Good laptops for Computer Science??
I will start my course (BSc Computer Science) at the University of Surrey in September. I currently use a 2016 model MacBook Pro which has gotten me through sixth form just fine, but will I need to buy a new laptop (perhaps a Windows or Linux machine)?
Though my MacBook managed to get me through sixth form, I did have to download old versions of some software off the internet such as XCode in order to code in C++ as the most current versions of these software available were not compatible with my MacBook. I think that not being able to access the most recent versions of certain software could pose some serious issues at university whilst doing programming project work. Is this something to take into account whilst making the decision of whether or not I should buy a new laptop or am I overthinking it?
Any advice would be much appreciated (especially if the advice is from someone who is currently doing or has done a Computer Science course at Surrey).
Though my MacBook managed to get me through sixth form, I did have to download old versions of some software off the internet such as XCode in order to code in C++ as the most current versions of these software available were not compatible with my MacBook. I think that not being able to access the most recent versions of certain software could pose some serious issues at university whilst doing programming project work. Is this something to take into account whilst making the decision of whether or not I should buy a new laptop or am I overthinking it?
Any advice would be much appreciated (especially if the advice is from someone who is currently doing or has done a Computer Science course at Surrey).
(edited 9 months ago)
Reply 1
18
Original post by Robin0o0o
I will start my course (BSc Computer Science) at the University of Surrey in September. I currently use a 2016 model MacBook Pro which has gotten me through sixth form just fine, but will I need to buy a new laptop (perhaps a Windows or Linux machine)?
Though my MacBook managed to get me through sixth form, I did have to download old versions of some software off the internet such as XCode in order to code in C++ as the most current versions of these software available were not compatible with my MacBook. I think that not being able to access the most recent versions of certain software could pose some serious issues at university whilst doing programming project work. Is this something to take into account whilst making the decision of whether or not I should buy a new laptop or am I overthinking it?
Any advice would be much appreciated (especially if the advice is from someone who is currently doing or has done a Computer Science course at Surrey).
Though my MacBook managed to get me through sixth form, I did have to download old versions of some software off the internet such as XCode in order to code in C++ as the most current versions of these software available were not compatible with my MacBook. I think that not being able to access the most recent versions of certain software could pose some serious issues at university whilst doing programming project work. Is this something to take into account whilst making the decision of whether or not I should buy a new laptop or am I overthinking it?
Any advice would be much appreciated (especially if the advice is from someone who is currently doing or has done a Computer Science course at Surrey).
Why not wait until you get to uni and then ask your tutors. I would imagine you would benefit from having something that isn't apple but as for spec, whatever you can afford. i7 / i9 are clearly the way forward, but I have a very competent i5 that does me very well.
Reply 2
Original post by Robin0o0o
I will start my course (BSc Computer Science) at the University of Surrey in September. I currently use a 2016 model MacBook Pro which has gotten me through sixth form just fine, but will I need to buy a new laptop (perhaps a Windows or Linux machine)?
Though my MacBook managed to get me through sixth form, I did have to download old versions of some software off the internet such as XCode in order to code in C++ as the most current versions of these software available were not compatible with my MacBook. I think that not being able to access the most recent versions of certain software could pose some serious issues at university whilst doing programming project work. Is this something to take into account whilst making the decision of whether or not I should buy a new laptop or am I overthinking it?
Any advice would be much appreciated (especially if the advice is from someone who is currently doing or has done a Computer Science course at Surrey).
Though my MacBook managed to get me through sixth form, I did have to download old versions of some software off the internet such as XCode in order to code in C++ as the most current versions of these software available were not compatible with my MacBook. I think that not being able to access the most recent versions of certain software could pose some serious issues at university whilst doing programming project work. Is this something to take into account whilst making the decision of whether or not I should buy a new laptop or am I overthinking it?
Any advice would be much appreciated (especially if the advice is from someone who is currently doing or has done a Computer Science course at Surrey).
Reply 3
15
Hey, I've just graduated from a degree in comp sci and here are the specs for my laptop that I mainly used:
Some unis use Horizon (I hate it though) where you can access resources and software through that, you can also borrow laptops from uni. Though my uni was fussy about software versions, there were many alternative softwares we could use - so buying a new device may be something to consider. You could try emailing some of the teaching staff at your uni to see what pc specs they recommend and check out other youtube videos on this also. If you do want to get a new device make sure you definitely use unidays/ student beans for a discount!
btw Congratulations on your uni offers guys, hope my advice helps and good luck with the course! 🙂
•
Processor: Intel I5 (11th gen i think)
•
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
•
Ram: 8GB originally (upgraded by myself to 12gb because one of my ram sticks failed lol but this was done in 3rd yr)
•
Storage 256GB
•
OS: Windows 10
Some unis use Horizon (I hate it though) where you can access resources and software through that, you can also borrow laptops from uni. Though my uni was fussy about software versions, there were many alternative softwares we could use - so buying a new device may be something to consider. You could try emailing some of the teaching staff at your uni to see what pc specs they recommend and check out other youtube videos on this also. If you do want to get a new device make sure you definitely use unidays/ student beans for a discount!
btw Congratulations on your uni offers guys, hope my advice helps and good luck with the course! 🙂
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