Mac vs. PC for college?
July 27, 2011 11:04 PM Subscribe
Macbook pro or dell latitude e6320 for a new college student (me)?
I'm torn between these two options. I'm pretty set to buying from my school's bookstore to get on-site tech support, but I'm having trouble choosing between the two options.
Portability and speed are both very important to me. I've been using Windows 7, and I really like many of its features, and am pretty adept at using it. I don't know how I feel about having to somewhat "relearn" an operating system.
I'm also on the creative side, so in that sense, the Mac appeals to me, but Lightroom runs on my older, pc laptop just fine, so I'm not sure how big of a deal that is.
I'm comfortable with computers in general, and do enjoy messing around with software occasionally.
I know that it's an option to boot Windows 7 on a mac, but I don't really have more money to spend on an additional software to dual boot, and a new operating system, so I guess factor that out of the equation.
Also, for what it's worth, the back to school deals for the mac is a $100 dollar gift card to the app store, while the PC one is a free Xbox 360. Neither one is a whole lot more appealing!
Also, while the dell is more expensive, it comes with 4 years of on-site support and accidental damage coverage. To get the mac to three years of warranty that doesn't cover accidental damage would bring it to approximately the same price.
I'm kind of stuck here, so any input you had would be appreciated!
Another complicating factor is that while it's really easy for me to try out a macbook pro in person, the dell's billed as a business laptop, so it isn't easy for me to pop into a best buy and try it out.
Thanks so much!
I'm torn between these two options. I'm pretty set to buying from my school's bookstore to get on-site tech support, but I'm having trouble choosing between the two options.
Portability and speed are both very important to me. I've been using Windows 7, and I really like many of its features, and am pretty adept at using it. I don't know how I feel about having to somewhat "relearn" an operating system.
I'm also on the creative side, so in that sense, the Mac appeals to me, but Lightroom runs on my older, pc laptop just fine, so I'm not sure how big of a deal that is.
I'm comfortable with computers in general, and do enjoy messing around with software occasionally.
I know that it's an option to boot Windows 7 on a mac, but I don't really have more money to spend on an additional software to dual boot, and a new operating system, so I guess factor that out of the equation.
Also, for what it's worth, the back to school deals for the mac is a $100 dollar gift card to the app store, while the PC one is a free Xbox 360. Neither one is a whole lot more appealing!
Also, while the dell is more expensive, it comes with 4 years of on-site support and accidental damage coverage. To get the mac to three years of warranty that doesn't cover accidental damage would bring it to approximately the same price.
I'm kind of stuck here, so any input you had would be appreciated!
Another complicating factor is that while it's really easy for me to try out a macbook pro in person, the dell's billed as a business laptop, so it isn't easy for me to pop into a best buy and try it out.
Thanks so much!
It would help to know what you're planning on studying in college. Certain subjects might rely more heavily on Windows (and yes, some Macs, although generally there will be some equivalent for Windows).
I like the Mac notebooks a lot, but if you are already comfortable with Windows you might as well stick with that.
posted by Deathalicious at 11:50 PM on July 27, 2011
I like the Mac notebooks a lot, but if you are already comfortable with Windows you might as well stick with that.
posted by Deathalicious at 11:50 PM on July 27, 2011
Sounds like you're better off with the Dell, even if it is more expensive.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:00 AM on July 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:00 AM on July 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: I'm probably going to be studying a social science, so I don't think I'll need the computer (at least for school) for much else than word processing.
posted by kylej at 12:36 AM on July 28, 2011
posted by kylej at 12:36 AM on July 28, 2011
Sorry, but the whole "Macs are for creative types" thing is a myth. It doesn't matter whether you run Photoshop on OSX or Windows, on your Macbook or a Dell.
That said, I'd still pick the Macbook because they have better parts and design than most Dell laptops, and because it only takes a month (or so) to learn OS X.
posted by yaymukund at 12:45 AM on July 28, 2011 [2 favorites]
That said, I'd still pick the Macbook because they have better parts and design than most Dell laptops, and because it only takes a month (or so) to learn OS X.
posted by yaymukund at 12:45 AM on July 28, 2011 [2 favorites]
It sounds like the Dell might be the best option for you, but a couple of thoughts in the Mac direction.
- Portability and speed are both very important to me.
If you can spring another couple of hundred dollars, the MacBook Air could be an option. The range has just been refreshed and has really nice specs.
- but I don't really have more money to spend on an additional software to dual boot
You don't need additional software to dual boot a Mac. Bootcamp is part of OS X. You would need a legit copy of Windows, though.
