MacOS or Windows?

Hey guys, I am looking forward to studying a BSc Physics course (hopefully at a top university). What laptop would you recommend? As a physics student, there will be a lot of programming and simulations, in addition to heavy math. I was wondering which is best for this kind of a workload.

Reply 1

Dunnig Kruger

Get a Windows laptop and install Linux on it as soon as you get it.

https://www2.physics.ox.ac.uk/it-services/ppunix

https://www.reddit.com/r/Physics/comments/114l07l/changing_from_windows_11_to_linux/

Please tell us your expected mobility profile (your physical build and how often and how far you will carry the laptop), in order for the correct size of laptop for you to be recommended.

Used premium business laptop at £200ish would be the sweet spot for giving you a great ownership experience for reasonable costs.

Reply 2

Scienceisgood

If I might make a suggestion, I would go with Microsoft.

When I was at uni doing my MSc, we had one module (Research and Diagnostic Methodologies) which, when asked this question, the university lecturers all suggested Microsoft, purely on the basis that some of the software just didn’t work very well with Mac OS as the university’s systems (and I’m assuming all across the country) are tailored to Windows OS, probably because all students are given Microsoft Student software free for the duration of their study.

I’m not saying this will impact you but it’s something to keep in mind.

Reply 3

harikrishsomu

Original post by Dunnig Kruger

Get a Windows laptop and install Linux on it as soon as you get it.
https://www2.physics.ox.ac.uk/it-services/ppunix
https://www.reddit.com/r/Physics/comments/114l07l/changing_from_windows_11_to_linux/
Please tell us your expected mobility profile (your physical build and how often and how far you will carry the laptop), in order for the correct size of laptop for you to be recommended.
Used premium business laptop at £200ish would be the sweet spot for giving you a great ownership experience for reasonable costs.

Not too sure about build, but my laptop will basically be like my phone. I require it for programming, assignments, research paper, studies, etc. And another thing is, I don't mind the cost until the laptop gives me that value. Any specific models I can try?

Reply 4

Dunnig Kruger

The specific model you should go for will depend on your mobility profile. How much you will be carrying your laptop and what sort of physical build you are. Tell us that and I can give you links to deals that will be great for your needs.

Reply 5

LicenceM

Original post by harikrishsomu

Personally, I am looking at BSc Computer Science and use a windows laptop.
MacOS I feel is far less capable than windows in the sorts of tasks you might need to run, programming and physics simulations I believe are more of a windows task.
MacOS probably could get the job done for you, however to be safe I would recommend sticking with a windows laptop, but make sure you go x86 as a pose to ARM (look for Intel and AMD), ARM provides better power efficiency, but not all applications you might need to support it as ARM is still a recent addition to the windows line-up. Also make sure you get at least 16GB of RAM (or at least a laptop with DIMMs you can put extra RAM in), you will need it for your required tasks.

Reply 6

random_matt

Microsoft and their recall ********, nope. Unless it is LTSC then MS can go and **** themselves. Try Linux, it should be OK, I have no idea to be honest.

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