PC or Mac for College Computer

[Giants745]

I am getting ready to leave for college and am stuck on the question of: PC or Mac.

I've used both before and am conformable with using both. I am an advanced computer user with many certifications. I know how to use VMWare as well!

I plan on doing Engineering or Computer Science.

I've already decided that I want at least 8GB of RAM, a SSD, and at least an i5.

Should I buy a PC for general compability or go with Mac and just use VMWare when an app is not supported. I also plan to use this computer for 6+ years and don't have any plans on buying a new laptop.

 

[David_24]

just get a pc and run a virtual mac if u need to.

 

[turkey3_scratch]

I'd buy a PC for two reasons:

1) Colleges in general operate on Windows based software. If you have a Mac, that could be troublesome. Yeah, you could use VMWare I suppose, but I'd still rather it be my native OS.
2) You get better hardware for a cheaper price. With Macs you do have to pay Apple tax and higher prices for the same hardware.

The reason to get a Mac would be if the software you use requires Mac OS, but I doubt you will encounter Mac OS-restricted software in college, you'll probably encounter Windows-only software or software that can work on either. If you prefer the Mac OS interface, then get a Mac and run VMWare on it for Windows. Being a techy myself, though, I can never pass up the fact that a PC will give you better hardware for the same cost.

 

[CDNJester]

I'd say PC... I have a mac desktop and before that a mac book, and i love them, however for what you are studying a PC makes more sense. You will need a system that can adjust as you need it and macs simply do not do that.

 

[Infikiran]

For computer science PC all the way. It is much more versatile and will be most compatible with software that you need in your courses. If you must have a MAC though you can always dual boot Windows and switch OS's as needed.