| It's getting more and more trendy to compare Macs | | | | about before you make a decision based on Mac or |
| and PCs (though doing it objectively has yet to catch | | | | PC. If you find that both will satisfy your requirements, |
| on). And if you're buying a computer to bring to school, | | | | and price isn't a huge issue, you can just decide based |
| it's a question that you might find yourself facing. And | | | | on what you think you'll like more (or aesthetics or |
| while I can't claim to be an expert, I can offer my | | | | whatever you want your decision based on). It's when |
| own-very simple-suggestions. | | | | you get into more specialized things that it can get |
| Before you start shopping around, make a list of all the | | | | tough. |
| things that you need your computer to do. Then make | | | | Are you a math major? You'll probably want your |
| another list of the things you want it to do. For | | | | computer to run Mathematica. Or if you're studying |
| example, you'll need your computer to be able to type | | | | graphic design, you'll want Quark or InDesign. And while |
| and print your papers. You may want speech-to-type | | | | most programs can run on either Mac or PC, they |
| software so that your computer will dictate what you | | | | may do better on one than the other. Ask around and |
| say to it. Try to think of as many needs as possible. | | | | find out. Macs have been known to run graphic, audio, |
| You'll need it to be able to connect to the internet (the | | | | and video editing software very well. PCs are great |
| ability to connect wirelessly may be a need, and it may | | | | for enterprise-type things as well as networking. Which |
| be a want-it depends on your college's network). It has | | | | is more important to you? That depends on the list you |
| to be able to support the software you'll be using (like | | | | developed earlier. |
| Microsoft Office or OpenOffice). Try to think of any | | | | When it really comes down to it, the vast majority of |
| uncommon situations you might be in. | | | | students will be fine with either a Mac or a PC. (I know |
| Once you've created the list, go talk to an expert. | | | | that there are many people out there that consider this |
| Head to you local electronics store and show your list | | | | statement near blasphemy - relax!) There are very |
| to someone knowledgeable about computers, and | | | | few things you can do with one that you can't do with |
| hash it out with them. Laptop or desktop? Mac or PC? | | | | the other, and not very many students needs to do |
| The newest, latest, and greatest, or last year's model | | | | any of those things. Ask your friends about their |
| to save some cash? | | | | experiences with either, consult your list, and go with a |
| These are the types of things that you should worry | | | | computer that you're stoked on. |