Mac or PC for University?

F

fengshui

New Member
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
 
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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.
 
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...?
 
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
 
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.
 
hackapelite said:
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...?
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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PunterCam said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
Ok I am against using macs but i vote for Mac! Mac's require just about no antivirus and yet stay clean and safe! Thats my 2 cents
 
I think it just depends on the school, and the class. I've had friends tell me that they never use their laptops for anything other than music/movies, and then others have told me that they're great for school and use them (for school related stuff) all the time.

As for the Mac VS PC debate...I think you should get a Mac, and dual boot with Windows (although that also means you'll have to spend an extra $100-$200 on Windows).

*EDIT* Oh, and I don't know why people complain about stability/viruses with Windows...I've never had any problems...be it Windows 2000, XP, or Vista.
 
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I would wait untill a few months before you go to the university to buy it, making sure its as up to date as possible. And I would Run windows, I work with macs at my job almost 98% of the time, but I still like windows. Macs are becoming more and more popular, but a ton of programs and games are still not compatable with them. I'm not saying get the macbook, I'm saying whatever you get put windows on it, my guess is the professors will be using windows.
 
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