• Is It Better To Get A Mac Or Pc For College
• Mac Or Pc For College

Can’t decide if you should buy a Mac or PC? It’s a tough decision because both platforms have different advantages and disadvantages. It really also depends a lot on external factors like what other devices you own and what kind of software you use.

For example, if you own an Xbox One, a Windows Phone, a Surface tablet and all the other computers in your home are Windows PCs, then it might be more convenient to stick with a PC. On the other hand, if you own an iPhone, an iPad, an Apple TV, and an AirPrint enabled printer, then a Mac would fit in really well with those other devices.

Best college laptops for 2019. With picks from Apple, Asus, Dell, Lenovo and Microsoft, we've got an affordable laptop for every student. May 14, 2019  If you are unsure, or you are indifferent between a Mac and PC, then go with a PC for b-school. Mind you, for those out there who already have a Mac and you don't want to buy another computer for school, you can simply run Parallels (software costs around $70 or so) which allows you to run Windows on your Mac (I've done that, and it works fine). The Mac is a 4 year old 13 inch air with maybe 8GB ram, the PC is a quad core processor with 32 GB ram. However, when I turn on the Mac, it's on immediately, open a program, it pops right up. With the PC there is the wait for the program to load, and the response time is a bit sluggish compared to the Mac, even with a better processor. And of course, the best laptops for college students need to last for the long haul, preferably through four years of undergrad and maybe a year of grad work. PC gamers, of course, won't find. I'm indecisive if I should I get a Mac or a PC for university? I want a Mac, but my dad says that I'm only paying extra for the status symbol. For me, I rather have a laptop that I actually like that one that I don't like as much. I'm going to be a business major, if that's any help. Should I get a MacBook Pro or a PC laptop for college?

Additionally, even if you end up with a mixed environment with Windows and Mac devices, it’s pretty easy to share data across devices. It’s also fairly easy to access Mac files from a Windows PC and vice versa. You can even connect a Mac-formatted drive to a Windows PC and view the files directly. If you’re new to Mac, you’ll be happy to know that OS X has an equivalent for pretty much every feature in Windows.

So, without further ado, let’s go into the pros and cons for each platform, which includes the hardware and software. Obviously, this is a very biased and opinionated article, so feel free to share your thoughts if they are different.

Mac Pros and Windows Cons

• Macs have a built-in program called BootCamp, which allows you to install Windows, Linux or other operating systems in addition to OS X. Setting up a dual boot system in OS X is infinitely easier than it is in Windows. It’s also super easy to switch between the two operating systems.

• Macs work better with other Apple products in terms of software. This includes features like Handoff, iMessage, iCloud, iCloud Drive, iCloud Photo Library, iCloud Keychain, Find My iPhone, etc. Microsoft has tried to copy this, but only partially.

• Macs are less complicated and more intuitive to use. This is a very debatable point and the reason why I also list it as a con in the section below. If you’ve always been a Windows user, it can initially be counter-intuitive to use, however, I’ve found that it’s more logical once you get used to it.
• Even though Macs can get viruses or malware, the number of threats is still significantly less than for Windows just because the Windows base is so much larger.
• Almost all new PCs come installed with loads of bloatware from PC manufacturers, which requires manual removal. Mac computers have pre-installed software, but only from Apple and they don’t slow down your system. If you’re technically savvy, this is a non-issue, otherwise it can be a major nuisance.
• Apple has excellent customer support, AppleCare warranty programs, and exclusive Apple Stores where you can take your Mac or other Apple products for repairs, training or other issues.

• Macs are sleek and visually appealing. To get something close from PC manufacturers usually ends up negating the higher cost factor for Apple products.
• Speaking of cost, Macs are more expensive than PCs, but they also hold their resale value far better than PCs.
• Apple computers have some of the highest customer satisfaction rates in the industry. When you purchase a Mac, you are getting a high-quality machine. This can be true for PCs also, but with so many manufacturers and configurations, getting the best quality can be more difficult.
• Macs tend to be a bit more innovative in design and features. For example, Macs include Thunderbolt, USB Type C ports, multi-touch trackpads, force touch, keyboard backlighting and more.

• Macs can read NTFS or FAT formatted hard drives. Windows cannot read Mac formatted drives unless you install a third-party program.
• The iMac, the only Mac desktop other than the Mac Pro, is an all-in-one computer that you can get with a 4K or 5K display, something that really doesn’t exist in the Windows market at all unless you get an ultra-expensive custom rig. There is the HP Envy, but it isn’t as good as the iMac.