- $100 dollar gift card to the app store
Note that this should also cover the Mac App Store, not just the App Store. The Mac App Store has a lot of software that might come in handy for a uni student, including Pages (Apple's word processing software).
Also, if you buy a Mac laptop, get AppleCare. I wouldn't necessarily do it with a desktop, but laptops are more fragile and you should end up saving money in the long run.
I've used a Mac laptop as my primary computer for about a decade, and am happy to answer any further questions you may have.
posted by Georgina at 12:56 AM on July 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
- Portability and speed are both very important to me.
If you can spring another couple of hundred dollars, the MacBook Air could be an option. The range has just been refreshed and has really nice specs.
- but I don't really have more money to spend on an additional software to dual boot
You don't need additional software to dual boot a Mac. Bootcamp is part of OS X. You would need a legit copy of Windows, though.
- $100 dollar gift card to the app store
Note that this should also cover the Mac App Store, not just the App Store. The Mac App Store has a lot of software that might come in handy for a uni student, including Pages (Apple's word processing software).
Also, if you buy a Mac laptop, get AppleCare. I wouldn't necessarily do it with a desktop, but laptops are more fragile and you should end up saving money in the long run.
I've used a Mac laptop as my primary computer for about a decade, and am happy to answer any further questions you may have.
posted by Georgina at 12:56 AM on July 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'd get the Mac, cause with Windows 7 the best will in the world you still have to fuck about with pc's more.
I just got a virus and had to mess about with it for a week. Not saying mac's are better, but you don't get that.
posted by Not Supplied at 1:53 AM on July 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
I just got a virus and had to mess about with it for a week. Not saying mac's are better, but you don't get that.
posted by Not Supplied at 1:53 AM on July 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
I've had nothing but bad experiences with Dell laptops, so I'm biased, but I will second looking at the new MacBook Air if you can find some extra $$. It doesn't look like your bookstore has the new ones yet but I would assume they will get them soon.
I just got one of the new 13" models last week for university and it's fantastic. With the refresh they have specs not too different to the Pros but the SSD makes things feel a fair bit faster. The battery life is great - the 13" is rated for 7 hours, I have consistently gotten over 10. The 11" is extremely portable, if maybe limited in its utility for long periods of work, but even the 13" is light enough that I keep forgetting it's in my bag. To me, the MBP feels very chunky in comparison.
The one downside, for me, has been that even though it's reasonably sturdily built, it's so slim that I can't help feeling like the slightest pressure would break it in two. I guess also depending on your needs the limited storage space and lack of optical drive might be an issue (one you can solve with peripherals, but that adds cost.)
Oh, and I study Sociology and have never needed software that wasn't available for Mac. For what that's worth.
posted by lwb at 1:54 AM on July 28, 2011
I just got one of the new 13" models last week for university and it's fantastic. With the refresh they have specs not too different to the Pros but the SSD makes things feel a fair bit faster. The battery life is great - the 13" is rated for 7 hours, I have consistently gotten over 10. The 11" is extremely portable, if maybe limited in its utility for long periods of work, but even the 13" is light enough that I keep forgetting it's in my bag. To me, the MBP feels very chunky in comparison.
The one downside, for me, has been that even though it's reasonably sturdily built, it's so slim that I can't help feeling like the slightest pressure would break it in two. I guess also depending on your needs the limited storage space and lack of optical drive might be an issue (one you can solve with peripherals, but that adds cost.)
Oh, and I study Sociology and have never needed software that wasn't available for Mac. For what that's worth.
posted by lwb at 1:54 AM on July 28, 2011
Not sure why the Dell is so expensive, you can get the same specs or better with 3 year accidental protection (which only costs $99) for less than $1000.
That said, if those are your two options, I would go for the Macbook Pro.
To add my own 2 cents, I've never had an issue with a Dell notebook (I've gone through ~5), current work laptop is a Latitude E6420.
posted by wongcorgi at 2:16 AM on July 28, 2011
That said, if those are your two options, I would go for the Macbook Pro.
To add my own 2 cents, I've never had an issue with a Dell notebook (I've gone through ~5), current work laptop is a Latitude E6420.
posted by wongcorgi at 2:16 AM on July 28, 2011
Windows 7 is much lower-maintenance than previous versions. In my experience there's little to choose between a Windows 7 PC and a Mac. When it comes to PC-vs-Mac arguments, it's always about the operating system, which is odd, because for the majority of people an operating system is just a platform on which to install and run applications, and those are pretty near identical across the two platforms.
If you're comfortable with a Windows PC, I'd say go with that, unless there's some specific piece of software that's Mac-only and worth the hassle of relearning how to use all the menus, keyboard shortcuts and so on that differ between the two platforms.
