<p>Do not buy a Chromebook. It will fill almost none of your needs, aside from note taking. It can’t run programs that have an installer, which throws your engineering software right out the window.</p>
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Skilled in OSX?? A monkey could run windows 8 programs in OSX</p>
<p>Either:
A. You run windows in boot camp which means you just have to hold down command during start up to run windows</p>
<p>B. You download a program that runs windows as a virtual OS, all that involves is opening up the App…</p>
<p>It’s easy for you and me. For someone with less experience? I’m not sure. I haven’t had much good experience with Windows Parallel.</p>
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</p>
<p>You open the App</p>
<p>It launches windows</p>
<p>Have you used parallels 8?</p>
<p>Just go with the computer you like the best. You can always put Windows on a Macbook, as has already been stated.</p>
<p>Its not that hard to find out what’s going on when its a google search away.</p>
<p>“If you really are afraid of the lack of compatibility between Mac and still want a Mac, you can always run parallels or boot camp (but that’s tedious)”</p>
<p>I am just wondering why one would spend 2x the amount for a mac if they are going to use the windows os? I mean if you’re that afraid of software not being compatible for a mac then I would highly suggest you not get a mac at all, unless of course you have money to throw down the drain for the windows 8 os and a mac. You also jeopardize the smooth interface of the mac as it is a difficult task to run 2 operating systems plus the applications you will need to use on 1 system. Tedious indeed!</p>
<p>“I am just wondering why one would spend 2x the amount for a mac if they are going to use the windows os?”</p>
<p>You get the ease of use and far fewer viri/junk with Mac, and if you ever do find a Win program you need that doesn’t have a Mac counterpart, you have the option of running Win when you absolutely can’t avoid it.</p>
<p>Vonlost, I understand the ease of use but as I said you are still jeopardizing the smooth interface and essentially that “ease of use” when you have to run Windows and on top of that a big program designed specifically for windows. So in my opinion, it makes more sense to buy a PC since OP has those concerns.Buying a mac and running windows?.. just cut out the middle man and use a windows computer, that simple also more cost effective.</p>
<p>This is also coming from someone who owns both and prefers my MacBook, there aren’t any programs for me personally that I can’t run straight on my MacBook.</p>