Mac or PC for University?

fengshui · 03-07-2008, 02:58 AM

Hello, this is my first time posting on the forums.

I'm going to university after another year. I'm going to need a laptop soon. However, I'm not sure which to choose between: Macbook or Lenovo Thinkpad X-series. I'm dead on these two brands because of personal preferences, and I won't consider anything else.

My main concerns are (from highest to lowest): stability, compatibility, portability and value.

I have a general picture of the two laptops.

Macbook probably have a higher ground than the Lenovo X-series in stability and value. They practically cost the same, but the Macbook is definately more stable and trustworthy. However, my main concer here is after seeing the new introduced Macbook models, there weren't much changes from the ones last years. So is it better to wait another year, when the next series of Macbook come out, to buy one?

Also, I am using a desktop pc right now (Windows XP), so will there be any problems switching to OS?

Thinkpad X-series in my opinion is better for compatibility and portability. That's self-explanatory since pc are generally cheaper and this laptop has the best portability in the Lenovo industry.

Now, I need your opinions on which one I should get. Currently, the Macbook is the more favoured choice for me. However, I'm concerned that I will have some trouble in university if I use one. Will I have problems opening files given by the school/professor, or opening files sent by friends in group assignments? Also, are there anything wrong in my opinions for the two laptops? Any other concerns for the two laptops in unversity would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks

PunterCam · 03-07-2008, 12:08 PM

What are you looking to run on the computer?

OSX isn't as compatable with everything as windows, but all mac computers now use Intel chips. This means you can install windows on the macbook, and dual boot. From this angle I'd get the mac; you can run 2 operating systems for complete compatibility, and they look pretty stunning.
Chances are any files your lecturer gives you will be powerpoints, excel docs, word docs etc... You can get microsoft word for the mac, so that's not a problem. Quicktime, VLC media player, itunes, imovie, idvd, they're all compatible with OSX, so don't worry about that. Occasionally you'll find something that doesn't work, or very occasionally a webpage that has a problem with Safari (OSX's web browser, internet explorer isn't available of OSX), but it's rare.

More and more people are using macs, so you'll be less in the minority that you think.

Apple will keep introducing new laptops. Fact. The thinkpad will go out of date just as quickly. You will almost certainly get more money bck for your macbook when it comes to upgrading though.

Why do you feel you need a laptop for uni? Just get a desktop, more power, more stability, and you won't take your laptop into lectures - no one does.

hackapelite · 03-07-2008, 12:23 PM

How come desktops are more stable than laptops? And how come Macs are more stable than PCs? I thought that Windows was the real reason behind this "unstability" of PCs...?

daisymtc · 03-07-2008, 01:56 PM

I will vote for Windows.

Windows is the most common OS, in case you your course require you to install some additional program, you will not experience any difficulty

HumanMage · 03-07-2008, 02:32 PM

I'd vote for the Lenovo if thats the PC you want to get. However, for looks and stuff like that Macbooks can't be beat. For compatibility sake I'd go for the Lenovo as well, just on the grounds of having windows from the start, and not having to buy a copy and duel boot (but if you have the money, it isn't a terrible alternative). With that said, why not take a look at Asus

I'll keep plugging Asus for as long as I love this laptop I bought from them....amazing.

ducis · 03-07-2008, 02:43 PM

Windows you wont get pwned by a unix architecture later on

PunterCam · 03-07-2008, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hackapelite

How come desktops are more stable than laptops? And how come Macs are more stable than PCs? I thought that Windows was the real reason behind this "unstability" of PCs...?

Better cooling, more headroom usually with the parts, they just are really. People will argue it probably, but in my experience laptops go wrong far more often.

