Laptop for university - trying to decide between Windows or a Macbook Pro
40 replies, posted
[img]http://media.gdgt.com/img/product/4/37g/apple-macbook-pro-13-inch-unibody-4g6-460.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.asus.com/Notebooks/Versatile_Performance/K53SV/websites/Global/products/amrevEkgfqmrdCMD/2282NMANLpTUzIcd_500.jpg[/img]
I'm trying to decide between a Macbook Pro 13 inch, or this Windows 7 laptop. Here are the links for the specs.
[url]http://www.apple.com/ca/macbookpro/specs-13inch.html[/url]
[url]http://www.asus.com/Notebooks/Versatile_Performance/K53SV/[/url]
They have them both at the computer shop at my university and they seem like the best options. The Macbook is priced at $1149, while the Windows 7 laptop is priced at $999. The reason I'm asking is because I've never owned a laptop, and I'm not sure what to look for. I've always owned a desktop PC running Windows XP. I've never even tried a Macbook or Windows 7 computer out before, so I'm not sure what features they bring. I'm just looking for some insight on what you would choose and why. I don't think I'll be gaming at all with them, so I don't need something along those lines.
Depends, what are you going to college for?
[editline]1st August 2011[/editline]
I mean what are you studying at Uni
[QUOTE=xxncxx;31469711]Depends, what are you going to college for?
[editline]1st August 2011[/editline]
I mean what are you studying at Uni[/QUOTE]
I'll be taking engineering. I checked into any software I might need and I guess the mandatory programs are able to run on both operating systems, so that shouldn't be a concern.
I'm curious why people make such a big deal out of Macbooks. Why are they so special? For me, it's either play it safe and go with what I know (Windows) or try something new (Macbook Pro). Everyone I spoke to at the computer shop said that they both are fine for school and that the Macbook was more of a trend than anything special. So I'm trying to make a somewhat educated decision instead of just flipping a coin.
If you're just going to be using it to write up papers and browse the internet the Asus is more than enough for that.
[QUOTE=xxdeadb0ltxx;31469751]I'll be taking engineering. I checked into any software I might need and I guess the mandatory programs are able to run on both operating systems, so that shouldn't be a concern.
I'm curious why people make such a big deal out of Macbooks. Why are they so special? For me, it's either play it safe and go with what I know (Windows) or try something new (Macbook Pro). Everyone I spoke to at the computer shop said that they both are fine for school and that the Macbook was more of a trend than anything special. So I'm trying to make a somewhat educated decision instead of just flipping a coin.[/QUOTE]
Oh yeah definitely Windows then. Macbooks are popular because they are a status symbol for the most part, like a Lexus, overpriced and shiny. I would probably only recommended one if you were going for something artistic since you can only run some "industry standard" programs on a Mac.
Use Windows for Engineering.
All the good Math programs run Win7, Wolfram Mathematica for example. Trust me you will not be happy with an Apple as an Engineer.
A Macbook Pro is a fantastic option for college, especially if your college supports it. I'm in engineering and use a Macbook Pro and it works for everything I need it for. You'd be surprised how many engineering students use Apple computers. Don't be fooled by the people who say it's just a shiny computer and bad for engineering, Macbook Pros work flawless and smoothly. I highly recommend one.
[QUOTE=Ragy;31471322]Don't be fooled by the people who say it's just a shiny computer[/QUOTE]
Denying the truth are we?
No reason to make this a fight. Anyway, if you want to save a little and do some gaming on it too, go with the Windows one. I can't comment on which will be best for engineering, though.
looking at the specs- the more powerful one is the cheaper one. better GPU in it, more choice of processors. plus laptops are sliightly more upgradeable than Macbooks, usually.
As for what's best for engineering software - I don't think it matters really. Any good/important software should run on Mac or Windows. And your university department, if it's engineering, won't want to force you into using one or the other- they'll help you get their stuff running on Windows -or- OSX. Plus if you ever want to try out OSX, you can get it for like $30 and attempt to dualboot it on the laptop (although that's much much more complicated than installing most Linux distros, ironically - I had OSX on my netbook for like half a year and broke it last week; it's sexy and smooth but a bitch to install/upgrade if you're not using a real mac :v:).
Macs are really reliable aye, but if you look after your Windows laptop then it'll be just as reliable. People who bitch about one or the other being too slow or unstable just don't know how to look after their computers :v:
I'd say the main advantage of getting a macbook pro for university is that it can survive some knocking around - it's got a very sturdy build which you may not find in other laptops
If you're on a budget though, you'll definitely be able to get better specs in a windows laptop for the same price as a macbook pro
[QUOTE=Alcapwne;31472041]I'd say the main advantage of getting a macbook pro for university is that it can survive some knocking around - it's got a very sturdy build which you may not find in other laptops
If you're on a budget though, you'll definitely be able to get better specs in a windows laptop for the same price as a macbook pro[/QUOTE]
I don't know about the Macbook Pros, but I dropped my Macbook about 6 inches onto a tiled surface and the entire side of it pretty much shattered.
Despite what many people think, Aluminum doesn't automatically make your laptop a fortress. I've dropped my (plastic) laptop a couple of times without it getting a scratch, while I know people who've dropped there MBP and gotten a big dent.
[QUOTE=Darkebrz;31472073]I don't know about the Macbook Pros, but I dropped my Macbook about 6 inches onto a tiled surface and the entire side of it pretty much shattered.[/QUOTE]
The regular macbook build quality is pretty poor, but the macbook pro's is much better
Macbook pros are overpriced for a start, I wouldn't buy it because of the pricetag.
