Mac Book or Window?

TheCassman · 05-12-2014 9:37pm #1

Hi all,
Im looking to invest in a new laptop. At the moment I'm studying architecture and I need a decent laptop. But im stuck in my decision, a lot of people in my studio have mac book pros mainly the i5 version and im wondering is it worth the money? I think a windows laptop with a i7 for cheaper money is better?
Im willing to spend around 700 but if a mac book is worth it, id consider the investment.
I will need to run AutoCad, photoshop etc.

Any help would be grateful!
Thanks

Dzaster99 · 06-12-2014 11:30pm

see this is where it gets expensive

what u are looking for is a gaming machine and they cost big bucks
u should try and look into pc rather than apple products though they are great for programing it will cost u an arm and a leg but its great now there is a new store in ireland compu b u can get an apple product on higher purchase great for students u should look into
this is what i have been told
1st stolen broken dropped its replace or fixed
end of contract u can trade in for an upgrade

i would personally choice an alienware if it came to laptops or xps not bad but dont look as cool

well mate best of luck in your studies i hope this helped :P

Alanstrainor · 09-12-2014 5:34pm

Dzaster99 wrote: »

see this is where it gets expensive

what u are looking for is a gaming machine and they cost big bucks
u should try and look into pc rather than apple products though they are great for programing it will cost u an arm and a leg but its great now there is a new store in ireland compu b u can get an apple product on higher purchase great for students u should look into
this is what i have been told
1st stolen broken dropped its replace or fixed
end of contract u can trade in for an upgrade

i would personally choice an alienware if it came to laptops or xps not bad but dont look as cool

well mate best of luck in your studies i hope this helped :P

I don't know what you're on... who said anything about gaming?

OP, your requirements should be easily fulfilled by a ~700 machine running Windows. Get the best form factor/performance you can and you will be golden. The Mac is a lovely machine, but for your needs I think the you will have to spend 1500 to get the required spec.

Given that you'll be using autocad and photoshop, a 15.6" high resolution screen is a must imo. An apple 15 pro with retina would be fantastic, but the price is just far too high. You can get Windows laptops with 1080 full hd displays for around the 800 mark.

vlad2009 · 15-12-2014 12:53am

I'm in a similar situation as the OP. I'm currently studying in NCAD and will most likely be specialising in design, which kind I'm not 100% sure yet.
laptop I'm on now is starting to slowly fade out and I'm thinking of upgrading but I've no idea what exactly to go for, whether to get a macbook or a pc home rig instead. I would be doing all sorts of editing like photoshop, sketchup, CAD I assume next year. the macbooks are beatiful but i'm not well off at all, which means it will be a huge investment if I go that route. I'm not a big apple fanatic but I do believe the Iphone being superior to android in reliabilty and in general, but when it comes to the computers i'm not really sure. I may have the opportunity to get one at a cheaper price from the US also.

Or do I go for a PC and use the bulk of the money I would for a mac but just build a PC instead?

edit: I forgot to mention that i've always used windows, but I'm sure it pick up the apple os pretty quick if I was to go that way.

Alanstrainor · 15-12-2014 4:07pm

My recommendation would be to buy a Windows machine, and a full HD 24/26" monitor for home with keyboard and mouse etc. You will have a much better setup for less than the cost of a poor spec Macbook Pro.

I really like the look and feel of Macs, and will consider one as my next laptop, but when cost is a major concern, I just can't see how it can even be considered. There are some great laptops running Windows out there that will do what you need. I have a brother in NCAD in final year of product design (i think...) and has gotten on fine with a Windows Surface Pro 2 and a machine at home.

vlad2009 · 15-12-2014 4:17pm

That's what my concern is that if I buy a home machine I'm still gonna need something portable for college

MagicHumanDoll · 15-12-2014 4:21pm

I'm 1st year architecture myself, and what the guys above are saying is completely true. Mac's are gorgeous machines, but you're a student, buy a PC and wait until you qualify to change!
So basically. Learn programs on Windows, get comfortable with Windows, because Mac's operating system can get tedious and confusing for beginners.
Also as far as I am aware, Audodesk Revitt/CAD require beefy graphics cards/processors which come cheaper when bought with a windows machine.

legrand · 15-12-2014 8:57pm

+1 on the windows machine and monitor. If funds allow..1080p screen, dedicated graphics card, minimum i5, 8gb ram, SSD would be good but may be limited on storage.

May be difficult to buy above off the shelf unless you pay extra - option to start with basics then upgrade Ram, SSD, external HD as funds allow etc.

Here's a selection

Mac Book or Window?

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