Mac or pc for college

I was wondering if a Mac or pc would be a better investment for college. I will be having a few online classes that require working with windows but I know macs can run windows now. Also if you have windows on the Mac do you still need to get Microsoft office for word etc? What's the better choice?

In all honesty... I am a windows fan.
When you are going through college you will be interacting with quite a bit of different software throughout your years which will usually NOT be useable on a mac.
MACs are restricted on the software they support, but that is also a main reason they are "more reliable". But it will also limit your knowledge of a computer in my opinion.
You can still run windows within the MAC through other software you have to purchase, such as boot camp. You will also need to purchase a fresh copy of windows as well, which really just ADDS to the cost of the already overpriced MAC machines.
Is there a need for the MAC OS + WINDOWS OS? My opinion is no. You will benefit more throughout college with a Windows based machine and it will not hurt your pocket nearly as much. But if money is not an issue for you, then yes a MAC computer with some software to run windows would be ideal, but not worth the $$$ in my opinion although it would provide you with the flexibility and power of both operating systems.
My opinion is just to pick a reliable PC manufacture and a good model. You will use windows a lot more frequently than MAC or it's software.
A windows based PC can do everything a MAC can... and more, but because of that there may be a few future head aches such as software problems.
Window based PCs are extremely flexible and changeable and thats why you hear a lot of problems and people complain because they change things without even realizing it and it sometimes does not like what you changed as it conflicts with another setting/change.
MACs are bit restricted and thats why you do not hear about the problems nearly as much.
Summary: Grab a Windows based computer for college. You are there to learn, might as well learn a bit about a compute aswell. They are everywhere.
Geek Squad Agent
Although I am currently a Best Buy employee my involvement with these boards are voluntary and on my own time. I am not representing Best Buy. My comments/posts have no affiliation with Best Buy in any way and are strictly MY OWN words & opinions.

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Mac or Windows for College?

So next year I will be in college, of course I will buy a brand new labtop for school. But I dont know which would be better for doing school work and send assignments to my professor etc which computer would be more compatiable Mac or Windows? and if Mac Air or Pro?

Actually I'll give a completely unbiased answer from my brother the Windows freak. "An Apple notebook is the best Windows notebook made today."
To which I'll add: With an Apple notebook you have the ultimate in compatibility. You know you'll have a computer that runs the software your professors demand whether that be Windows, Mac, or Unix.
That just leaves the question of which computer. My choice would be a 13" MB Air with 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD preferred but 128GB should suffice. Add an inexpensive USB optical drive if you buy physical CDs or DVDs - no need to buy Apple's SuperDrive. Also buy an external drive for TM backups. If you elect to go with the 128GB SSD you will probably wind up buying another external drive for your media - music, video, and pictures - but you needn't buy that right away.

What's the best Mac to get for college?

My daughter is getting ready to attend college in the fall and I would like to get her a MAC. Which one do you recommend and why?

She'll certainly want something portable and while the MacBook Air is the lightest, I would be more prone to suggest a slightly heavier (but not too hefty!) entry-level MacBook Pro. If she needs to run Windows apps, she can, and there are a number of applications that are cross-platform (the ubiquitus MicroSoft Office for example).
See -> http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/macbook-pro?product=ME293LL/A&step=config.
Good luck!
Clinton

Can the $100 Mac App store credit for college students be claimed anytime?

I am planning to get a Mac Book Pro for college, but money is a little tight right now and I heard that Apple is coming out with a newer MBP around Christmas this year, and I plan on getting it then. The $100 for the App store sounds enticing, and I am hoping I wouldn't forfeit it by waiting until December/January to get a new MBP.

Hi g,
No one here knows Apple's plans, and if they do, they're not allowed to tell. You can look at past history and make a decision based on that, or you can just take your chances.

I'm getting a MacBook pro for college and just wanted to make sure I was correct on how to transfer everything to it such as iTunes. All I have to do is turn on home sharing and then log into iTunes on my new Mac right?

