laptop for a computing degree?
hi so im planning on starting an undergrad degree in computer science this september (hopefully lol) and i want to get a new laptop, but i dont really know what to get.
i currently have a macbook air 2020 (ik lol i got it as a gift in year 9) and i cannot pull up to my course with this, but i dont know much about windows computers so i was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or just like tips for something that wont get me bullied in september haha.
like i know my friend said to make sure the charging cable isnt too heavy to carry, so any tips like that would also be greatly appreciated
oh and also places to get which have student discount..
i currently have a macbook air 2020 (ik lol i got it as a gift in year 9) and i cannot pull up to my course with this, but i dont know much about windows computers so i was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or just like tips for something that wont get me bullied in september haha.
like i know my friend said to make sure the charging cable isnt too heavy to carry, so any tips like that would also be greatly appreciated
oh and also places to get which have student discount..
Really depends on your budget, have you reached out to your uni to ask what they recommend? I'm not a computing student so take all of the below with a pinch of salt but having studied closely with them a couple of years ago, I would suggest some things below.
16 GB of RAM, 8 GB should be fine but you might as well get 16 in case you decide to use your laptop for heavier tasks.
Goes without saying but ALWAYS back up your data, I know multiple people who lost so much work due to not doing this.
You can always get a good SSD to help the performance of an older laptop if that helps your budget.
Linux is always a good option depending on how much you want to go down that rabbit hole!
Finally, don't worry about having an older laptop no one will care! 🙂
16 GB of RAM, 8 GB should be fine but you might as well get 16 in case you decide to use your laptop for heavier tasks.
Goes without saying but ALWAYS back up your data, I know multiple people who lost so much work due to not doing this.
You can always get a good SSD to help the performance of an older laptop if that helps your budget.
Linux is always a good option depending on how much you want to go down that rabbit hole!
Finally, don't worry about having an older laptop no one will care! 🙂
Original post by ang2211
hi so im planning on starting an undergrad degree in computer science this september (hopefully lol) and i want to get a new laptop, but i dont really know what to get.
i currently have a macbook air 2020 (ik lol i got it as a gift in year 9) and i cannot pull up to my course with this, but i dont know much about windows computers so i was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or just like tips for something that wont get me bullied in september haha.
like i know my friend said to make sure the charging cable isnt too heavy to carry, so any tips like that would also be greatly appreciated oh and also places to get which have student discount..
i currently have a macbook air 2020 (ik lol i got it as a gift in year 9) and i cannot pull up to my course with this, but i dont know much about windows computers so i was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or just like tips for something that wont get me bullied in september haha.
like i know my friend said to make sure the charging cable isnt too heavy to carry, so any tips like that would also be greatly appreciated
oh and also places to get which have student discount..I would ask your university what their OS is and then familiarising yourself with that OS.
It's no good just buying a MacBook if your course is primarily on Linux systems (or any other OS for that matter. I know you have a MacBook already but I was just quoting an example).
I'm an Imperial offer holder and they primarily use Linux systems, which I found out on my interview day when I asked a student. They said that there really wasn't much time to familiarise themselves with the system and that it took a long time for them to adjust so it's best to do it over summer) so I'm getting a Linux system in the next couple of weeks and even if I don't get in, it won't be a waste of money or anything either because my insurance choice also uses Linux systems.
No one will care about the age of your device so just buy something that is functional and will allow you to complete all tasks that will be required of you at university. That being said, I personally wouldn't buy something that's been released 3+ years ago because you might find that the lifetime of your device is lesser than expected and you may have to shell out on a new device, which is not viable for everyone, so do your research, and make your decision wisely.
But first things first, before you rush into anything and buy a device, I would probably recommend waiting for Results Day unless you can guarantee where you will be attending.
Original post by ang2211
hi so im planning on starting an undergrad degree in computer science this september (hopefully lol) and i want to get a new laptop, but i dont really know what to get.
i currently have a macbook air 2020 (ik lol i got it as a gift in year 9) and i cannot pull up to my course with this, but i dont know much about windows computers so i was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or just like tips for something that wont get me bullied in september haha.
like i know my friend said to make sure the charging cable isnt too heavy to carry, so any tips like that would also be greatly appreciated oh and also places to get which have student discount..
i currently have a macbook air 2020 (ik lol i got it as a gift in year 9) and i cannot pull up to my course with this, but i dont know much about windows computers so i was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or just like tips for something that wont get me bullied in september haha.
like i know my friend said to make sure the charging cable isnt too heavy to carry, so any tips like that would also be greatly appreciated
oh and also places to get which have student discount..Hi there,
Congrats on planning to start your Computer Science degree this September! Getting a new laptop for your course is a great idea, especially since you'll need something reliable and capable of handling your programming and other coursework.