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 3:00 AM on July 28, 2011
If you're comfortable with a Windows PC, I'd say go with that, unless there's some specific piece of software that's Mac-only and worth the hassle of relearning how to use all the menus, keyboard shortcuts and so on that differ between the two platforms.
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 3:00 AM on July 28, 2011
I think the answer to a similiar-ish question here is pretty spot-on (as are many of the answers in that thread).
My two cents, as a MacBook Pro owner:
My MBP is light, performs at a high standard despite being 2+ years old, and is tough as nails. AppleCare is great, and much much better than the support you'd get from Dell.
Also, go try out a MacBook Pro. Use the touchpad. See how you can scroll up and down with two fingers? Show all of your open windows by dragging three fingers up? That's the multitouch trackpad, and it will change your life and make you hate using any other kind of computer.
Seriously. You can have the aluminum exterior and the magsafe adapter and everything else, but YOU CAN PRY MY MULTITOUCH TRACKPAD FROM MY COLD, DEAD HANDS.
posted by joshuaconner at 3:24 AM on July 28, 2011 [2 favorites]
My two cents, as a MacBook Pro owner:
My MBP is light, performs at a high standard despite being 2+ years old, and is tough as nails. AppleCare is great, and much much better than the support you'd get from Dell.
Also, go try out a MacBook Pro. Use the touchpad. See how you can scroll up and down with two fingers? Show all of your open windows by dragging three fingers up? That's the multitouch trackpad, and it will change your life and make you hate using any other kind of computer.
Seriously. You can have the aluminum exterior and the magsafe adapter and everything else, but YOU CAN PRY MY MULTITOUCH TRACKPAD FROM MY COLD, DEAD HANDS.
posted by joshuaconner at 3:24 AM on July 28, 2011 [2 favorites]
Dell also has multitouch trackpads now.
If you're going to be carting your laptop to and from school, I'd go for accidental damage protection and whichever computer offers it.
posted by jeather at 3:55 AM on July 28, 2011
If you're going to be carting your laptop to and from school, I'd go for accidental damage protection and whichever computer offers it.
posted by jeather at 3:55 AM on July 28, 2011
I grew up a Mac user, so my reflex is naturally to say 'Get the Mac.'
The Dell does weigh less. That said, I have a 13" MacBook Pro and the weight isn't an issue. The amount of paper I tend to carry around weighs my backpack down more. It's a consideration, though, if you intend to carry your computer every day. As is battery life, for that matter. Not sure who wins that on paper.
While I haven't actually bought any software for this computer*, buying the Mac you should anticipate a good chunk of the $100 gift card going on basic software--iWork, probably. (Can you buy Office at a good discount? It's like $20 at my university.) Is the Dell going to come with Office or have you got to buy that?
You should anticipate Powerpoint being alive and well in some subjects. I believe the compatibility with Keynote is fine, but it's something to check in a review, if you're thinking about the Mac and iWork. (Though Powerpoint files seem to have the magic ability to break when transferred between computers, regardless of operating system or software.) People seem to make nicer presentations with Keynote. (It's possible to write math in Keynote, so there are people out there using Keynote rather than LaTeX for presentations. Definitely not true for Powerpoint.)
Since OS X, Macs have become essentially zero maintenance. (I remember screwing something up my first year of college installing something and having to reinstall the operating system. (To clarify, it was the software, not me. I worked out what happened. It moved some file that confused the hell out of the operating system.) That was 2004/2005, so that's not a bad run. I believe that's the last problem I had.)
Any interest in gaming kicks you into the Windows column, I think.
I'm someone who does use software that doesn't run natively in Windows. (Sage being the big one.) I also actually use the command line. (How the Mac world has changed from 10 years ago.) I suspect both those things would make moving to Windows a big jump. But in terms of the general user experience, I don't think it's much of a jump in either direction. Well, other than that Office had a redesign a couple of years back and went to some tabbed business rather than menus. That confused the heck out of me when I tried to use it. (To the point where I was so flustered I couldn't figure out how to print. Control-P went out of my head.) Not an issue for you, though.
That's more a summary of things to consider than anything else. Hopefully it's at least somewhat useful.
*Just realised that's false. I've got two Nikon programs on here. They're my only pieces of commercial software. Though the purchase was the camera rather than the software.
posted by hoyland at 3:55 AM on July 28, 2011
The Dell does weigh less. That said, I have a 13" MacBook Pro and the weight isn't an issue. The amount of paper I tend to carry around weighs my backpack down more. It's a consideration, though, if you intend to carry your computer every day. As is battery life, for that matter. Not sure who wins that on paper.