PC Pros and Mac Cons

• PCs are manufactured by many different companies, resulting in a huge selection of devices with a wide variation in prices. With Apple, you have only a few choices with set prices. In terms of desktops, Apple has only one geared towards consumers, so if the cost is prohibitive, a Windows desktop will be a much better choice.
• PCs are more up-gradable and configurable. On Macs, you can usually only upgrade the RAM or hard drive and that’s it. Pretty much every component on a desktop PC can be switched out. When purchasing PCs, you also have a lot more options that you can configure including processors, cases, memory, hard drives, ports, displays, etc.

• Overall, there is a lot more software available for Windows than for PC. The opposite is true when you look at smartphones, but we’re talking about computers here. There is usually an equivalent Mac program for every Windows app, but they are not always as good.
• Windows based PCs may have greater backwards compatibility. A five year old PC can easily run Windows 10 without any issue. A five year old Mac can run the latest version of OS X, but half the features will be missing and things don’t run as smoothly. For some reason, you always need the latest Mac in order to utilize all the new features in OS X.
• PCs are the absolute best option when it comes to gaming. Macs simply do not come with as powerful graphics cards, even high-end machines like the Mac Pro.

• Worldwide, most computers are PCs and Windows is the most popular operating system by far. This means the community is much larger and you can get more support for software and hardware.
• In terms of accessories, PCs have a lot more options and those options are usually cheaper.
• Though OS X is simpler, that’s not always the best for some people. Windows is more complex and powerful than OS X.
• PCs can be configured with hardware that Apple considers obsolete. Some newer Apple machines don’t even come with CD/DVD drives. It also seems Apple keeps reducing the number of ports on each newer machine. The new Macbook has one USB port and one headphone jack and that’s it.
• PCs work great with a whole slew of other products too. For example, you can stream your Xbox or PlayStation games to Windows.

These are some of the major pros and cons when it comes to Mac and PCs. There are a ton of other smaller pluses and minuses, but I don’t think those warrant that much attention when discussing this topic in general terms. Obviously, if you’re a professional graphics designer, then looking at specific compatible hardware and software would make more sense.

The point of this article is not to say one platform is better than the other, because that is simply not true. If you are a college student and the only thing that matters to you is your budget, then a Mac will probably not be best choice, regardless of the other benefits. In my opinion, if you have never tried a Mac, you should ask a friend or family member to loan you a device to see how you feel about it. Just about everyone has used Windows, so you pretty much know what you are getting in terms of software.

Let us know your opinions about why Mac or PC is better for you in the comments. Enjoy!

You’ve landed the internship or job of your dreams, you’re taking classes, and you’ve got the rest of your life to manage as well — but do you have a laptop with the power to keep up with you?

As a business student, you’ve got plenty on your plate, and worrying if your laptop can manage everything you’re throwing at it shouldn’t be one of those concerns.

In this article, we’ll help you locate some business laptops that won’t have any trouble taking on your full speed day, and show you how to pick the right one.

Also read: Best Laptop With SSD (Solid State Drive)

Quick Summary

Got an iPhone, iPad, and don’t want to break the trend? Don’t worry — Apple MacBook Pro is perfect for getting down to business and has a sleek design both inside and out. Fast SSD storage and 128MB of eDRAM has you covered, and there’s even a touch bar for extra productivity.

If you’re more of a Windows fan, the Dell XPS 13 UHD InfinityEdge is one in a long series of great business model laptops and offers specs that can keep up with you while boasting a gorgeous display and modern ports like USB-C.

Can’t pick between just getting a better tablet and an entire laptop? The Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop doesn’t make you compromise, since it’s both in one. You can flip it 360 degrees, but you’ll probably need to look for an external hard drive to beef up the available space.

Do You Need a Business Laptop?

The laptops in this article are, of course, recommended for business students. However, the idea is that you’re getting a machine that will last you past college, your master’s, or night classes and well into the work days afterward. Therefore, the laptops listed here are great for students but are also ideal for other business professionals who are looking to upgrade or replace their existing laptop.

If you’re a regular consumer, a business laptop will definitely have plenty of power for your everyday internet needs, but you may not need all of the features it offers and could be equally satisfied with a cheaper model. On the other hand, a model with greater power is almost guaranteed to have a longer lifetime.

We would not advise purchasing a business laptop if you’re a creative professional or regular video gamer. These laptops don’t have the graphics power for such endeavors, and you’d need to look for more specialty models in order to better suit your needs.

Laptop for Business Students: What to Consider?

Portability

Getting down to business doesn’t just happen in an office or at your desk at home, which means portability is key to a great business laptop.

You’re going to want to look for smaller, 13” screens paired with light frames that aren’t going to give you back pain when you bring them with you from place to place.

Make sure your design isn’t too fragile either — while you can always get a protective case, it’s better to just have a laptop that’s built to last in the first place.

