[bambamty]

Hello! i am currently in the process of buying a new computer, what would be suited best for a physics degree, a macbook air, or macbook pro? It will primarily be used for Ms office for lab reports, etc etc, and quite alot of MatLab. I intend for it to last the entire of my degree (4 years) all help appreciated!

[Manitude]

Actually, given the software you could potentially be using in a physics degree, a Windows machine would probably be more compatible. Chances are you won't be using MS Office after first year either, as Latex is better for reports. And other graphing software is far superior to Excel.

I'm assuming Macs don't come with MS Office, so I strongly advise you not to buy it - get Open Office instead and save yourself a load of money, then when the time comes you'll want to look at other open source programs to do the rest.

[syuuki]

You don't need Macbook Pro because of its specs are quite high (for gaming, video editing, rendering stuffs etc.. ).

Go for Macbook Air instead, lightweight, portable, easier to bring around and it's powerful enough for your MS Office etc...

And yeah it's true that you don't need Macbook if you're just using MS Office stuffs. A windows notebook will do.

But if you're still insist of buying a Mac then :P ...

[Tpx]

I would get a Macbook Air as well. As it is cheaper, you could also buy a monitor to use as a second screen when at home.

[Fallen]

I would say get a Pro. A proper hard drive is much more likely to last 4 years (if you treat it properly it will). You will notice a slowdown in your Air much more because parts like the SSD will be be well past their guarantee number of writes.

Just generally for future-proofing, the Pro.

[bambamty]

If i go for either, it'll be the 13" versions. So the cost for each one is the same, its just the portability and screen, Vs better power for matlab, upgradeability (is that ever a word) and far more ports

[Intriguing Alias]

(Original post by bambamty)
Hello! i am currently in the process of buying a new computer, what would be suited best for a physics degree, a macbook air, or macbook pro? It will primarily be used for Ms office for lab reports, etc etc, and quite alot of MatLab. I intend for it to last the entire of my degree (4 years) all help appreciated!

Between the two, I'd say a pro for the extra processing power (for matlab).

[DeathByBSOD]

for a phys degree? get a high spec windows 7 laptop, uninstall win 7, install linux (ubuntu). also get to grips with latex aswell, good for reports

[staytuff]

(Original post by bambamty)
Hello! i am currently in the process of buying a new computer, what would be suited best for a physics degree, a macbook air, or macbook pro? It will primarily be used for Ms office for lab reports, etc etc, and quite alot of MatLab. I intend for it to last the entire of my degree (4 years) all help appreciated!

Bambamty, get a macbook pro. Most of the software these days are compatible with mac. Worst case scenario, install windows on a partition.

Macbook pro is sturdier and gets heated up less fast. And it's also a bit more rugged.( I've dropped my macbook pro before and nothing happened). My friend accidentally dropped her macbook air and the screen cracked with a million lines.

Best of both worlds !

[bambamty]

(Original post by DeathByBSOD)
for a phys degree? get a high spec windows 7 laptop, uninstall win 7, install linux (ubuntu). also get to grips with latex aswell, good for reports

I do like using Linux and windows, as I have the option to do more (play with settings, etc) but I find I HAVE to do more to make the o/s bearable, I might try and repair my current laptop, and use it as a Linux machine, just for fun really


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[bambamty]

(Original post by staytuff)
Bambamty, get a macbook pro. Most of the software these days are compatible with mac. Worst case scenario, install windows on a partition.

Macbook pro is sturdier and gets heated up less fast. And it's also a bit more rugged.( I've dropped my macbook pro before and nothing happened). My friend accidentally dropped her macbook air and the screen cracked with a million lines.

Best of both worlds !

I decided on the pro in the end, ordered last night, should be here tomorrow, or Monday morning! What case are you currently using? Weird question I know, but I want something pretty substantial to protect my new laptop!


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[bambamty]

(Original post by _vilaseca_)
Or just get a normal windows laptop rather than spunk out a stupid amount of money on a macbook?

I agree that macs are very expensive, however when other factors are taken into account such as, useable life, resale value, build quality, warranty and customer service, oh and the Os, they're not as badly priced as people make out, ( I'm not saying they're well priced, but they're not bad)


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[bambamty]

(Original post by _vilaseca_)
I've got a Sony vaio that i bought a few years ago and it works perfectly. Most computers that are treated well shouldnt break.

I had my last pc laptop for just shy of 4 years before it gave in, and was top expensive to repair, it did survive a house fire though..


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[DeathByBSOD]

(Original post by _vilaseca_)
Or just get a normal windows laptop rather than spunk out a stupid amount of money on a macbook?

this.