While I haven't actually bought any software for this computer*, buying the Mac you should anticipate a good chunk of the $100 gift card going on basic software--iWork, probably. (Can you buy Office at a good discount? It's like $20 at my university.) Is the Dell going to come with Office or have you got to buy that?
You should anticipate Powerpoint being alive and well in some subjects. I believe the compatibility with Keynote is fine, but it's something to check in a review, if you're thinking about the Mac and iWork. (Though Powerpoint files seem to have the magic ability to break when transferred between computers, regardless of operating system or software.) People seem to make nicer presentations with Keynote. (It's possible to write math in Keynote, so there are people out there using Keynote rather than LaTeX for presentations. Definitely not true for Powerpoint.)
Since OS X, Macs have become essentially zero maintenance. (I remember screwing something up my first year of college installing something and having to reinstall the operating system. (To clarify, it was the software, not me. I worked out what happened. It moved some file that confused the hell out of the operating system.) That was 2004/2005, so that's not a bad run. I believe that's the last problem I had.)
Any interest in gaming kicks you into the Windows column, I think.
I'm someone who does use software that doesn't run natively in Windows. (Sage being the big one.) I also actually use the command line. (How the Mac world has changed from 10 years ago.) I suspect both those things would make moving to Windows a big jump. But in terms of the general user experience, I don't think it's much of a jump in either direction. Well, other than that Office had a redesign a couple of years back and went to some tabbed business rather than menus. That confused the heck out of me when I tried to use it. (To the point where I was so flustered I couldn't figure out how to print. Control-P went out of my head.) Not an issue for you, though.
That's more a summary of things to consider than anything else. Hopefully it's at least somewhat useful.
*Just realised that's false. I've got two Nikon programs on here. They're my only pieces of commercial software. Though the purchase was the camera rather than the software.
posted by hoyland at 3:55 AM on July 28, 2011
I'd go with a Mac. The learning curve for switching is very small. I'd also nth lookin at the MacBook Air. The 13" Air has the same resolution as the 15" Pro, is lighter, and was just released last week.
If you absolutely need an internal optical drive, the Air won't work, but I think you'll find you can get by fine without.
posted by backwards guitar at 3:58 AM on July 28, 2011
If you absolutely need an internal optical drive, the Air won't work, but I think you'll find you can get by fine without.
posted by backwards guitar at 3:58 AM on July 28, 2011
Macbook air is less expensive than a macbook pro, btw, and more portable.
posted by empath at 5:24 AM on July 28, 2011
posted by empath at 5:24 AM on July 28, 2011
You know what's the best piece of software that you can get on a Mac for this sort of problem? A COPY OF WINDOWS THAT YOU CAN DUAL-BOOT INTO IF YOU NEED IT.
'Cause Macs have been able to do that for a number of years now, and it's kind of a killer app if there's just that one piece of software you can't live without, though you'll be able to find Mac versions that are as good as or superior to Windows versions, as a general rule.
I will say this: if you haven't yet, trying out Mac OS Lion on a new Mac feels like you're using a computer from the future. It's pretty swell overall. Also, don't discount the option of the Macbook Air. That sounds like it could be far more along the lines of what you'd want.
posted by DoctorFedora at 7:15 AM on July 28, 2011
'Cause Macs have been able to do that for a number of years now, and it's kind of a killer app if there's just that one piece of software you can't live without, though you'll be able to find Mac versions that are as good as or superior to Windows versions, as a general rule.
I will say this: if you haven't yet, trying out Mac OS Lion on a new Mac feels like you're using a computer from the future. It's pretty swell overall. Also, don't discount the option of the Macbook Air. That sounds like it could be far more along the lines of what you'd want.
posted by DoctorFedora at 7:15 AM on July 28, 2011
I have a very similar Dell (latitude e6410) and I love it. People who have not used the business-class Dells (Latitudes) or the workstation-class Dells (Precisions) do not know how nice they can be. The chassis is metal and the durability is phenomenal. With a 4 year warranty it is likely to last for your entire college experience. Dell support has been great to me.
I am a person who abuses computers. I leave them on for weeks, stuff them in overpacked bags, drop them, use them in the workshop, etc, and I have only managed to scratch my Dell. After 6 years of extremely hard use I retired my Precision M70 because I couldn't get new Dell batteries for it anymore.
Personally, I would get the Dell for durability and support alone. And you like Windows 7, so why go learn a whole other OS - especially since they just switched to a weird new thing where you're not supposed to deal with files anymore.