I'm getting a MacBook pro for college and just wondered how to transfer/share everything from my desktop pc to my Mac?

home sharing will work but won't transfer playcounts, ratings, and original "date added".
if you wish to keep those, use the instructions in this article here.

For college/grad school should i get ipad 3 or mac book air?

for college/grad school should i get ipad 3 or mac book air?

Nobody can tell you which one is best for you, it's a personal preference. However, here are a few factors you might want to take into consideration:
1-They're two different devices that serve different purposes. The way you take notes in an iPad is different than the way you would on a MBA. On the iPad, with apps like Evernote and Notability you can take more complete notes than with a MBA. You have the option to have audio notes, write with a Stylus, make diagrams by hand to explain/relate concepts easily. With the external keyboard (for that I'd recommend using the Apple Wireless Keyboard with the InCase Origami Workstation) you could type just as fast as you would on a MBA and format the text just like you would on the MBA. However, for bigger (possibly partner) papers, the MBA would help you. You could start the paper on the iPad without any issues (using Pages or even Evernote) but you'd need a laptop/computer to finalize the project.
2-Portability wise, they're both incredibly light. The iPad is somewhat smaller = lighter but with the keyboard they're about the same. The fact that with the ipad + keyboard combo you can take out the keyboard only when you need it, for me, is an advantage be ause when I don't want to use it, it's not in the way. For others, it's a disadvantage because you have to carry two items instead of one.
3-MBA let's you access all websites and most file types. If one of your classes requires you to go to the Browser and see a Flash enabled page, the iPad would not be of much help. Same goes for any programs you might need to install. On the MBA you'll most likely be able to do so. On the iPad, chances are there won't be an app for that.
4-Aonce you already have a MBP, I'd go for the iPad. If/when the iPad falls short(because of the limitations mentioned above) you can use the laptop. And in the mean time, use the iPad for everything else. That way you get the best of both worlds. You'd only need to take the MBP when you know you'll need it and wont have to carry that weight all the time.
6-Studying (reading, highlighting, annotating) is easier and more intuitive on the iPad. The iPad is great for reading, combine that with the fact that you can leave comments/notes just like you would on a physical piece of paper, and you've got the best way to learn IMO.

Hey I'm planning to buy a Mac for college.. I game quite often and do my classworks, movies, music and browse the web.I have two options Macbook air i7 1.7ghz,4gb Macbook pro 2.4ghz i5,8gb I like the slight edge on iris graphics ..on the other hand I like

Hey I'm planning to buy a Mac for college.. I game quite often and do my classworks, movies, music and browse the web.I have two options
Macbook air i7 1.7ghz,4gb
Macbook pro 2.4ghz i5,8gb
I like the slight edge on iris graphics ..on the other hand I like the MBAs battery life.. I'm confused ..suggest me a good pick please...
Regards....
PS:I also heard the MBA overheats coz it lacks proper ventilation when choosing an i7 processor and also depletes the battery

Hey I'm planning to buy a Mac for college.. I game quite often and do my classworks, movies, music and browse the web.I have two options
Macbook air i7 1.7ghz,4gb
Macbook pro 2.4ghz i5,8gb
I like the slight edge on iris graphics ..on the other hand I like the MBAs battery life.. I'm confused ..suggest me a good pick please...
Regards....
PS:I also heard the MBA overheats coz it lacks proper ventilation when choosing an i7 processor and also depletes the battery

I do not remember my security questions and the recovery email hasnt been logged onto in years. i can't buy anything for my mac for college without answering the security questions

I do not remember my security questions and the recovery email hasnt been logged onto in years. i can't buy anything for my mac for college without answering the security questions which i cant recover

you can setup a rescue email. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5312
all else failing you can reestablish a new account. as a last resort
https://iforgot.apple.com/appleid?language=US-EN&returnURL=https://appleid.apple .com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MyAppleId.woa&app_id=93&app_type=ext

Whats better for college/grad school- ipad 3 with keyboard or mac book air? 11 inch

whats better for college/grad school- ipad 3 with keyboard or mac book air? 11 inch

