Computer Science Student - MPB 13" i5 or i7?

I will be starting the first year of a 4 year Computer Science course in September and wanted to know which MacBook Pro 13" model would be best for me, the i5 or the i7?
Considering my CS course is 4 years, would the i7 processer model with the 8GB RAM and 750GB HDD be worth the extra £214 to me in the coming years, or do you think that the base i5 model would be just as good?
Another reason why I am considering the i7 model is in the event that I might run another OS on my MBP, using either a virtual machine or Boot Camp and I thought that the extra CPU power may come in handy.
Anyway, given my situation what would you recommend I buy?
Many thanks

go with the baseline i5 and spend the extra cash and upgrade to 16GB via third party - using RAM from either Crucial, Corsair or Mushkin.....
the i5 will basically do what the i7 13 inch Macbook will do since they're still both dual core....
it is however, worth spending the extra cash for the i7 13 inch since you're getting a faster processor - more RAM and a larger hard drive.

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Power Book vs. Mac Book Pro for Computer Science Student

I am a Computer Science Masters student that is looking into switching completely off of Windows machines in my home in the next 2 to 4 years. I’ve never used Macs before, but I’m tired of feeling like my hands are tied with Windows and I’ve been impressed with the G4 Power Books some of my peers have. I’ve actually been so impressed that I decided I want to start my switch from Windows to Mac with the purchase of a new Mac powered laptop for school.
I plan on using this laptop for the following tasks: writing papers, writing/compiling/debugging programs including an independent study project on OpenGL Computer Graphics, photo editing and some webpage design. Also some game playing and movie watching when I’m traveling.
So my question is this, do you think a 12" Power Book or a Mac Book Pro would serve me better? I am on a budget so if I get the MBP I wouldn’t have a lot of money left over after buying it for additional software, but if I purchase a PB I’m afraid it won’t be "up to snuff" or that the Power PC chip will stop being supported by future software. Are these fears unfounded? I do know there is a student discount and I’ve already taken that into account in regards to pricing.
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Jeremy
2800+ Athalon XP Windows XP

I'm not a compsci student, but I think I can give you some insight on what to expect...
The G4 will handle a lot of what you throw at it, depending on how much RAM and how many things. I'm still running the stock 512MB and have found little-to-no need to upgrade at this time. I even went so far as to try a 1GB PC2700 SODIMM from my HP ZV6000 and it didn't change anything, so I'm good for now. Over the years, I've been impressed w/ the performance and efficiency with the G4 design and architecture, so I doubt there will be anything that it can't do based on what you're describing.
Gaming may be another story, although with the latest rev. of the 12" PB, I am impressed and mildly surprised at the performance w/ gaming. I play Call of Duty and Doom 3 on occasion and both run great. Just remember to put your processor performance on "Highest" as to turn off the processor throttling (much like Cool 'n' Quiet on AMD architecture). I played Doom 3 last night w/ medium quality @ 1024x768 and it ran quite well... Call of Duty will fly even on battery (ie. reduced processor speed) or AC... I've yet to try Call of Duty 2 but I hear it's going to be a monster w/ system requirements.
Writing Papers -- You can do this with anything...but if you're referring to the comfortable aspect, I think you'll love the keyboard personally. Typing on my big HP and on my 12" PB, it's night/day. The HP has a good keyboard, but it's not something I can 'fly' on...and by fly I mean 80-90WPM w/ little to no mistakes. I notice I make fewer mistakes on the PB keyboard because the keys seem to be 'grouped' together better and it's got a nice feel when you're slamming the keys down while you're in thought on a particular subject.
I also use Office X (or 10)...have had no need to upgrade since it works very well for what I do. I've never used Appleworks...
Future Software? -- Two words -- Universal Binaries...they will be around for many moons to come, and then some. Apple supported 68k for almost 11yrs (if I'm not mistaken) and software developers have already committed to Universal Binaries (aka. UB, or Fat Binaries) because of the sheer install base of PowerPC. The Intel transition will probably be in the 'teething' stage for another 2yrs before it's the standard Apple base across the board, and by then it will still only be a percentage of the PPC install base. Rest assured--your PPC Mac will be working long after you even upgrade (4-6yrs down the line).
The only thing I recommend is AppleCare, and not because I get anything from Apple over it. I've used it on my Rev. B (1.0Ghz) 12" PB and it paid for itself in the last year I had it. It covers everything that isn't accidental, so if you have issues w/ the LCD or Logic Board (aka. MLB), it'll pay for everything and shipping (both ways). It's also worldwide, so if you're on a trip to the UK and have problems w/ it, you can stop by any one of a handful of Apple Stores (Regent Street is awesome, I'm told) and they can fix it for you. There's also hundreds (if not thousands) of Apple Authorized Service Providers worldwide, and from what I'm told, they prefer Apple over many manufacturers because they are 'no hassle' when it comes to warranty claims. In other words, AppleCare may be the only investment that you may never use, but if you do, it'll pay for itself.
Computer Graphics, well, I don't do graphics but I can say that almost everything Adobe makes runs and runs well on Mac hardware.. I think you'll love the Quartz engine too...it's really quick compared to Direct X (I notice this in gaming, but what do I know...).
Good luck to you in whatever you decide...

