Mac Vs PC
As you may have heard, last week we launched our new international student forum, a free online discussion room where students worldwide can share advice and experiences. One of the most popular forum topics so far has been the Mac or PC debate – what’s the best computer for students?
1. What’s your student budget?
How much can you really afford to spend on a computer? Be honest with yourself, and make sure you keep your technology spending in proportion to your overall student budget. You may feel a bit silly in six months time if you’ve got the flashiest laptop on campus, but can’t afford to go out for a coffee with friends.
(Key point in the Mac or PC debate: Macs tend to be a lot more expensive than most PCs.)
2. Do you REALLY need a new computer?
This is strongly linked to point number one! Student budgets are generally pretty tight, so if you can manage to cope without spending money on a new computer, quite simply: don’t.
Just because all your friends are getting a new computer, doesn’t mean you should automatically follow suit. And even if your five-year-old laptop seems like it’s on its last legs, it may be worth hanging onto for at least the first term of university.
That way you have a bit more time to figure out exactly what you need - have a go on your friends' computers and see which you prefer! (Just remember to keep all your work backed up in case your old one does suddenly crash...)
3. What will you actually use it for?
This point is essential, and is part of the reason it can be useful to wait a while before jumping into a purchase. As one of our student forum users pointed out, the choice between a Mac or PC may come down to the type of course you’re studying. There’s a common perception that Macs are better for image-based types of work, such as graphic design. However, this isn’t necessarily the case – so before making your investment, try to wait until you’ve had a chance to find out exactly what’s needed for your course.
4. When and where will you use it?
A related point is when and where you plan to use your computer. Increasingly many students take their laptop almost everywhere with them – using it to type notes in lectures, at the library, in cafes and so on. Others still choose to keep their laptop mainly as a home computer, and rely on good old pen and paper in most other situations.
This may not help you choose between a Mac or PC, but if you are planning to carry your computer around lots, you know it’ll be worth investing in something lighter.
This point is essential, and is part of the reason it can be useful to wait a while before jumping into a purchase. As one of our student forum users pointed out, the choice between a Mac or PC may come down to the type of course you’re studying. There’s a common perception that Macs are better for image-based types of work, such as graphic design. However, this isn’t necessarily the case – so before making your investment, try to wait until you’ve had a chance to find out exactly what’s needed for your course.
4. When and where will you use it?
A related point is when and where you plan to use your computer. Increasingly many students take their laptop almost everywhere with them – using it to type notes in lectures, at the library, in cafes and so on. Others still choose to keep their laptop mainly as a home computer, and rely on good old pen and paper in most other situations.
This may not help you choose between a Mac or PC, but if you are planning to carry your computer around lots, you know it’ll be worth investing in something lighter.
5. What computer lab facilities can you access?
If it turns out there’s a big gap between your student budget and the technology you need for your course, don’t panic! Find out what computer lab facilities the university has available. If you need special software or hardware for your course, it’s likely that your department will provide these for students to use.
In addition, some universities have financial support available to help students purchase equipment that’s really essential for their studies. So if you’re still feeling stuck, approach either a member of staff in your department or the university access team to discuss possible options.
If it turns out there’s a big gap between your student budget and the technology you need for your course, don’t panic! Find out what computer lab facilities the university has available. If you need special software or hardware for your course, it’s likely that your department will provide these for students to use.
In addition, some universities have financial support available to help students purchase equipment that’s really essential for their studies. So if you’re still feeling stuck, approach either a member of staff in your department or the university access team to discuss possible options.
6. What student computer discounts are available?
Finally, for most purchases you make during your time at university, you’ll find there are student discounts available. Shop around, do your research, and ask questions. Even if you don’t see any student computer discounts advertised in the shop or on the website, it may be worth asking just in case.
This is definitely an issue a lot of people have strong opinions about, so please share yours! Would you choose a Mac or PC? What’s the most important thing to consider when choosing a computer for university? Have you (shock, horror) even managed to survive student life WITHOUT a laptop?
Finally, for most purchases you make during your time at university, you’ll find there are student discounts available. Shop around, do your research, and ask questions. Even if you don’t see any student computer discounts advertised in the shop or on the website, it may be worth asking just in case.
This is definitely an issue a lot of people have strong opinions about, so please share yours! Would you choose a Mac or PC? What’s the most important thing to consider when choosing a computer for university? Have you (shock, horror) even managed to survive student life WITHOUT a laptop?
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