<p>This fall I will be a freshman and am wondering what I'll need for work and classes. I currently have an old Macbook, and I hate lugging that around but I love Apple and have been considering a 13" Macbook Pro. I know I'll be needing a higher resolution, and something that can handle all the Adobe programs, but should I be focusing on screen space? All advice is appreciated, thanks!</p>
<p>1280 * 800 = 1024000
1366 * 768 = 1049088</p>
<p>Where 1366 * 768 is a pretty standard resolution. Amongst comparable resolutions Apple often has a lower amount of total pixels due to using 16:10 instead of 16:9 which is more common. (for example, apple uses 1440x900 on the MBA whereas a similar resolution windows-based PC would likely be 1600x900)</p>
<p>Also adobe suite works for both Windows and OS X. Not really much of a difference outside of keyboard shortcuts.</p>
<p>Don’t forget to consider the monitor quality. While some calibration is still probably required to get as best settings as possible, there is definitely a lot more to it than the amount of pixels. An external monitor can also be useful. Generally a larger resolution (though not per screen size) and a low ppi may be helpful in spotting any potential artifacts (since they’d be larger).</p>
<p>It’s possible your college will require a certain computer. Check with them.</p>
<p>I’ve never heard of any college requiring a specific computer, but some colleges’ own infrastructures are mainly Mac or mainly Win, in which case if you don’t have a preference, that might tip it for you. Also, some departments might favor one over the other, e.g. art or engineering. So, yes, check with the school/department.</p>