Laptop for University

[ScWoL]

Next year I'm going to be going into university for environmental engineering. There will be parts of design in the course I'm sure, using CAD and other programs. I'm thinking about buying a macbook, I've heard they're really solid, and great for design and safety(viruses, memory) etc. I've used windows...xp/vista since I was young, would it be a wise choice or no? I really like how the macbooks look but I'd like to hear some pros/cons and opinions, thanks!

Scwol

[nevermind1534]

Macbooks are just the same as a laptop that you get running windows, just with mac os. Apple is now saying that you need to get antivirus software for your mac, so you can't say there's no viruses. Unless you need mac os for any programs, I would say just get a better laptop running windows for the same price.

[ScWoL]

Yeah they do seem a bit pricey for what you get...What are some higher end brand of laptops?

[nevermind1534]

I think most of the brands are ok. You may want to look at a Del XPS or alienware laptop, if you want a high-end

[TheGreatSatan]

All companies have High End laptops. HP, Toshiba, Gateway, and Dell. How much money are you thinking of parting with? I wouldn't spend more than $1200

[NightrainSrt4]

I have a macbook and I love it. Then again I have more windows pc's than I can count and love them too. Probably one of the few people that can justify both sides.

But, in my opinion you should check to see if your college has a laptop program. Many schools have a deal with dell or another company where you get a quite nice laptop with all the software you are going to need. No you won't be different or unique, but you will in many cases have direct access/support from the school's IT department.

If you're confident in your abilities to deal with anything that may go wrong, or viruses or anything like that (which run rampant on Uni campuses), then grab something different. The mac will help you a bit with the virus department, but isn't invulnerable either.

[ScWoL]

Well I live in Canada and our universities don't offer anything like that...so far? I'd probably be willing to part with around 1500? Give or take a bit. Any suggestions? Cheaper would be better :P.

[nevermind1534]

I say look around at what the different manufacturers have to offer, and get the best for your money.

[NightrainSrt4]

If you know what Uni you're going to its worth taking the time to really search their site or talk to them to see if they do indeed have a laptop program. I'm not saying you have to, but its something to look into at the very least.

Don't know what Uni you're going to but:
McGill University Laptop Program (http://www.mcgill.ca/emf/laptop/)
Queen's University Laptop Program (http://ccstore.queensu.ca/queensu70/special_page_en.jsp?adid=11)
Concordia University Laptop Program (http://ccs.concordia.ca/hardware.notebooks.html)
Carleton University Computer Program (http://www2.carleton.ca/ccs/services/computer-hardware-software/purchase-program.php)

That's just a few, just googled Canada universities and went down the list. Take a look at your uni's site, and if you don't find anything call them. Just giving a headsup that way you have more options, and support if that's something you need.

[LiTHiUM0XiD3]

my buddy got a 10,000 spending limit for when he went to uni... because of his ADHD... they just went and threw him a huge cheque and he went and got himself a top of the line dell lappy (top of the line a couple of years ago)

[TheGreatSatan]

Do you have an Office Depot nearby? Look for Core 2 Duo T5800 or better, 4GB of RAM, and at least a 250GB Hard drive.