Does step-son need Macbook for uni?

Strider590

At the end of the day, the uni is likely to be using Windows based machines, just as most workplaces do. Why introduce compatibility issues JUST for an Apple logo?

interstellaflyer

Strider590 wrote: »

At the end of the day, the uni is likely to be using Windows based machines, just as most workplaces do. Why introduce compatibility issues JUST for an Apple logo?

Not necessarily, my bosses daughter started Uni at Birmingham last year and Mac Book seemed to be the favored machine among the students, besides, you do know that these days you can run Microsoft Office from a Mac, so no compatibility issues, plus I've been told (but not tried it as we have Office 365) you can save Pages, Numbers and Keynote into their equivalent Microsoft formats. The only thing students will use their own computers for is their own notes and work so as long as it can be printed out then it doesn't matter what technology they use.

That said, I agree with others, not sure it's absolutely necessary to use a Macbook of such high spec, I guess there may be a little bit of keeping up with the Jones's going on.

angela110660

Def not. My daughter tried that one on us before starting uni and she went away with her brother's previous laptop which has been fine for the first expensive year of starting out. She will however probably buy a replacement laptop over the summer hols.

victor2

Strider590 wrote: »

At the end of the day, the uni is likely to be using Windows based machines, just as most workplaces do. Why introduce compatibility issues JUST for an Apple logo?

I think you'll find that most workplaces in media and graphics do use Apple equipment. It's been the industry standard for many years. Not sure about journalism - unless the step son is looking towards a career in production and presentation of journalism, I would not think a MAC is a required tool, just desired.

Cycrow

Strider590 wrote: »

At the end of the day, the uni is likely to be using Windows based machines, just as most workplaces do. Why introduce compatibility issues JUST for an Apple logo?

Not sure thats true, when i was at uni, the vast majority of computers in the labs were running Linux.

They had some windows based labs, but these were mainly for when we were using DirectX, everything else was done in the linux ones

gjchester

victor2 wrote: »

I think you'll find that most workplaces in media and graphics do use Apple equipment. It's been the industry standard for many years. Not sure about journalism - unless the step son is looking towards a career in production and presentation of journalism, I would not think a MAC is a required tool, just desired.

Sort of but getting less so. Mac only shops are becoming less common, as software pretty much all software is cross platform now. Long gone are the days when the Mac was the only choice. Macs used to be the best devices for editing audio and video but as PC's got so much cheaper then people moved to the PC, and of course any design shop will have to work with other who are Windows only.

As has been pointed out the OP probably needs to work out what they need, software can be expensive, and the college may have some agreements in place to help minimize this, but that a Microsoft or Apple solution.

A new top line laptop may be a good choice, as its likely to last over the years of the course, something with a little less grunt may have to be replaced, but the first question is does it have to be an Apple device.

wba31

britishboy wrote: »

My step son starts uni this year doing journalism and reporting and has asked mum for a new laptop, saying he needs a Macbook Retina display i7 etc etc, we had a quick look on-line and they seem to be £1,500+

Do all students needs these macbooks, or is there an alternative? Just dont want my partner being tricked into buying top of the range (hes a tech geek) when it may not be neccessary?

Thanks in advance

I thought this was what the student loan was for? unless that'll be used for nights out? I'm joking of course

As said by other posters, I doubt a top spec mac is required, what's wrong with the basic MacBook at £899 (if he needs a mac that is!) As a student he would get discount on that price...

If he wants a top spec pro with retina display (makes his typing REALLY clear) could he not get a job and pay mom back for the extra she may have to fork out? i.e she says "I'm willing to put £600 in, you can pay me back for the rest..."

securityguy

"my bosses daughter started Uni at Birmingham last year and Mac Book seemed to be the favored machine among the students"

A glance around the Costa and Starbucks on campus shows that to be true: you can routinely get a coffee in University Centre and there be nothing apart from Macbooks of various stripes being used.

AndyPix

No . . . . . . . .

jaydeeuk1

AndyPix wrote: »

No . . . . . . . .

And if he was a real tech geek, he'd know that.
A windows laptop half the price will do a better job and probably have a comparable spec too.