The Student Room Group
Competition - post a photo you've taken of nature >>
Uni students - Complete our survey >>
Competition - post a photo you've taken of nature >>
Uni students - Complete our survey >>

Laptop For Maths Degree

Hi,

Need some advice on what laptop to buy for my course.

Looking to buy either a Macbook air (13") or Macbook pro (15") for my maths degree, starting in a few weeks.

Both are compatible with the softwares I'll be using throughout the course.

However, I plan on hand writing my notes in lectures, but wil be carrying it around for other work.

Whats the most important factor? Memory?
Original post by CapitalC
Hi,

Need some advice on what laptop to buy for my course.

Looking to buy either a Macbook air (13":wink: or Macbook pro (15":wink: for my maths degree, starting in a few weeks.

Both are compatible with the softwares I'll be using throughout the course.

However, I plan on hand writing my notes in lectures, but wil be carrying it around for other work.

Whats the most important factor? Memory?


One that works is literally the only criteria I can think of.

Okay, memory, speed etc for personal use is good. Chances are for your own work you'll be using remote desktop (maybe) to access software on your uni account rather than your own laptop so how much memory you need.. I'm not sure. An insignificant amount of stuff on my laptop is to do with uni work, admin etc.

So.. have something as good as you want, you may not feel the difference between two good laptops though.

Though even in some maths lectures I've had where they use proper powerpoints, having a laptop to see and add notes there would be very useful and the bigger the screen the better but..
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by CapitalC
Hi,

Need some advice on what laptop to buy for my course.

Looking to buy either a Macbook air (13":wink: or Macbook pro (15":wink: for my maths degree, starting in a few weeks.

Both are compatible with the softwares I'll be using throughout the course.

However, I plan on hand writing my notes in lectures, but wil be carrying it around for other work.

Whats the most important factor? Memory?


Just having one is really all you need. I assume you'll be using MATLAB or Wolfram Mathematica. So just get one that you can afford.
They will both be fine and powerful enough for what you want to do.
I dont know what specialist software you need, but surely not that power demanding?

Memory helps it multitask better. 8 should be fine.
SSD= fayser but they seem standard.
Processor - speed of calculations, but an i3 should be plenty unless you are doing soemthing processor intensive.


More likely you should consider weight, battery life and screen size. Go to an Apple shop and just compare the weight and phsyical size. Obviously for portability lighter is better, smaller soemtimes better, but get one that suits you.

Dont forget your discount from the appleshop as a student or extra years guarantee from John Lewis.
Reply 4
Avatar for CapitalC
CapitalC
OP
2
Original post by SeanFM
One that works is literally the only criteria I can think of.

Okay, memory, speed etc for personal use is good. Chances are for your own work you'll be using remote desktop (maybe) to access software on your uni account rather than your own laptop so how much memory you need.. I'm not sure. An insignificant amount of stuff on my laptop is to do with uni work, admin etc.

So.. have something as good as you want, you may not feel the difference between two good laptops though.

Though even in some maths lectures I've had where they use proper powerpoints, having a laptop to see and add notes there would be very useful and the bigger the screen the better but..


Original post by zetamcfc
Just having one is really all you need. I assume you'll be using MATLAB or Wolfram Mathematica. So just get one that you can afford.


Original post by 999tigger
They will both be fine and powerful enough for what you want to do.
I dont know what specialist software you need, but surely not that power demanding?

Memory helps it multitask better. 8 should be fine.
SSD= fayser but they seem standard.
Processor - speed of calculations, but an i3 should be plenty unless you are doing soemthing processor intensive.


More likely you should consider weight, battery life and screen size. Go to an Apple shop and just compare the weight and phsyical size. Obviously for portability lighter is better, smaller soemtimes better, but get one that suits you.

Dont forget your discount from the appleshop as a student or extra years guarantee from John Lewis.



Ah great, thank you, may need to look into this a little more.
Here you go

http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/macbook-vs-air-vs-pro

Personally id get pro because i prefer power but you need to tic price tag and the fact you can change specs for either. Either will be fine from a computing side, so its just your choice.

http://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/apple/apple-student-discount-how-use-apple-education-store-3466634/

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you