Nobody can tell you which one is best for you, it's a personal preference. However, here are a few factors you might want to take into consideration:
1-They're two different devices that serve different purposes. The way you take notes in an iPad is different than the way you would on a MBA. On the iPad, with apps like Evernote and Notability you can take more complete notes than with a MBA. You have the option to have audio notes, write with a Stylus, make diagrams by hand to explain/relate concepts easily. With the external keyboard (for that I'd recommend using the Apple Wireless Keyboard with the InCase Origami Workstation) you could type just as fast as you would on a MBA and format the text just like you would on the MBA. However, for bigger (possibly partner) papers, the MBA would help you. You could start the paper on the iPad without any issues (using Pages or even Evernote) but you'd need a laptop/computer to finalize the project.
2-Portability wise, they're both incredibly light. The iPad is somewhat smaller = lighter but with the keyboard they're about the same. The fact that with the ipad + keyboard combo you can take out the keyboard only when you need it, for me, is an advantage be ause when I don't want to use it, it's not in the way. For others, it's a disadvantage because you have to carry two items instead of one.
3-The iPad needs a computer to be updated, synced, etc. So if you don't have one, definitely get the MBA. The MBA can work as a standalone computer. The iPad needs to be synced to an iTunes library in a computer.
4-MBA let's you access all websites and most file types. If one of your classes requires you to go to the Browser and see a Flash enabled page, the iPad would not be of much help. Same goes for any programs you might need to install. On the MBA you'll most likely be able to do so. On the iPad, chances are there won't be an app for that.
5-If you already have a MBP or any other laptop, I'd go for the iPad. If/when the iPad falls short(because of the limitations mentioned above) you can use the laptop. And in the mean time, use the iPad for everything else. That way you get the best of both worlds.
6-Studying (reading, highlighting, annotating) is easier and more intuitive on the iPad. The iPad is great for reading, combine that with the fact that you can leave comments/notes just like you would on a physical piece of paper, and you've got the best way to learn IMO.

I need to run windows program's like word and excel and PowerPoint etc on my mac for college , how can I do it?

I need to run windows program's like word and excel and PowerPoint etc on my mac for college , how can I do it?

You can install Office for Mac
You can install Windows using Boot Camp Assistant then install Office for Windows in your Windows installation
You can install Windows and Office for Windows using a virtual machine like Fusion, Parallels, or VirtualBox

Using ALEKS with Mac (math class review for college)

Hi. I'm taking a math review class for college, and it's online. They want me to do it through something called ALEKS. Has anyone used this before? I've paid for the class, and tried downloading what they wanted me to download, but I got this error message:
An error occurred during installation.
This installer is not allowed to write files in your Java Plug-in lib/ext directory.
When I clicked the error link, it said:
mework/Versions/1.5.0/Home/lib/ext/test.tmp (Permission denied)
Error #12: Error UseS_IP : 2, java.lang.Exception: sudo return 1
Error #13: Error UseS_P_IP : 0, java.lang.Exception: Password null
Info
I've sent email to my professor, and to the ALEKS company about it, and I'm sure they'll respond. I just wanted to try asking here, in case anyone had done this before and knew what to do.
Thanks.
Hope everyone had a good Easter/Spring Break/etc..
Penelope

Did you follow the instructions here?

Mac For College

Okay. MacBook for college and I get a free iPod up to $229. Awesome deal, however; would it be possible to get that same deal on a refurbished model? So truly sorry if this is in the wrong category, but my iPod Touch limits my internet browsing. It's almost dead.

would it be possible to get that same deal on a refurbished model?
No.
(43987)

Can I install windows 7 on a potable Hard Drive using boot camp? or any other way to do so?? need help for college please

I need to use windows in order to use Visual C++ for college but I don't have enough space in my internal Hard Drive so I want to install windows 7using boot camp or any other method on a portable hard drive and boot from it.
Please help I need it as soon as possible for school. Thanks

