<p>I will need to purchase a new laptop when I start school next year. Do most Princeton students purchase their laptop through the school? It seems like this would be the easiest way to make sure you can access all the library and internet connections with the least amount of hassle since Princeton is responsible for loading the software (Endnote, Microsoft Office, etc.). I like Linux (Ubuntu) but I assume the majority of students use Windows. Can the Princeton computer be configured with Linux and still access the Princeton library and internet system? Thanks in advance for your replies.</p>
<p>Actually, most people have Macs. I KNOW someone will come along behind me and post some statistic about how it’s actually 50-50 or something, but trust me, if you can afford it, just buy a Macbook through SCI (the student computer initiative). It’s so much easier having a Mac, a) because you can always borrow someone else’s power cord and b) they seriously don’t break as often. My friend bought a Dell from SCI this September and has had to take it to OIT (the IT help desk) 4 times since then. I bought a Macbook through SCI freshman year and haven’t had problems with it. Ever. And yes, it’s easier to just buy it through SCI because it comes already hooked up to the Princeton network and with all the software you need. It’s also a pretty good price.</p>
<p>Well, your friend probably had to bring her Dell to get fixed a lot because Dells are pieces of crap anyway.</p>
<p>Sounds like the Mac is the way to go. About how expensive is the Mac laptop? It seems like not many students use Linux?</p>
<p>I use Ubuntu on my (Toshiba) notebook, and I’d hope that Princeton would facilitate my open-source geekiness.</p>
<p>Is the Macbook Pro a good choice for engineers?</p>
<p>Unfortunately I can’t access the SCI pricing ([SCI</a> Store - Student Computer Initiative (SCI)](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/sci/sci-store/]SCI”>http://www.princeton.edu/sci/sci-store/)) because I’ve already bought an SCI computer this year. I’m pretty sure it’s just a little over $1000 for a new MacBook though.</p>
<p>In terms of whether Princeton is “geek friendly,” the COS department certainly is, and you will find lots of people there who have desktops, two monitors, Linux, Ubuntu, all that stuff.</p>
<p>I’m just saying that in general I find my Princeton MacBook to be the easiest to use, but if Linux works better for you, it shouldn’t be a problem.</p>
<p>Oh, and BTW, I think about half the campus reads XKCD, so you should be right at home :)</p>
<p>@TomJones: Most of my friends who are engineers have MacBooks or MacBook Pros, so that shouldn’t be a problem!</p>
<p>I used to use a Mac a few years ago, and the graphing calculator bundled with the OS (10.4) was fantastic. But I guess engineering students use more advanced programs like MatLab.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if college students use TI-83’s? I find it mildly shocking that a 15 year-old device is still the standard, at least in high school.</p>
<p>^The TI-89 is likely the most popular choice in terms of graphing calculators. But computer programs such as Maple are becoming more popular.</p>
<p>Macbooks are definitely more expensive than comparable Windows laptops (usually $400-500 more). And yes, Dell longevity = worst.</p>