Finally, in my experience Macs get treated as second-class citizens on many college campus networks. For example, at my Uni there were many things that were just harder to do on a Mac, because no one wanted to support them, or they didn't support some authentication protocol (or worse, some proprietary POS software that the University had bought into). In fact, my friend Nem implemented a whole mac sign-in procedure single handedly, after years of frustration. sure, you'll be able to do anything but it will take more effort to do it.
posted by fake at 7:19 AM on July 28, 2011
I am a person who abuses computers. I leave them on for weeks, stuff them in overpacked bags, drop them, use them in the workshop, etc, and I have only managed to scratch my Dell. After 6 years of extremely hard use I retired my Precision M70 because I couldn't get new Dell batteries for it anymore.
Personally, I would get the Dell for durability and support alone. And you like Windows 7, so why go learn a whole other OS - especially since they just switched to a weird new thing where you're not supposed to deal with files anymore.
Finally, in my experience Macs get treated as second-class citizens on many college campus networks. For example, at my Uni there were many things that were just harder to do on a Mac, because no one wanted to support them, or they didn't support some authentication protocol (or worse, some proprietary POS software that the University had bought into). In fact, my friend Nem implemented a whole mac sign-in procedure single handedly, after years of frustration. sure, you'll be able to do anything but it will take more effort to do it.
posted by fake at 7:19 AM on July 28, 2011
I am a Mac guy all the way but you might want to check to see if there are differences between the Mac and PC versions of SPSS or SAS. Depending on the classes you take and how interested you are in research, you might want a student copy for yourself.
posted by Silvertree at 7:27 AM on July 28, 2011
posted by Silvertree at 7:27 AM on July 28, 2011
Accidental damage:
Talk to your [parents'?] insurance agent about this. I have a rider on my homeowner's insurance that covers all the computers in my house against any peril. If I drop them down the stairs, spill coffee into the keyboard, whatever, replacement is covered with no deductible. This adds negligible cost to my homeowner's policy.
I have no idea how this works with the laptop my daughter will be taking to school in 3 weeks, but I'll be asking my agent about it.
Perhaps you get renter's insurance for your dorm and add the coverage onto it. Something to talk to the agent about.
posted by chazlarson at 7:32 AM on July 28, 2011
Talk to your [parents'?] insurance agent about this. I have a rider on my homeowner's insurance that covers all the computers in my house against any peril. If I drop them down the stairs, spill coffee into the keyboard, whatever, replacement is covered with no deductible. This adds negligible cost to my homeowner's policy.
I have no idea how this works with the laptop my daughter will be taking to school in 3 weeks, but I'll be asking my agent about it.
Perhaps you get renter's insurance for your dorm and add the coverage onto it. Something to talk to the agent about.
posted by chazlarson at 7:32 AM on July 28, 2011
Get a MacBook Air.
posted by chunking express at 12:08 PM on July 28, 2011
posted by chunking express at 12:08 PM on July 28, 2011
I'm someone who switched from a desktop PC to a Macbook Pro for university, and I've absolutely loved it. Switching over was a little odd at first, but it was full of fun little surprises (multitouch gestures!) that made it worthwhile. OS X seems to do a good job of making a small screen not feel claustrophobic, especially OS X Lion. The trackpad is very intuitive, to the extent that I now find myself making the little gestures even when I'm sitting at my old computer.
Absolutely buy the extended warranty if you get a Mac. My charger crapped out this week, and it took less than ten minutes in the Apple store (with no appointment) for them to hand me a new one, absolutely painless. They also ordered a new logic board to fix a problem with the Firewire port, a $600 dollar expense that I wouldn't have been able to pay out of pocket.
Make sure you're getting the student discount on both Applecare and the computer (as well as on any software you're buying). If you're buying it in the school's bookstore this should be apparent, if not all you have to do is show them a student ID number somehow. Saved me $160.
posted by lookoutbelow at 5:09 PM on July 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
Absolutely buy the extended warranty if you get a Mac. My charger crapped out this week, and it took less than ten minutes in the Apple store (with no appointment) for them to hand me a new one, absolutely painless. They also ordered a new logic board to fix a problem with the Firewire port, a $600 dollar expense that I wouldn't have been able to pay out of pocket.
Make sure you're getting the student discount on both Applecare and the computer (as well as on any software you're buying). If you're buying it in the school's bookstore this should be apparent, if not all you have to do is show them a student ID number somehow. Saved me $160.
posted by lookoutbelow at 5:09 PM on July 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
I've only once seen a Dell in the flesh that looked good and it cost an arm and a leg. Most of the time they are boxy ugly business laptops. Mind you bear in mind I hate the lenovo keyboard, so I may have unconventional views :)
I use Windows myself but would recommend not buying something you can't touch, try and lift up beforehand.
posted by mr_silver at 11:29 PM on July 27, 2011