best laptop for college (apple or pc)

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bluesteel

New Member
i am going to college in about a month and i need a laptop. i can't decide between a macbook pro or any other pc. i will mostly be writing papers, playing and downloading music and videos, browsing the internet. i might create a website. i also need powerpoint. i will be carring my laptop all around campus. i would like a glossy screen and cost does not mean too much to me. i also heard that apples do not get viruses which i like alot. i do not know what my major will be but i might do accounting or something with money or education. i am not very smart when it comes to computers but i ame a fast learner. i think i am leaning towards a macbook pro. if i do get a mbp will my files be compatible to my professors if he has a pc and i don't have windows on my mbp. also what is better for a mbp, windows or Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger. do mbp's have powerpoint or anything like it? please i need help! thanks
 
For the most part, if you are sending Word files between a Mac and PC, you should be fine.

The Mac can get viruses, it's because PCs are so popular, that viruses are written for that platform. Plus adware and spyware is also written for PCs and Macs tend to be relatively immune to that as well. For what you will be doing, and since the money factor isn't really a factor, the Mac would be a better option, in my mind. In fact when I have enough money to get a PC and laptop, I will have a Mac laptop... :)
 
There is one problem with that as I am in the same position, but I bought a laptop already. A lot of schools require WinXP Pro for some reason to run certain things better. I'm not exactly what sure but I spoke to one of the IT guys there and they said that, not to mention I just prefer WinXP Pro over anything else. But you should contact the IT guys there anyway, even if this isn't a problem, jsut to make sure you don't need anything special for certain things/places.
 
Lots of schools, corporations, and 90-95% of the world prefer Windows. From an IT stand point, it's the most recommended because it's compatible with almost anything. Nothing wrong with Mac's, but you will be joining the 2-3% of computer users out there. The same percentage reflects on the software available for you.
 
Depending on your major, which you are unsure yet.. It'll probably be best at that point where you are at now to get a PC. Mac's are more of on the graphical side of life. Like for example, graphic designing and such.. Most of them will use a MAC. Other than that.. for what you seem to be doing, a PC will probably be better suited for you.

You said you need powerpoint, that's PC. Better to just have and go, then possibly having to deal with converting and making it compatible with a pc if you have a mac.

Also, the reason lots of PC gets viruses.. you can possibly just randomly say that.. it's like 25% viruses, 15% softwares, and 60% the user itself not being knowledgeable enough to protect themselves, or take actions to prevent it from happening. (haha, funny statement huh?) That's how I think of it...

But if I was you, I'd go with a PC, it's easier for any future occurances.. like repairs, updates, etc..
 
Graphics on PC's are pretty overwhelming on today's market. Lots of print houses, web developers, production artists are on PC's. Most web users are on PC's, most companies want to budget spending and only use PC's. There is nothing on a Mac that a PC can't do the same or better. Well except for Pixar work, Steve Jobs bought that out- had to hold onto something before extinction.
 
I have heard that some colleges require their students to get Macs. One option is to ask your admissions office. If they say they have no preference or requirement, get a PC. Your wallet will thank you.
Tom
 
Okay, I just got a macbook pro. The only reason I can say I got it is becuase I already have a desktop PC. Or else I would get a PC laptop. Another good thing is bootcamp on macs, you can now install windows on your mac and switch between the two. I like that a lot. :)
 
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