You can't boot Windows natively except on internal drives.
You can use a VM and put the VM image (VHD) anywhere any drive you want.
You are way too low on disk space, seriously so. And no room - even Windows and Mac OS should be warning and balking already.
"emulator" is an old-school term, even true, running a Guest OS under Mac's as a virtual machine, shared resources (RAM, processor) is easier but not the same performance level as running natively.
Comparison of VMware Fusion Parallels VirtualBox
This just posted, an FAQ for Lion and Boot Camp 4.0
Boot Camp 4.0, OS X Lion: Frequently asked questions

Best back up for college lap top

We currently have 3 mac computers all connected to external hard drives for the time machine use only. We just purchased a macbook pro for my daughter for college in the fall and are curious on the best back up source for that. The apple consultant sold us the "mobile me" software and told her she can back up most all her needed files on the mobile me account and that would be good. I, being older and having lost valuable info in the past, am not convinced that mobile me is the absolute best thing she can do. Would there be a reason to not connect a laptop to an external "time machine" type drive once a day and use the mobile me account for school files as well?
Additionally would there be a reason to use a smaller "mini" type drive that requires no additional power or would we want a standard A/C plugged in back up drive. Currently we are using all g-technology back up drives and have never had a problem with any of their operation or the time machine operation when we needed to fix a "human" error! I like the small mini type drives, but if it's used basically as a back up for the entire machine anyhow, would it be more beneficial or just simply smaller. I did note that there does not appear to be a kensington lock slot on most of the smaller drives and she is worried about locking things up in her soon to be dorm room.
All you help is very appreciated and please ask me anything if I rambled and didn't make sense!
thanks!

Whether MobileMe is good backup for your daughter is all relative. Off-site backup is the best kind of backup you can have, so in that respect, MobileMe is good. However, there are some major drawbacks. First, it's slow. A large backup might need to run overnight. Second, space is very tight. You've only got 20 GB to share between all MobileMe features (mailboxes, backups, web site, iDisk storage, etc), and since it's shared, you won't want to fill all 20 GB up with backups. My user folder is 51+ GB. Third, you have to use the Backup app, downloaded from the MobileMe iDisk, to perform backups to MobileMe. Backup kinda stinks. There are far better backup apps out there... Backup is just not one I can recommend relying on.
Now, if your daughter's data fits fine and she can schedule large backups for times when it won't get in the way, MobileMe might be a good part of a backup strategy. Keep in mind that she needs to have a couple different backups at a minimum before ditching MobileMe outright.
Another option would be Time Machine with any drive you like. Since she's worried about things getting stolen, maybe make sure she's got a long USB or Firewire cable and can lock the drive up in a drawer or closet while it is still connected to her machine. Or look into a second online backup, like Carbonite.

Programming for College with Windows Apps on bootcamp HELP?

Hello everyone I come to you for help after a long search for the perfect laptop.
Right now I am using a macbook late 2009 with multitouch. I love the features but after signing up for some programming classes for college I had to revise what laptop I should own.
My question is if I'll be able to program on bootcamp with Windows 7 with windows applications like Dev C++, Microsoft Visual Studio, Eclipse, an assembler and the like with 100% compatibility?
I am on a very low income but I think that Apple really gets it when it comes to mobile laptops. I haven't found anything comparable to a Macbook anywhere. I've seen some imitations like the HP Envy but when you look closely they do not come close.
Laptop PC makers just don't get it with their 2 hour battery life, "Desktop replacements" and heavy laptops. What is the point of all that if it's not mobile.
I can only own one laptop and I will upgrade to a 15 inch because I need the screen real state. I'm hoping that the answer will be YES to compatibility with programming applications on Windows 7.
One last thing, I've heard of Xcode but college teaches on Windows Applications, there is no way around it. I need to use what everyone else is using right now.
Thank you all.

Hi and welcome to Discussions,
running Windows with BootCamp on a Mac is like running Windows on any other given computer.
Those programs you mentioned shouldn't give you any kind of problems.
Only very low-level BIOS and/or hardware programming (in assembler) can arise problems due to some differences between Macs and 'other' PCs (like the lack of a full BIOS support).
Other than that you're good to go.
Have Fun
Stefan

Mac or pc for college

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