start with a pre-conceived notion and everything else is merely dissembling until you get the answer you want to hear. Let me suggest a far better line of inquiry: What do I need to accomplish (in my school work)? Yes, this is a buttocks-backward approach to the problem and, hopefully, will yield more light than heat. And lets agree that any current computer/laptop will do the basics: Web-surfing; e-mail; word processing and burning CDs. </p>
<p>Consider the following:</p>
<p>What is your major?
Does your major require any special software?
On what platforms will this software run?
If youre in a professional program, what is your industry standard platform?</p>
<p>For most students, either an Apple or Window based computer will do. However, if youre in a specialized field, then the software should dictate which platform you should buy. It makes no sense to buy a platform that can not support a specialized piece of software in its native format. Unfortunately, this usually works against Mac users who have to buy Virtual PC in order to run software that lacks a Mac equivalent. If its necessary to run Virtual PC because the software in your field of study only works in a Windows environment, then youve made the wrong choice. The same holds true if, say, youre journalism major where Mac-based composition and editing software is the norm a WinTel machine wont do. </p>
<p>What is exciting is the Apple switch to Intel. Many Mac observers are hoping that they can do away with Virtual PC and run Windows in its native format and with it, the vast Windows based software library. Unfortunately for students who have to make a purchasing decision soon, the switch is a year (maybe less) away...</p>
<p>Bio majors usually do not utilized programs or software like engineer majors do, so don't worry about it. Most program that you use for research will be located on a computer in your lab.</p>
<p>Now if you're concerned about medical school, most programs offered are for a handheld pc.</p>
<p>I am a bio major and i recently just got a apple powerbook. This is my first mac and i absolutely love it. Much more user friendly than a pc.</p>
<p>LisaSimpsonReborn,
Just so you know, Apple is currently running a sale for college students. Go to the apple webpage <a href="http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/%5B/url%5D">http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/</a> and click the link that says education. Students and teachers receive a discount on all laptops (including the iBook). Also, through mid-September, Apple is giving free iPod-minis to any student that purchases a laptop/desktop. And if you don't want the mini, you can receive a discount of $179 off a 20 GB or 60 GB iPod. Hope this info helps you! :)</p>
<p>I'm guessing that outside of possibly Matlab, bio majors don't have to worry about specialized software. As for whether to go Mac or PC, choose whichever one you feel most comfortable with. Remember, the computer is only as good as its user. A Mac can be unreliable, just as a PC can be reliable, depending on the user's computer sense. Therefore, if you feel more comfortable with Mac, it will be more reliable.</p>
<p>D uses these programs in her bio major
She also uses Latex to format papers
<a href="http://web.reed.edu/cis/help/latexStart.html%5B/url%5D">http://web.reed.edu/cis/help/latexStart.html</a>
<a href="http://www.latex-project.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.latex-project.org/</a>
<a href="http://academic.reed.edu/biology/software.html%5B/url%5D">http://academic.reed.edu/biology/software.html</a>
<a href="http://www.statview.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.statview.com/</a></p>
<p>How about for a physics major? (I'm looking at getting a mac too)</p>
<p>chelsea, thanks i have heard about this sale and was about to buy the ibook but then some people are saying to wait and that the sales will get better closer to the end of july/august, so i was thinking i should try waiting, because i dont have much money for a laptop so i want to get one as cheap as possible. but do you think that it's a really good sale now?? i dont know what to do!</p>
<p>I'll be a physics major and I would get a mac laptop if I wasnt such a nerd and used a Thinkpad with Linux in addition to my gaming PC</p>
<p>The Apple sale runs to Sept. 24th. You have plenty of time before making your purchase. The cheapest IBook that qualifies is the $949 (with the dvd/cd-rw drive). Buy the Ipod mini for $179 and submit the rebate coupon and get a check back for the $179.</p>
<p>Unless you need the IBook right away, it wouldn't hurt to wait a month to see how well the promotion is working. Living in Michigan, the auto companies keep coming up with different incentive programs to move cars off their lots. Waiting another month isn't going to hurt you since the promotion will run through Sept.</p>
<p>well RAM price forecasts are saying that prices will rise, but other components should compensate for this</p>
<p>such as?</p>
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