IMac + iPad 2 or MacBook Pro for computer science students

Hi there,
I would be joining college this September and as usual I am looking for a new computer. I would be majoring in Computer Science and hence would be doing a lot of programming and that kind of stuff. I don't like taking a computer to my classes (it's very distracting) and will take my notes using pen and paper. I've narrowed down my options as :
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This would be my first experience of college so I don't know what sort of portable computing I could need. If someone can tell me about this, it would make life a lot easier for me.
I would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks

Talk to the Computer Science Department at your school. They may have computer requirements. They will likely also have educational discounts on hardware and software. Some of your programs may be provided free by the school. So get the school's advice on what you will need for the Computer Science College.
"I would be majoring in Computer Science and hence would be doing a lot of programming and that kind of stuff." does not tell us much. There are many programming languages and just as many IDEs. You need to pick a computer that supports these. You also will be taking other classes besides programming. You need to ensure your computer meets the requirements of these classes as well.

Essential Linux Apps For A Computer Science Student

Yo all,
I'm studying CS at Cardiff Uni (Wales). Pretty shat, but that's besides the point. What I'm wondering is, are there any other CS students who use linux for doing work, and if so, what apps do you use?
For example, our labs have things like Matlab and Mathematica, I'm not sure if there are any non-license equivalents. I need software for mathematics/graphs, development tools for HTML (any WYSIWYG?), Java, PHP, maybe Perl.
Atm I'm using Bluefish for editing web stuff, and Jedit for Java, tho it tends to bugger up sometimes and I lose keyboard functionality.
If anyone has any suggestions for editors, IDEs, generally useful stuff, I'd be interested to know.
Peace hermanos.
T

tmadhavan wrote:For example, our labs have things like Matlab and Mathematica, I'm not sure if there are any non-license equivalents. I need software for mathematics/graphs, development tools for HTML (any WYSIWYG?), Java, PHP, maybe Perl.
try TeXmacs (GUI) and Octave. Octave has the same syntax with Matlab and does a good job. [no toolboxes though]. You can find it in ArchLinux. Also SciGraphica (a tu repo) is nice, R (mostly statistics), Rpy (via python), and of course PYTHON as a calculator and much more.
Atm I'm using Bluefish for editing web stuff, and Jedit for Java, tho it tends to bugger up sometimes and I lose keyboard functionality.
Bluefish is nice, if you want GUI, try nvu (nvu.com). It's Open Source.
I don't know Jedit and what you lose. There are TONS of JAVA Editors, also you can run eclipse (and with the new VE it rocks)
If anyone has any suggestions for editors, IDEs, generally useful stuff, I'd be interested to know.
Anjuta, KDevelop, Eclipse, MonoDevelop, Emacs, Vi and so on..
Peace hermanos.
T
Greets from Greece

WHERE HAVE ALL THE COMPUTER SCIENCES GONE?

It just seems like computer science isn't as big as it used to be. Even old video games used to be more groundbreaking when they came out compared to todays. Also some people discourage young students that want to get involved in programming. I disagree with this and think that programming is still cool even though its not a big deal like it used to be. Anyone else have any thoughts about this?

