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Re: Should I buy a Mac or a PC?
I'm entering my 3rd year of college at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
I purchased a desktop capable of operating Autodesk software and spent around $900 (including OS and monitor). I was told by a college student before my freshman year that a laptop was unnecessary considering the amount of computers on campus (most of which had Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD).
I ended up switching majors into Communication Technologies (graphic design/mass media). All of my software (Quark and Adobe Suite) classes are taught on Macs. However, all of the software is also available for PC.
For an incoming freshman, I'd have to recommend a PC. It's the safest choice for software compatibility and it's what the majority of your campus will probably be using. Truthfully, you'll probably be just fine with either a PC or a Mac. It's kind of a personal preference thing. I'd bear in mind that there is always a chance that you'll switch majors... so even if your already going into media, a PC would still be a safe choice.
In the end, Dave has the best idea. Buy a cheap PC that will get you through your first couple of years until you have a better idea of what you'll need from your computer. I'd personally recommend a desktop over a laptop. But I'm on a smaller campus which has a lot of labs. Desktops are going to give you more bang for the buck which will ad to both your performance, and your lifespan. But the desktop vs. laptop argument is a pretty dependent on your campus and living arrangements.
I'll tell you right now. On my campus, if you have a computer that can browse the web and do basic word processing, your fine. My school is also heavily geared towards engineering if that makes a difference.
So to sum up that clusterfudge of a rant:
Keep in mind:
• Which programs you'll want to run
• Plans change
• Campus Size
• On-campus computer/software availability
• Which platform you're already familiar with
• Cost
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Team 171 :: Cheese Curd Herd :: College Mentor, 2008-Present
Team 269 :: CooneyTech Robotics :: Student, 2005-2007
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