So many of you are probably trying to decide what kind of laptop to get for college. First of all, a laptop is not completely necessary on campus. Yes, it is HIGHLY useful and almost everyone does have one, but it's not necessary! There are computer labs in every dorm and academic building, the library of course and at the Union (and probably other places that I haven’t discovered). So if a laptop is out of your financial means, you won’t be at a disadvantage. But the big question for those who are considering a laptop purchase: Mac or PC...
#TRUTH
The biggest reason this argument exists is because of BUS-K201/K20FUN (Computers in Business). In this class, you’ll use Microsoft Excel and Access that ONLY run on Windows (Macs have Excel, but it doesn’t work the same way/process the same functions). Yes, you can partition your hard drive (whatever that means) or run IUanyWare (even though the professors will tell you not to, you can) but it is considerably easier to just have a PC to do homework. How often will you need it for homework? With two lab classes per week, you’ll have approximately two pre-lab and two post-lab exercises in addition to a weekly project that can take anywhere from thirty minutes to eight hours of work. So there is a lot of use that will come out of your PC if you decide to get one or keep your existing one.
I actually took K204 (the honors version of K201) first semester and used a PC and then got a Mac for Christmas so I switched. I took K304 (the honors version of K303 - the second mandatory Kelley computers class) second semester and I just used the computer labs in Hodge and McNutt. It was definitely nice being able to do my homework in my bed first semester without any hassle, but it wasn’t too bad using the computer labs when I had my Mac. Having to go to the labs was sometimes actually good because it forced me to sit down and do my work instead of being distracted by friends knocking on my door. It was annoying though when I couldn’t finish projects in one sitting and had to return to the hot computer lab after class or a group meeting. Additionally, the labs can get chattery and your friends may pop in to do their work as well. FYI the labs (at least in McNutt) will be extremely busy the day/night before projects are due so plan ahead if you need to use them for any purpose!
My answer to this question? Considering my experience with both, I would say Mac. That’s just my opinion. I just like how Macs run better and I didn’t mind walking to the McNutt lab and logging on. If you ask enough people, you’re probably gonna get a 50/50 response based on preference between software and how much they value accessibility. I know this didn’t give you a definitive answer, but hopefully it helped explain the reasoning behind both choices!
And here's some tips for K201/204 so you don't end up like this Evan.
