<p>So what kind of laptop does everyone plan on getting for college? I am totally lost! I’ve heard that PC’s are best for math, engineering, or general science majors (that’s me!) and and that Mac’s are best for art. I’ve also heard people say they’ve spoken to Ohio State science professors and staff that have said that running certain programs used for class is more difficult on Macs. Other people are telling me, however, that PC’s usually don’t run their own programs, whereas everything on a Mac is made by Apple, therefore making PCs more succeptible to viruses and Macs more user-friendly. Then, I’ve also heard that PC programs can be used on a Mac. Personally, I’ve always used a PC and so it would be easy for me to get used to; plus, as a science major, I wouldn’t want to have issues using class-related programs on my computer. There are just too many factors to consider! Let alone GB, processor, and all that other jazz. So what laptops would you guys suggest?</p>
<p>Alright, I personally prefer Macs just because of how easy they are to use (user friendliness). However, I wouldn’t necessarily say that Macs are better for “artsy” stuff since PC’s have some amazing design/art programs. I think one of the main reasons that some people prefer macs is their reliability and durability. Having used PC’s for most of my life, I kind of got used to frequent crashes, viruses, etc. After switching to Macs I have foung that it is almost virtually impossible for your Mac to get a virus. I have also never had a Mac crash on me. So essentially, I personally believe that Macs are more reliable which is probably why they come with a far higher price tag.</p>
<p>Now, you’re also concerned about running certain programs. Honestly the advantage probably goes to Mac. Yes, most programs might be made to run on PC, but if you install Boot Camp on your mac, it enables you to install the windows operating system which will subsequently run on one part of your machine which enables you to install and use PC programs on your mac. </p>
<p>Pricewise, you can get a PC with the same features (storage,memory,processor) as a mac for a lot less, however.</p>
<p>Hopefully that helps!</p>
<p>My son is in engineering and has an HP Elite Book I think. He got it at Wired Out, the campus computer store, because he could take it there to get it fixed if needed. However, I was surprised to find that if he needs a repair via Wired Out, he has to leave it for a few days until a tech can look at it and longer if parts need to be ordered. It seems that most parts do need to be ordered because they don’t keep much around. This would be a problem because my son can’t be without a computer for any appreciable amount of time. </p>
<p>Fortunately, he also bought the 3 yr warranty with on site service from HP where they will come to him if he has a problem. Since he got it, he has called HP service twice to repair keyboard problems (basically keys that need to be pressed hard to respond) and both times they came to him to make the repairs. First they try to talk you through some basic service/diagnostics via phone but if you have trouble they will come out. </p>
<p>If he had to do it again, he’d have purchased a similar HP laptop elsewhere (not at Wired Out) and made sure to get the 3 year on site warranty where they will come out for service. </p>
<p>The laptop itself has been great for his needs as an engineering student.</p>
<p>I strongly recommend getting a Mac. They may be pricey, but it’s well worth it in the long run. I have been using my Macbook for over 3 years now, and I’m going to continue using it in college until I absolutely must buy a new one. However, I don’t see the time for a new one being anytime soon.</p>
<p>I don’t think it makes much difference-my older daughter had a Dell PC, my younger daughter has a mac. Both business majors. Younger daughter had no problem getting used to the mac. I will say, the mac has had many fewer problems as compared to the pc, crash and virus wise. Many mac issues can be dealt with at the local apple store brain bar. The negative on the mac is that it is more expensive than a similarly built pc.</p>
<p>It depends on a lot of factors, classes you’ll be taking, programs you’ll need to run, whether some of the discs coming with your textbooks will be able to run on your system, etc. I think it mostly comes down to personal preference. Both PC’s and Mac’s can do virtually the same thand are thing, and are reliable computers. Mac’s tend to last longer, with the minimum viruses and what not, but I think a Windows computer may be more useful, since the majority of programs are made for them.</p>
<p>Buy a cheap Toshiba (>$300) every yr in college
sell you old one for half price, your cost after college is $600.
You will upgrade every year to newer and better machine
If lost, damaged or stolen - you are not out that much.
just food for thought
Go OSU Buckeyes!</p>
<p>Okay, thank you everyone for your responses! (: I just got back from orientation yesterday, and asked someone at the WiredOut booth which laptop I should get (I’m currently a Psychology major/Neuroscience minor, planning to switch to a Neuroscience major next year when OSU starts offering it). I was told that I should be fine with either a PC or Mac, and that it won’t make a difference to me. I guess Engineering students are typically the ones that they recommend to get PCs. So thanks again for all the responses! I’ll share all this with my parents, since they’re ultimately the ones paying for this, lol.</p>