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[Game2Death]

So I am finally getting my degree in less than a month and my ASUS laptop that I have used since high school is not going to cut it. It is super loud, freezes, the replacement battery I bought doesn't hold a charge, and the GPU has been repaired 3 times. So time for an upgrade.

I am torn between the Apple systems and Windows however. I recently switched from Android to the iPhone 6 and I love it (besides that fact that my overweight friend sat on it and slightly bent it through my lifeproof and under a cushion). My personal preference is a MacBook Pro as I want a HDMI port to use 2 screens and want something that will last a while, keeps value, and is durable. However, I am concerned with my field of study that many programs will not be compatible with OSX. I wanted to steer clear of Windows, but the industry seems to use it as standard. Would boot camping Windows on a Mac work or is that not a long term viable solution? Does anyone have any recommendations for me on either ecosystem or a Windows based comp? I am not looking to use it as a gaming device. That's what my eventual game system I buy whenever I have enough money saved is for.

Thank you to everyone who helps.

 

[Elitist1945]

While I can only personally vouch for the Surface Pro 4 (since I haven't owned anything else), it sounds like a Macbook Pro is the right choice for you.

 

[ElectricBlanketFire]

HDMI ports aren't exclusive to Macs.

 

[Nastrodamous]

What field are you in.....

 

[xxracerxx]

Concerned about field of study

Doesn't list field

 

[S¡mon]

It all depends on how you are going to use it... and you yourself will know that the best.

Windows is, obviously, the more supported platform as it is the largest desktop/notebook operating system on the market. While you'll find less programs for OS X, there are of course still plenty.

That said, it sounds, to me, that you've already made your decision: the MacBook Pro. If your gut instinct tells you to get a MacBook, than go get one. Otherwise, you'll just regret your decision later on.

Oh, also, it might be a good idea to buy the MacBook Pro at a retailer with lenient return policies. If you happen to dislike the MacBook (or if it's incapable of doing what you want it to do), you'll always be able to return it and get a Windows notebook.

 

[LeleSocho]

Any Mac nowadays can run native Windows just like a non-Apple pc, no problem whatsoever in that regard if you need Windows you can run Windows.

 

[norm9]

You're going to be unemployed for a while so I'm sure your old laptop will do netflix just fine.

 

[Fjolle]

I've had no reason to use a laptop since graduating. Get whatever your job gives you.

 

[xxracerxx]

I've had no reason to use a laptop since graduating. Get whatever your job gives you.

Not all jobs just give you a computer.

 

[Game2Death]

What field are you in.....

Concerned about field of study

Doesn't list field

Sorry. I don't know why that didn't cross my mind. Lol. Anyways my field of study is Industrial Engineering Administration. So I may have to use various programs that can view and edit parts (AutoCAD). But I won't necessarily be making the parts, since I am more focused on the business side of manufacturing companies. Also my uncle made me worry as he is the the financial business in NY and says he regrets buying a Mac as many programs aren't compatible.

 

[Game2Death]

Any Mac nowadays can run native Windows just like a non-Apple pc, no problem whatsoever in that regard if you need Windows you can run Windows.

Does this mean that any program that runs on Windows will run as intended as long as the specs are up to snuff?

HDMI ports aren't exclusive to Macs.

That's why I wouldn't want a MacBook Air for example as there isn't one. I was just stating why I would need that particular type of Apple laptop.

 

[xxracerxx]

Sorry. I don't know why that didn't cross my mind. Lol. Anyways my field of study is Industrial Engineering Administration. So I may have to use various programs that can view and edit parts (AutoCAD). But I won't necessarily be making the parts, since I am more focused on the business side of manufacturing companies. Also my uncle made me worry as he is the the financial business in NY and says he regrets buying a Mac as many programs aren't compatible.

AutoCAD? Get a PC...like straight up PC.

Your uncle can just throw Windows on his Mac and be perfectly fine.

 

[Game2Death]

AutoCAD? Get a PC...like straight up PC.

Your uncle can just throw Windows on his Mac and be perfectly fine.

Doing a quick google search shows that there is software for mac. Do you not feel that would be a viable option?

 

[soco]

If you want it to keep value, there's not a lot of windows machines that do that near a mac level.

You can still use the mac to run most PC software, either through bootcamp or one of the virtualizers, but it depends on the specific software on how well it runs. The vast majority is fine. They'll be fine in bootcamp, but maybe not the virtualizer.

 

[xxracerxx]

Doing a quick google search shows that there is software for mac. Do you not feel that would be a viable option?

From my own limited experience with AutoCAD on Mac, the studio I was working for was having constant problems but this was years ago so it could be much better. Solidworks was a complete nightmare though on a Mac.

I would just do your research, as well as ask any possible employer what they recommend.

 

[maeh2k]

Do you already know how you are going to use the machine?

When I finished college I knew perfectly well what device I'd get as a student, but I had no idea of that would be the right device for me after graduating.
I wasn't sure how mobile I'd need it to be (weight, battery).
In the end I waited a couple of months and got a desktop PC. It was cheaper, more powerful, upgradeable, and repairable.