Many students prefer Windows laptops for their flexibility and compatibility with various software used in CS courses. Here are some recommendations and tips to help you choose the right laptop:
When it comes to specifications, aim for a processor that's at least an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. If your budget allows, an i7 or Ryzen 7 would be even better. For RAM, 8GB is the minimum, but 16GB is ideal for smoother multitasking. An SSD (Solid State Drive) is a must for faster boot times and overall performance; aim for at least 256GB, though 512GB would be more comfortable. Additionally, look for a laptop that offers at least 8 hours of battery life.
Practical tips are also important when choosing a laptop. Consider weight and portability, especially if you'll be commuting or moving between classes often. A weight of around 1.3 to 1.5 kg is usually manageable. Ensure the charging brick isn't too bulky; some models have more compact chargers which are easier to carry. Finally, make sure the laptop has enough ports for your needs, having an HDMI port can be useful.
Your MacBook Air might still be useful for light tasks or as a secondary device, but having a more powerful Windows laptop will help with your coursework and projects.
I don’t own a laptop since I prefer to work on desktop computers. At the University of Salford, we have the option to borrow laptops for up to four weeks. I make use of this whenever I need it if I am going away for a bit or doing a group project on campus. I would recommend asking Lecturers or classmates if there is a similar service available at your University.
Good luck with your studies and laptop hunt!
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative
Hi, I've just finished a CS degree and have been using a 2020 MacBook Pro + a Windows desktop. Honestly speaking as long as it works well your MacBook should be fine for taking notes and doing most of the work. I did all of my notes on my Mac with Notion (it's amazing - highly recommend) and probably around half of my programming on it too (just due to personal preference of programming on a desktop).
Windows is great for programming, and some apps may require it. If you Mac supports it (I believe you need an intel-based Mac, not 100% sure), you'll find an application called Bootcamp pre-installed which actually lets you run Windows on your Mac. It's great but if you use it I'd recommend downloading iCloud for Windows so you can transfer your files more easily. This saved me when my desktop died on me. My uni's instructions were also all Windows-based so translating that to Mac was confusing once or twice.
If your laptop is running slow or you're looking for a new laptop all of my friends have HPs and they've said they're great, I've seen them do student discount in the past but am not sure on what they're doing right now. I would say the advice from the Uni of Salford's rep was very good for the specs you'll need, you can also email your course and they'll usually recommend some if they have specific requirements. My uni also had labs with Windows computers we could use freely when there or remotely connect to from home, and the library loaned out Windows laptops for free too. I'm not sure how many unis do this, but I believe a fair few do. Should have some info on their website.
I've seen Linux mentioned in an above message and honestly wouldn't recommend it. My course touched Linux very rarely, and when it did the university provided software to run Linux from Windows/Mac devices so that wasn't a problem, I'd imagine this is common at other unis too as having a Linux device is rather rare from what I've seen in class. Another recommendation is getting JetBrains software (works on Windows, Mac & Linux) as it's free for students and amazing for programming with - I've used it since day 1 and am gonna be super sad when my student plan runs out.
If you do get a new laptop, keep your old one for emergencies! It's very unlikely you'll be bullied for using an old laptop, mine is a mac from the same era as yours and I've never had any negative comments. Ultimately it's up to your personal preference and what's best for your course, you can go into stores like Curry's and try out a few if you're unsure.
Hope this has helped, and good luck with your course!
Windows is great for programming, and some apps may require it. If you Mac supports it (I believe you need an intel-based Mac, not 100% sure), you'll find an application called Bootcamp pre-installed which actually lets you run Windows on your Mac. It's great but if you use it I'd recommend downloading iCloud for Windows so you can transfer your files more easily. This saved me when my desktop died on me. My uni's instructions were also all Windows-based so translating that to Mac was confusing once or twice.
If your laptop is running slow or you're looking for a new laptop all of my friends have HPs and they've said they're great, I've seen them do student discount in the past but am not sure on what they're doing right now. I would say the advice from the Uni of Salford's rep was very good for the specs you'll need, you can also email your course and they'll usually recommend some if they have specific requirements. My uni also had labs with Windows computers we could use freely when there or remotely connect to from home, and the library loaned out Windows laptops for free too. I'm not sure how many unis do this, but I believe a fair few do. Should have some info on their website.
I've seen Linux mentioned in an above message and honestly wouldn't recommend it. My course touched Linux very rarely, and when it did the university provided software to run Linux from Windows/Mac devices so that wasn't a problem, I'd imagine this is common at other unis too as having a Linux device is rather rare from what I've seen in class. Another recommendation is getting JetBrains software (works on Windows, Mac & Linux) as it's free for students and amazing for programming with - I've used it since day 1 and am gonna be super sad when my student plan runs out.