I disagree that computer science "isn't as big as it used to be" - at my school, the intro class is totally filled up - all 30 computers. There are also between 20 and 30 AP level students spread out in two separate periods. Then there is a third class, the second year AP students, whose first year of AP was in C++. As of right now, they will be the only people who get to do that because of the language change at our school. We may, however, convince our school to have a "Java 2" class for people who are second year AP students. In other words, time for us to learn the more advanced things in Java that aren't needed for the AP test, such as Swing.
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What macbook should i get for university (Computer Science major)?

I need a macbook for homework, school, programing, and possibally running windows 7 or 8 using bootcamp. I will not be gaming on this machine at all. I was stuck between the 13' macbook air with 8gb ram, 512gb storage, and i7 or i5 for $1849. Or the macbook pro 13'' i5, 8gb ram, and 512gb storage for the same price. I'm looking for decent battery life and good performance overall. keep in mind that i won't replace this laptop for 3-4 years. And is it really a big difference between the i5 and the i7 in the air and should i get 256gb or 512gb in the air if that is the outcome.

I just happened to google "macbook for computer science majors" and this is the first thread I found. Weird Since All the students are at Univ of Waterloo. I know different school, but same city. http://www.studentawards.com/forum.aspx?g=posts&t=30988

Computer Systems Student: Programming C in Xcode

Hello.
I'm University Computer Systems student, I course in firts programming classes and I have some doubts about program C in Xcode:
How I can use the commands from C in Xcode, for example:
cout (because this command send me a error to ran my program)
cin (run without problem)
Thanks for you support

Those are c++ not c functions for starts.
In Xcode select OS X application then select the command line tool template and then select c++ as the type.

Time table generation of computer science department

hi,
i santanu need help of the people of this forum on developing the project on generation of computer science department .
input- the number of teacher,no of class rooms,no of classes rae specified
output-- the time table is generated witha the help of program
i got a largr project which is combination of 5 to 6 individual project.so please help me in solving this program.if any one got the code for it or any help will always be appreciated.
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Don't crosspost please!
http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5148535
http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5148533
http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5148532
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http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jspa?threadID=636835

Computer Science and Mac

I am going into computer science at university and am wondering if a MBP would be good for me. I have never had a mac and I don't know whats availble for programing with languages such as java, c, c++, c#, ruby, and many other languages.

Sure. Since all Macs include an Intel processor now, you can also install and run Windows and Windows applications natively on an Intel Mac if needed.
Programming for OS X applications.
http://developer.apple.com/
http://developer.apple.com/devcenter/mac/index.action

AP Computer Science--Need a bit of help for class

Hey guys,
I'm a senior in high school, and I'm taking the class AP Computer Science. We're learning Java programming and we've been using an outdated version of Sun Studio creator. The class is composed of me and my friend, we're studying independantly. The program is only available on the teacher's computer.
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--Tempest

Bets option , imho , is to get a copy of netbeans 5
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Which one to buy Macbook Air 13' 4gb or Macbook Pro 8gb for Computer Science Course

I'm starting university in July and I'm considering purchasing a rMacBook Pro 13" or a MacBook Air 13" to use during my study. I just can't decide which to go for.
The problem with Macbook air is that it is available in only 4gb RAM in India(no option for 8GB yet ) so for 8gb of RAM i have no other option but to go for the much expensive rMBP which costs arnd 600$ more than the MBA here after the student discount.
I will be mostly be using it for coursework, development purpose and movies, not into gaming that much. Wont be using it for photo-editing or video editing purpose, so the doubt that 4gb of RAM would be enough for the next 3+ years. Maximum usage would be running a linux or Win VM and IDE running in it along with maybe an IDE running on the OSX too. Thats the max usage i could think of.
MBA costs arnd 1060$ and rMBP 1685$. So is the rMBP 8gb worth it for my usage as it is expensive or the MBA would be sufficient enough to last me arnd 3 years according to my usage.