Windows XP is just as stable as OSX these days, I run both regularly now and I get similar problems with bot.

fengshui · 03-07-2008, 04:16 PM

OK thanks for the replies. Its really interesting you can install windows on a mac now, never thought of that. Also, is it true that there are no virus that affect a Mac OS? Or is it just a myth? My main concern is still about stability, I really don't want to run into problems with viruses. I think I will get a mac and dual boot Windows on it. Thanks again for the replies.

azwebs · 03-07-2008, 05:06 PM

In the general term "virus" (something that makes your computer do something it shouldn't - but then again, a year ago, that could've been Vista - but its better now), there is nothing really that will affect a Mac, until you install Mac Office, and rename macword.exe to winword.exe. If a virus does that, it's back to the beginning with OSX. However, this is unlikely, but with the proper security (even AVG free is good, running on server for 3 years, no viruses), even Windows is secure in today's world. In relation to stability, pretty much every OS crashes now and then, but they're both about as secure as each other. Also, with a Windows PC, you could run Virtual OSX in VirtualPC. It doesn't say its supported, but in the type of OS box, select other, and it'll run most versions of OSX fine (2gb RAM and above recommended for VirtualPC).

Download AVG 7.5 free

b182tm · 03-31-2008, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PunterCam

Why do you feel you need a laptop for uni? Just get a desktop, more power, more stability, and you won't take your laptop into lectures - no one does.

I'm not sure where you're going to college/uni, but for me, laptop's are very common in lectures. It has been widely accepted in all of my courses, and there's usually a good handful that use their laptops for notes. Also, I feel like a laptop is a much better option than a desktop for school. If you ever need to work in the library or between classes, or even work on assignments at a coffee shop or something, you can do it on your laptop, instead of being confined to one room on a desktop....Just my opinion on desktop vs. laptop for school.

03-07-2008, 02:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
fengshui New Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3	Mac or PC for University? Hello, this is my first time posting on the forums. I'm going to university after another year. I'm going to need a laptop soon. However, I'm not sure which to choose between: Macbook or Lenovo Thinkpad X-series. I'm dead on these two brands because of personal preferences, and I won't consider anything else. My main concerns are (from highest to lowest): stability, compatibility, portability and value. I have a general picture of the two laptops. Macbook probably have a higher ground than the Lenovo X-series in stability and value. They practically cost the same, but the Macbook is definately more stable and trustworthy. However, my main concer here is after seeing the new introduced Macbook models, there weren't much changes from the ones last years. So is it better to wait another year, when the next series of Macbook come out, to buy one? Also, I am using a desktop pc right now (Windows XP), so will there be any problems switching to OS? Thinkpad X-series in my opinion is better for compatibility and portability. That's self-explanatory since pc are generally cheaper and this laptop has the best portability in the Lenovo industry. Now, I need your opinions on which one I should get. Currently, the Macbook is the more favoured choice for me. However, I'm concerned that I will have some trouble in university if I use one. Will I have problems opening files given by the school/professor, or opening files sent by friends in group assignments? Also, are there anything wrong in my opinions for the two laptops? Any other concerns for the two laptops in unversity would be much appreciated. Many Thanks Last edited by fengshui; 03-07-2008 at 03:05 AM.

03-07-2008, 12:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
PunterCam Platinum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 567	What are you looking to run on the computer? OSX isn't as compatable with everything as windows, but all mac computers now use Intel chips. This means you can install windows on the macbook, and dual boot. From this angle I'd get the mac; you can run 2 operating systems for complete compatibility, and they look pretty stunning. Chances are any files your lecturer gives you will be powerpoints, excel docs, word docs etc... You can get microsoft word for the mac, so that's not a problem. Quicktime, VLC media player, itunes, imovie, idvd, they're all compatible with OSX, so don't worry about that. Occasionally you'll find something that doesn't work, or very occasionally a webpage that has a problem with Safari (OSX's web browser, internet explorer isn't available of OSX), but it's rare. More and more people are using macs, so you'll be less in the minority that you think. Apple will keep introducing new laptops. Fact. The thinkpad will go out of date just as quickly. You will almost certainly get more money bck for your macbook when it comes to upgrading though. Why do you feel you need a laptop for uni? Just get a desktop, more power, more stability, and you won't take your laptop into lectures - no one does. __________________ 2006 Mac Pro Dual, dual core xeons @ 2.0Ghz each 2Gb Ram (I'm too poor) NVidia Geforce 7300Gt 256mb Onboard Sound - optical out to Logitech Z5500 Digidesign MBox2 output to PMCs 250Gb Drive running both Mac OSX and Windows on seperate partitions, 400Gb Seagate Drive for Windows, 400Gb WD Drive for OSX 24¨ Acer AL2416W (not nearly as bad as you'd think) Various Lacie external drives