If you do get a new laptop, keep your old one for emergencies! It's very unlikely you'll be bullied for using an old laptop, mine is a mac from the same era as yours and I've never had any negative comments. Ultimately it's up to your personal preference and what's best for your course, you can go into stores like Curry's and try out a few if you're unsure.
Hope this has helped, and good luck with your course!
Original post by lewiscm
Hi, I've just finished a CS degree and have been using a 2020 MacBook Pro + a Windows desktop. Honestly speaking as long as it works well your MacBook should be fine for taking notes and doing most of the work. I did all of my notes on my Mac with Notion (it's amazing - highly recommend) and probably around half of my programming on it too (just due to personal preference of programming on a desktop).
Windows is great for programming, and some apps may require it. If you Mac supports it (I believe you need an intel-based Mac, not 100% sure), you'll find an application called Bootcamp pre-installed which actually lets you run Windows on your Mac. It's great but if you use it I'd recommend downloading iCloud for Windows so you can transfer your files more easily. This saved me when my desktop died on me. My uni's instructions were also all Windows-based so translating that to Mac was confusing once or twice.
If your laptop is running slow or you're looking for a new laptop all of my friends have HPs and they've said they're great, I've seen them do student discount in the past but am not sure on what they're doing right now. I would say the advice from the Uni of Salford's rep was very good for the specs you'll need, you can also email your course and they'll usually recommend some if they have specific requirements. My uni also had labs with Windows computers we could use freely when there or remotely connect to from home, and the library loaned out Windows laptops for free too. I'm not sure how many unis do this, but I believe a fair few do. Should have some info on their website.
I've seen Linux mentioned in an above message and honestly wouldn't recommend it. My course touched Linux very rarely, and when it did the university provided software to run Linux from Windows/Mac devices so that wasn't a problem, I'd imagine this is common at other unis too as having a Linux device is rather rare from what I've seen in class. Another recommendation is getting JetBrains software (works on Windows, Mac & Linux) as it's free for students and amazing for programming with - I've used it since day 1 and am gonna be super sad when my student plan runs out.
If you do get a new laptop, keep your old one for emergencies! It's very unlikely you'll be bullied for using an old laptop, mine is a mac from the same era as yours and I've never had any negative comments. Ultimately it's up to your personal preference and what's best for your course, you can go into stores like Curry's and try out a few if you're unsure.
Hope this has helped, and good luck with your course!
Windows is great for programming, and some apps may require it. If you Mac supports it (I believe you need an intel-based Mac, not 100% sure), you'll find an application called Bootcamp pre-installed which actually lets you run Windows on your Mac. It's great but if you use it I'd recommend downloading iCloud for Windows so you can transfer your files more easily. This saved me when my desktop died on me. My uni's instructions were also all Windows-based so translating that to Mac was confusing once or twice.
If your laptop is running slow or you're looking for a new laptop all of my friends have HPs and they've said they're great, I've seen them do student discount in the past but am not sure on what they're doing right now. I would say the advice from the Uni of Salford's rep was very good for the specs you'll need, you can also email your course and they'll usually recommend some if they have specific requirements. My uni also had labs with Windows computers we could use freely when there or remotely connect to from home, and the library loaned out Windows laptops for free too. I'm not sure how many unis do this, but I believe a fair few do. Should have some info on their website.
I've seen Linux mentioned in an above message and honestly wouldn't recommend it. My course touched Linux very rarely, and when it did the university provided software to run Linux from Windows/Mac devices so that wasn't a problem, I'd imagine this is common at other unis too as having a Linux device is rather rare from what I've seen in class. Another recommendation is getting JetBrains software (works on Windows, Mac & Linux) as it's free for students and amazing for programming with - I've used it since day 1 and am gonna be super sad when my student plan runs out.
If you do get a new laptop, keep your old one for emergencies! It's very unlikely you'll be bullied for using an old laptop, mine is a mac from the same era as yours and I've never had any negative comments. Ultimately it's up to your personal preference and what's best for your course, you can go into stores like Curry's and try out a few if you're unsure.
Hope this has helped, and good luck with your course!
Parallels Desktop is pretty good as well, but it's like 90 quid a year.
Original post by lewiscm
Hi, I've just finished a CS degree and have been using a 2020 MacBook Pro + a Windows desktop. Honestly speaking as long as it works well your MacBook should be fine for taking notes and doing most of the work. I did all of my notes on my Mac with Notion (it's amazing - highly recommend) and probably around half of my programming on it too (just due to personal preference of programming on a desktop).