Battery Life

As both an MBA student and a business professional, you can’t expect an electrical outlet everywhere you go, and besides, you don’t want to worry about hunting one down when you have much more productive things to be doing.

Make sure to get a laptop with battery life that will last all day so that you’re never desperately seeing if your laptop can be connected to both the power cord and the projector’s HDMI adapter at your important presentation.

Performance

As a business student, you need performance, but in a different dimension than many other types of individuals.

While integrated graphics might be unworkable to a creative professional, they’re more than enough when you’re running QuickBooks or PowerPoint.

You’ll definitely want 8GB of RAM or more, and you should also look for a Windows 10 Professional edition operating system (or the latest macOS if you prefer Apple).

Best Laptop for Business Students: Our Picks in 2019

The laptops recommended below are picked mainly based on 1). the criteria listed above 2). our own using experience 3). reputation research we did from the Internet about what other business students have to say.

1. Apple MacBook Pro

Maybe you’re an avid Apple fan, and maybe you’re just interested in seeing how the system compares. Whatever your situation, the ageless MacBook Pro design and top-notch interior specs are sure to keep up with the rest of the competition, and can offer a degree of familiarity that will make work a breeze if macOS is the system you’re most comfortable with. Plus, you can always dual boot a copy of Windows if needed.

What We Like:

• The design has always been sleek and professional, while top-tier interior specs such as the 2.4Ghz i5 processor and up to 128MB of eDRAM offer amazing performance.
• 512GB of SSD storage will be blazing fast and should be plenty of space for all your files and programs.

What We Dislike:

• MacOS has some program limitations and you may need to find similar programs for your desired application, use a virtual machine software, or dual-boot Windows to run it as needed.

2. Dell XPS High Performance Laptop

The XPS line offers some of Dell’s best business work, and we’ve highlighted this model in particular for its affordability compared to the others, nearly borderless screen, and sound specifications that will meet the needs of most students. The sleek design even includes 3 USB-C thunderbolt plug, ready to take on the future one port at a time.

What We Like:

• Solid specs are sure to run just about anything you would need as a student.
• 16GB of RAM and a processor that can clock up to 4.0 Ghz will be plenty for most applications, and integrated graphics will cover everything in between.
• Has a webcam for any video conferences you may need to participate in.

What We Dislike:

The FortiClient for Mac OS X dialog box displays. Dmg installer file. Forticlient for mac high sierra. Double-click the FortiClient.

• No optical drive for running DVDs (but this may not be an issue for most users).
• Comes with Windows 10 Home so you’ll need to upgrade to Pro.

3. Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop

Not sure if you’d rather a tablet or a laptop for your work? Luckily, you don’t have to decide with the Flex series from Lenovo. Shipping complete with Windows 10, a practical stylus for use with the bending screen, and a processor that includes an integrated graphics card.

What We Like:

• The convertible design is practical for many applications, and the frame even manages to fit a bulky HDMI port in without sacrificing the sleek and professional look of the laptop.
• Whether taking notes in class or a meeting or preparing a spreadsheet of data, you’ll be protected by a built-in fingerprint scanner and supported by 8GB of RAM on a 256GB SSD drive.

What We Dislike:

• No built-in optical drive for running CDs, small storage space will likely need the support of an external hard drive.

Useful Tips and Tricks

A lot goes into a day’s work, which can include traveling a lot of places. If you’re commuting regularly, you may want to invest in a special backpack for your laptop that includes anti-theft and impact-protection features.

These packs are designed to ease strain from the weight of your computer while keeping it safe and leaving plenty of space for your other materials like notebooks or electronic accessories. A good place to start looking is this classy model from Matein.
You’re also going to want to take care of your business laptop if you plan on making it last beyond college. There are a few ways to do this but one of the easiest is to keep things clean by taking a few minutes from your day every month or so to check up on your laptop.

While some basic advice is to take a microfiber cloth and wipe down your screen, there is a lot more you can do to keep things in mint condition. Check out these guides from CNET and Dummies to get more information on the most effective ways to keep your new computer clean, or watch this YouTube video:

Is It Better To Get A Mac Or Pc For College

Conclusion

Mac Or Pc For College

Being a business student can be both exciting and daunting — as can looking for a laptop that’s ready to take on the world with you. Whether you’re planning Powerpoints, analyzing market data, or hosting a conference call, we know these models can keep up with you.

What laptop models have you enjoyed using for business that we missed? Leave a comment below and tell us about them!

Influenced by the startup culture in the Silicon Valley, Jessica loves building things from zero to one and is keen on following news related to the Big Five tech giants and many SaaS startups.