Which computer to buy?

[Anonymous]

I am very non technical but wish to purchase a new computer for my soon to be college Freshman. Any recommendations or specific specs to look for? Any moms/dads of now soon to be college Sophomores that can help?

[Anonymous]

My D decided on a MacBook the summer before her freshman year. After a semester, she saw that many of her classmates were using Windows Surface for real-time classroom notetaking and general organization. Apple and Windows are very different, each serving different needs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My D decided on a MacBook the summer before her freshman year. After a semester, she saw that many of her classmates were using Windows Surface for real-time classroom notetaking and general organization. Apple and Windows are very different, each serving different needs.

?

The surface pro is just a gimmicky PC.

For most students either type of computer will work—Apples are more reliable and if you have AppleCare and there’s an Apple store nearby it’s very easy to address any problems. They are more expensive though.

[Anonymous]

If your kid will be majoring in engineering or computer science, get a windows based PC laptop. Some business programs also expect windows. Otherwise a MAC is fine.

[Anonymous]

Surface Pro lets you take notes with a stylus, which can be useful for STEM majors. It’s a tablet that, with the addition of a detachable keyboard cover, becomes a laptop replacement.

Check out what, if anything, the college’s help desk supports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your kid will be majoring in engineering or computer science, get a windows based PC laptop. Some business programs also expect windows. Otherwise a MAC is fine.

We were told this too...no Apples for Engineering students.

[Anonymous]

My DS' college has a list by school and major of what the minimum PC requirements are. You may want to start there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your kid will be majoring in engineering or computer science, get a windows based PC laptop. Some business programs also expect windows. Otherwise a MAC is fine.

You might even want to wait until school starts to find out what the required tech specs are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your kid will be majoring in engineering or computer science, get a windows based PC laptop. Some business programs also expect windows. Otherwise a MAC is fine.

We were told this too...no Apples for Engineering students.

It is really a shame Mac can't work this out since it is essentally a unix box.

[Anonymous]

Mac. My husband is in IT and uses a Mac most of the time. You can dual boot into windows.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mac. My husband is in IT and uses a Mac most of the time. You can dual boot into windows.

Not the same. For kids in STEM, do what the school wants.

[Anonymous]

Friend of mine (IT type) with 2 in engineering recommended strongly getting a laptop through the college. That way it not only will be the right kind but many schools (including the schools his kids attended and the one mine attends) will offer a service plan along with it. We found price was comparable and when the Coke goes on the keyboard at 3am, better to not have to have DC find a Best Buy to get it fixed...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Friend of mine (IT type) with 2 in engineering recommended strongly getting a laptop through the college. That way it not only will be the right kind but many schools (including the schools his kids attended and the one mine attends) will offer a service plan along with it. We found price was comparable and when the Coke goes on the keyboard at 3am, better to not have to have DC find a Best Buy to get it fixed...

+1

Paid extra at my D's college for service plan just for this reason. Her school has a technology store that also services damaged laptops with a loaner. Students can't afford any down time with a damaged laptop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your kid will be majoring in engineering or computer science, get a windows based PC laptop. Some business programs also expect windows. Otherwise a MAC is fine.

You might even want to wait until school starts to find out what the required tech specs are.

True for engineering at UVA.

[Anonymous]

DD's university program sent minimum specifications the PC must have as well as their ideal or optimal specs. They leave the brand up to the students/families but offer suggestions and flyers with deals.

However, every kid on campus is required to purchase an iPad Pro w/ Apple Pencil through the university. Doesn't matter if you have these devices already, you must purchase new ones from them.