Windows is great for programming, and some apps may require it. If you Mac supports it (I believe you need an intel-based Mac, not 100% sure), you'll find an application called Bootcamp pre-installed which actually lets you run Windows on your Mac. It's great but if you use it I'd recommend downloading iCloud for Windows so you can transfer your files more easily. This saved me when my desktop died on me. My uni's instructions were also all Windows-based so translating that to Mac was confusing once or twice.
If your laptop is running slow or you're looking for a new laptop all of my friends have HPs and they've said they're great, I've seen them do student discount in the past but am not sure on what they're doing right now. I would say the advice from the Uni of Salford's rep was very good for the specs you'll need, you can also email your course and they'll usually recommend some if they have specific requirements. My uni also had labs with Windows computers we could use freely when there or remotely connect to from home, and the library loaned out Windows laptops for free too. I'm not sure how many unis do this, but I believe a fair few do. Should have some info on their website.
I've seen Linux mentioned in an above message and honestly wouldn't recommend it. My course touched Linux very rarely, and when it did the university provided software to run Linux from Windows/Mac devices so that wasn't a problem, I'd imagine this is common at other unis too as having a Linux device is rather rare from what I've seen in class. Another recommendation is getting JetBrains software (works on Windows, Mac & Linux) as it's free for students and amazing for programming with - I've used it since day 1 and am gonna be super sad when my student plan runs out.
If you do get a new laptop, keep your old one for emergencies! It's very unlikely you'll be bullied for using an old laptop, mine is a mac from the same era as yours and I've never had any negative comments. Ultimately it's up to your personal preference and what's best for your course, you can go into stores like Curry's and try out a few if you're unsure.
Hope this has helped, and good luck with your course!
Windows is great for programming, and some apps may require it. If you Mac supports it (I believe you need an intel-based Mac, not 100% sure), you'll find an application called Bootcamp pre-installed which actually lets you run Windows on your Mac. It's great but if you use it I'd recommend downloading iCloud for Windows so you can transfer your files more easily. This saved me when my desktop died on me. My uni's instructions were also all Windows-based so translating that to Mac was confusing once or twice.
If your laptop is running slow or you're looking for a new laptop all of my friends have HPs and they've said they're great, I've seen them do student discount in the past but am not sure on what they're doing right now. I would say the advice from the Uni of Salford's rep was very good for the specs you'll need, you can also email your course and they'll usually recommend some if they have specific requirements. My uni also had labs with Windows computers we could use freely when there or remotely connect to from home, and the library loaned out Windows laptops for free too. I'm not sure how many unis do this, but I believe a fair few do. Should have some info on their website.
I've seen Linux mentioned in an above message and honestly wouldn't recommend it. My course touched Linux very rarely, and when it did the university provided software to run Linux from Windows/Mac devices so that wasn't a problem, I'd imagine this is common at other unis too as having a Linux device is rather rare from what I've seen in class. Another recommendation is getting JetBrains software (works on Windows, Mac & Linux) as it's free for students and amazing for programming with - I've used it since day 1 and am gonna be super sad when my student plan runs out.
If you do get a new laptop, keep your old one for emergencies! It's very unlikely you'll be bullied for using an old laptop, mine is a mac from the same era as yours and I've never had any negative comments. Ultimately it's up to your personal preference and what's best for your course, you can go into stores like Curry's and try out a few if you're unsure.
Hope this has helped, and good luck with your course!
Also, can I ask, what software did you use to run Linux on Mac devices? Currently trying out UTM but it is taking AGES to install a kernel as part of setting up the server.
Original post by vnayak
Also, can I ask, what software did you use to run Linux on Mac devices? Currently trying out UTM but it is taking AGES to install a kernel as part of setting up the server.
I used virtualbox, but I’ve also used vmware workstation at uni which I believe is free now for personal use, that was on a window pc tho and it was amazing but I’ve not tried it on mac yet.
That was a few years ago though so not sure if they’re still the current recommendation. In my second year we didn’t do any Linux and in final year it was a specific distro that the uni used so I had to go into labs to use it.
Original post by lewiscm
I used virtualbox, but I’ve also used vmware workstation at uni which I believe is free now for personal use, that was on a window pc tho and it was amazing but I’ve not tried it on mac yet.
That was a few years ago though so not sure if they’re still the current recommendation. In my second year we didn’t do any Linux and in final year it was a specific distro that the uni used so I had to go into labs to use it.
That was a few years ago though so not sure if they’re still the current recommendation. In my second year we didn’t do any Linux and in final year it was a specific distro that the uni used so I had to go into labs to use it.
thanks!
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