03-07-2008, 12:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
hackapelite VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Melbourne, Kangarooland Age: 17 Posts: 2,126	How come desktops are more stable than laptops? And how come Macs are more stable than PCs? I thought that Windows was the real reason behind this "unstability" of PCs...? __________________ BY READING THE ABOVE POST, YOU AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING: "The above post is provided solely for entertainment purposes and is not to be taken as professional advice. Therefore, I shall not be held responsible for any damage or losses that are result from anything I have posted, to the extent applicable by law. In the unlikely event that I CAN be held responsible, I have never been here, I am not here, and I will never be here, and it will be highly questionable whether I even exist."

03-07-2008, 02:32 PM	#5 (permalink)
HumanMage Platinum Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 792	I'd vote for the Lenovo if thats the PC you want to get. However, for looks and stuff like that Macbooks can't be beat. For compatibility sake I'd go for the Lenovo as well, just on the grounds of having windows from the start, and not having to buy a copy and duel boot (but if you have the money, it isn't a terrible alternative). With that said, why not take a look at Asus I'll keep plugging Asus for as long as I love this laptop I bought from them....amazing. __________________ -----Laptop: Asus G1----- http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3403

03-07-2008, 02:43 PM	#6 (permalink)
ducis Diamond Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,542	Windows you wont get pwned by a unix architecture later on __________________ formerly firsttimebuilder pm me for any questions on sub ambient cooling FOLDING FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND :F@H Team 44358 My Guide to Benchmark Cooling Free Website Hosting!

03-07-2008, 01:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
daisymtc Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: UK Posts: 2,684	I will vote for Windows. Windows is the most common OS, in case you your course require you to install some additional program, you will not experience any difficulty

03-07-2008, 04:16 PM	#8 (permalink)
fengshui New Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3	OK thanks for the replies. Its really interesting you can install windows on a mac now, never thought of that. Also, is it true that there are no virus that affect a Mac OS? Or is it just a myth? My main concern is still about stability, I really don't want to run into problems with viruses. I think I will get a mac and dual boot Windows on it. Thanks again for the replies.

03-07-2008, 05:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
azwebs Gold Member Join Date: May 2007 Age: 14 Posts: 414	In the general term "virus" (something that makes your computer do something it shouldn't - but then again, a year ago, that could've been Vista - but its better now), there is nothing really that will affect a Mac, until you install Mac Office, and rename macword.exe to winword.exe. If a virus does that, it's back to the beginning with OSX. However, this is unlikely, but with the proper security (even AVG free is good, running on server for 3 years, no viruses), even Windows is secure in today's world. In relation to stability, pretty much every OS crashes now and then, but they're both about as secure as each other. Also, with a Windows PC, you could run Virtual OSX in VirtualPC. It doesn't say its supported, but in the type of OS box, select other, and it'll run most versions of OSX fine (2gb RAM and above recommended for VirtualPC). Download AVG 7.5 free __________________ In no way should my posts be taken as professional advice. Use the information I provide at your own risk. Intel Core 2 Quad QX6850 3.0Ghz @ 4.5Ghz 16GB OCZ ReaperX 1333Mhz DDR3 RAM (going for 32GB soon) 3 x 1TB Seagate SATA II 7200RPM 32MB XFX GTX280 1GB OC'ed Edition in 3-Way SLi 4x BluRay Writer, 24x DL DVD Burner 2 x Samsung SM245B+ 24" (1920 x 1200) Windows Vista Ultimate 64-Bit Last edited by azwebs; 03-07-2008 at 05:12 PM. Reason: Add URL

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