Should the recent or (whenever next) future models have the same limits and inaccessible upgrade design, while highly engineered and nice to look at, as the late 2013; that will turn some to look into finding new-old-stock older models that have removable battery (not glued in) and replaceable or upgradeable RAM where they didn't solder in the chips.
http://www.macrumors.com/2013/10/25/teardowns-of-late-2013-retina-macbook-pros-r eveal-no-improvements-in-accessibility/
You may have to consider an earlier model if you can locate one, that has access to upgrade RAM chips as you see a need develop for greater capacity for specific use; and one that does not have a glued in battery. The ability to upgrade the hard disk drive or have an SSD replaced without major issue or high costs, is another factor to an end-user and one who may not be able to afford to buy anything this costly every year as needs or situations change, or as issues develop in use and demands on the unit present shortcomings for some users.
Subtle hardware change can occur in an existing model line, but we'd have no way of knowing it here, and main media or news releases would be the main source of information; short of knowing someone at a retail store or the online store when you may get a rare opportunity to pre-order a new computer, after news of its pending arrival has hit the streets. By then, the specs are already set in metal, plastic, and retail price.
If there were a source for restored or renewed products of a few years ago, at good discount, with some kind of warranty or guaranty that had a local service on the ground there, I'd suspect that'd be a consideration. In the US, there are several companies who repair and sell repaired computers, in their web site, and get some from lease returns that they can refurbish; these are independent companies such as powermax, wegenermedia, and others who advertise in a limited circle of market.
I wonder if there are any options to order from another country or region Apple Store online where they may offer more inventory; but have no insight or answers to that kind of thinking. We're user-to-user volunteers and sometimes the information is missing to any of us here, that a retail product expert would know.
Wish I could be of more help, but I don't see how at this point.
Good luck & happy computing!

The greatest challenge in computer science today

is figuring out how to join tracks after they have been imported from a CD. I.e. when you actually know that they need to be joined.
Or perhaps simply figuring out how to avoid the muting moment between tracks during playback that have flush ends and starts.
This is a challenge that has confounded our greatest computer scientists since the advent of PCM digital audio. However, I have faith in the ingenuity of the Apple Software Professional...they are a breed apart.
Any
Mac OS X (10.4.6)

iTunes>Advanced>Join CD Tracks ?
There is a Crossfade playback function under iTunes>Preferences>Playback.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93624
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=917254&#917254

Laptops for college (computer science)

Hey! I'm going to be a college student in just a few weeks, and one of the hardest things about it is trying to buy the perfect laptop. I have been searching for one with certain specs that still remains good in quality and relatively cheap.
My specs are:
4th gen i7
at least 500gb hard drive
6-8gb ram (preferably 8)
dvd drive (blu ray if possible)
backlit keyboard (important)
webcam (usually standard)
matte (only if possible)
Max budget (probably 900 at the very most)
Do you guys have any suggestions? Do you have any laptops that people haven't really complained about as far as hardware failures or any problems? Are you coming out with any laptops in a few days? I still need to actually go to the store and try some out but I just wanted to hear some quick suggestions! Thanks!

adbdragonmaster wrote:
Hey! I'm going to be a college student in just a few weeks, and one of the hardest things about it is trying to buy the perfect laptop. I have been searching for one with certain specs that still remains good in quality and relatively cheap.
My specs are:
4th gen i7
at least 500gb hard drive
6-8gb ram (preferably 8)
dvd drive (blu ray if possible)
backlit keyboard (important)
webcam (usually standard)
matte (only if possible)
Max budget (probably 900 at the very most)
Do you guys have any suggestions? Do you have any laptops that people haven't really complained about as far as hardware failures or any problems? Are you coming out with any laptops in a few days? I still need to actually go to the store and try some out but I just wanted to hear some quick suggestions! Thanks!
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, BluRay has only found itself on TVs as the norm for viewing entertainment. It still has not caught up to the world of computers yet for some odd reason perhaps technology costs and barriers, but if you do find one, prepare to pay a pretty penny. You can buy an external one for not too much money but be sure the hardware you buy can decode and playback BluRay if you decide to go this route.
*******DISCLAIMER********
I am not an employee of BBY in any shape or form. All information presented in my replies or postings is my own opinion. It is up to you , the end user to determine the ultimate validity of any information presented on these forums.

For studying computer science/engineering...

Which would be better, a maxed out 13" MBA, or the base model Retina MBP? Those are the only two options I currently have.
This computer has to last me around 5 years, and I cannot upgrade to ram on the RMBP to 16gb.
I could also consider a regular MBP and upgrade to 16gb much later on but I'm rather have the portability of the other two options.

Actually the rMBP is not that portable. It does have a 15" screen.
Get a standard 15" MBP so you can upgrade it in the future.

Computer Science Student - MPB 13" i5 or i7?

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