Imho, I'd roll with the MacBook. I've used both W7 and Mac, and I must say that I liked Mac better. It was a little cleaner, more professional, and I found it a little faster. But that's my opinion.
[QUOTE=B!N4RY;31472270]Macbook pros are overpriced for a start, I wouldn't buy it because of the pricetag.[/QUOTE]
They are generally very nice computers but IMO not worth the premium, esp. considering you're more limited in the software department.
[editline]1st August 2011[/editline]
[QUOTE=rosar0980;31472658]Imho, I'd roll with the MacBook. I've used both W7 and Mac, and I must say that I liked Mac better. It was a little cleaner, more professional, and I found it a little faster. But that's my opinion.[/QUOTE]
Applications on the Mac side are generally faster to load but once you have them open, the runtime performance difference is negligible between Macs and PCs.
[QUOTE=Alcapwne;31472041]I'd say the main advantage of getting a macbook pro for university is that it can survive some knocking around - it's got a very sturdy build which you may not find in other laptops
If you're on a budget though, you'll definitely be able to get better specs in a windows laptop for the same price as a macbook pro[/QUOTE]
Do you own a macbook pro? my sisters both have their own macbooks pro's and the aluminum dents from time to time and scratches are frequent
[QUOTE=Alcapwne;31472041]I'd say the main advantage of getting a macbook pro for university is that it can survive some knocking around - it's got a very sturdy build which you may not find in other laptops[/QUOTE]
Lenovo Thinkpad
Makes MBP's it's bitch all day, every day.
If you're doing a lot of work with the mouse, you'll appreciate the touchpad on the MacBook. It's by far one of the best I've used. You may also want to compare the battery life, I personally weigh battery life over specs since a powerful laptop is not useful to me when I can't use it at all.
The Macbook Pro has a couple of advantages.
The hardware is absolutely great and the battery life is bloody brilliant.
Don't forget, it's not like you'd be locked into running whatever operating system the machine comes with.
Some schools offer discounts on lots of things like these, I'd definitely check out if you can get a student discount on a Macbook Pro.
Or hell, even any other laptop you're interested in.
I know HP offers great deals for college students.
[QUOTE=MaverickIB;31474763]I know HP offers great deals for college students.[/QUOTE]
I heard they did too but the dv6 series is a serious piece of shit so stay away from that.
HP seem to have found the balance between sexiness and specs - their laptops look really sleek and are pretty well priced
[QUOTE=Alcapwne;31474953]HP seem to have found the balance between sexiness and specs - their laptops look really sleek and are pretty well priced[/QUOTE]
you'll see the downsides of their machines if someone can dig up that music video on what it takes to dust out the fan on a dv6
Well, I've got a lot to think about for both laptops. I tallied the votes between this thread and Facebook and it's pretty much 50/50 for either laptop.
The thing that is concerning me is that the ASUS only has a 5 hour battery life, while the Macbook has a 7 hour battery life. This seems like a major disadvantage. I have classes from 8am to 5pm roughly..so anywhere from a 9-10 hour day before I can return to my dorm to charge my laptop. Is 5 hours enough? Is this above/below average? I'm hoping if any of you have some experience with school and laptops, you can give some feedback on the battery life. I dunno if 5 hours will be enough. I'm leaning towards the Windows laptop but I'm hesitant solely because of the battery life now.
[QUOTE=Protocol7;31475095]you'll see the downsides of their machines if someone can dig up that music video on what it takes to dust out the fan on a dv6[/QUOTE]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpCJzdWxEbQ[/media]
[QUOTE=Protocol7;31474782]I heard they did too but the dv6 series is a serious piece of shit so stay away from that.[/QUOTE]
Yep, not tightening the screws enough is one of many flaws.
On a DV7 that is though.
[QUOTE=xxdeadb0ltxx;31475449]Well, I've got a lot to think about for both laptops. I tallied the votes between this thread and Facebook and it's pretty much 50/50 for either laptop.
The thing that is concerning me is that the ASUS only has a 5 hour battery life, while the Macbook has a 7 hour battery life. This seems like a major disadvantage. I have classes from 8am to 5pm roughly..so anywhere from a 9-10 hour day before I can return to my dorm to charge my laptop. Is 5 hours enough? Is this above/below average? I'm hoping if any of you have some experience with school and laptops, you can give some feedback on the battery life. I dunno if 5 hours will be enough. I'm leaning towards the Windows laptop but I'm hesitant solely because of the battery life now.[/QUOTE]
Wouldnt using the integrate GPU save battery life too?
There are ways to make it last much longer.
The ASUS is cheaper and more powerful. Your decision seems pretty clear to me.
[QUOTE=slimd1995;31475892]The ASUS is cheaper and more powerful. Your decision seems pretty clear to me.[/QUOTE]
That's exactly how I'm seeing it now too. From the specs, the ASUS is the obvious choice (battery life aside). I'm failing to see why I should pay more for a Macbook, when it isn't as powerful. I still don't understand why Macbooks are so popular, nothing is leaping out at me saying "This is totally worth spending $150 more for, even if the specs aren't nearly as great!". The touchpad may be awesome on a Macbook, but the touchpad on the ASUS seems very basic and easy to use as well. The Macbook may be more durable, but I'm going to treat my laptop like a baby..it's not gonna be falling as long as I'm the one using it.
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