Apple Mac or Windows Laptop for starting University in September?

I think it depends on how much you are willing to spend. I made the swap from Windows to Mac last year, and haven't looked back. Seeing as you're doing an essay based subject, you won't come a-cropper when you can't find odd software in a Mac format, so it's down to personal preference more than anything. Have you used a Mac before? If not, go to an Apple store and play with one for a bit and see if you like it before you spend a lot of money on a computer you may not like. Also, make sure you understand that there can be compatibility issues with word documents if you're moving them between Windows-based university machines, to your own Mac. Most issues can be avoided by getting a Mac version of Office, but I still find occasionally something doesn't convert properly. Hope this helps

The majority of people own a mac because they want, not need one. If you're doing law you won't specifically need one so you may as well either save a fortune and get a windows one, or get a really awesome one if you spend the same amount as a macbook.

What made you switch?

I have an iphone/ipad so use them regularly and absoloutely love them. I have never had a Mac laptop so I don't know exactly how that works. I have played around in the shops though... I love the clearness of them and the layout but I can tell it takes some getting used to!!

Oh I see, so if you get apple Microsoft Word can you then transfer documents between computers all the time? What if someone sends you a document in Word?

The fact I'd been through two laptops in three years and Windows became very slow and unstable once you'd had it for more than a few months (and yes, I did do the usual defrag, disc clean, etc ). I was tempted by the student discount and 3 year warranty, and I wanted a big iMac to write my dissertation on, so I took the plunge and LOVE IT! I had the other i-things first, and they really encouraged me to get the Mac If you like how your iPad et al function, you'll love Macs

The thing is it's actually a present from my parents for getting into University haha! (it's been a long time coming)... they offered to get any laptop as it's the last thing their ever buying me after I leave home haha... so price isn't a big deal, (luckily!). that's why I need to know genuinely why they are better and not just about whether ones cheaper etc.

You bought an 1100 quid iMac... to write a Word document on? Holy ****. That's a little OTT to be honest. You could do that on a cheap PC/Laptop (and you still wouldn't have had to use Windows - there are loads of linux distributions that are just as good as Windows and free!).

Tbh, they did tell me that in the Apple shop, and the nice lady there did talk me out of one of the 27" iMacs! But I now have a reliable computer, and I feel like it was money well spent

Fair enough - at least you got something you like and something you use. I really hate people who buy a Mac because it looks cool then complain how it's nothing like Windows and that it's crap.

I personally find it a little awkward having a Mac & Windows as I find Macs sort of hem you in to buying the next one and the next one to keep up to date as eventually their OS updates simply don't work on the older models. When a Windows PC gets to that point you can install Linux on it or something and use it as a server or similar - I don't think it's as easily done with a Mac (especially one with a 21" screen )

Plus I like to build my own anyway which Apple have done away with now with their newer products. You can't even change the RAM/hard disc yourself in the new MacBooks, which ultimately put me off as their servicing prices border on criminal sometimes.

I do totally agree with you Macs are often used as an expensive status symbol.

You sound like you're good with computers though, so I can hardly blame you for avoiding them as they are no good for anyone who wants to play about with their computer because Apple does force you to run Macs in a certain way, and a lot of specialist software is Windows-only. Though I actually put Windows 7 on my Mac so I could play games that had no Mac equivalent

I will be honest, I had a MacBook when I was 16 (the last plastic one before they went to aluminium) because I thought it was cool

I'm an IT student haha I'm going to study Forensic Computing in September at Liverpool John Moores so I know my way around a PC haha I know what you mean though, I've got an iPad/iPod and they're very.... restrictive in how you can use them. No themes etc unless you jailbreak which isn't everybody's cup of tea.

At the end of the day your buying the operating system. Pick one you like. Simple.

Take a Mac apart and it's the same components as a windows. It's the operating system your buying.

I use PC because I like the for ability of its OS

I've had 2 macs in the past. Both didn't last a year so that over 3000 down the toilet for £500+ repair work.

I've had 2 PCs both have last 11 years. And I still use then today.


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The fact I'd been through two laptops in three years and Windows became very slow and unstable once you'd had it for more than a few months (and yes, I did do the usual defrag, disc clean, etc ). I was tempted by the student discount and 3 year warranty, and I wanted a big iMac to write my dissertation on, so I took the plunge and LOVE IT! I had the other i-things first, and they really encouraged me to get the Mac If you like how your iPad et al function, you'll love Macs

Oh so you bought the a computer rather than a laptop?! Is that good for university? Because I've actually been undecided on whether to get a big iMac for exactly the reasons you had or to get a laptop and it be portable. I could get an iMac and then a windows laptop but I think that would just be annoying when transferring work. I deffo can't afford both!

I didn't know whether people took computers to uni or not? I guess if I had an iMac I could just take my iPad to lectures...

Well I just use my iPad to type lecture notes, then it all gets iClouded over to my iMac before I've even got back to my room I prefer desktops because they are nicer to work at, so if you think you can manage with your iPad, get the iMac

Thanks so much for the advice because I really had no idea what to do! I think I could cope with an iPad in lectures, or i could get one of those wireless keyboard thingies if I really can't keep up with typing.

The idea of an iMac appeals to me because I don't want to be hunched over a laptop all the time writing long essays! Do many people take computers to uni?