University Laptop

[marioo1182]

Hey guys!

 

This September I am going to be starting a 4 year program for Electrical and Computer Hardware Engineering. 

I will most likely transferring from BCIT to SFU the year after but continuing the same program. However I am going to need a laptop, I already have a very powerful gaming PC.

I am definitely looking for something that will be able to have long battery life and good power, but I don't want to be distracted with game while at school. 

I bought a Sony Vaio Flip 13 but the fan was unbearable and many other people were having the same problem so I returned it today (I was intrigued with the digitizer support)

I definitely want something that is at least 13'' so I am giving up on the option of a digitizer. I was thinking about a Macbook Retina because it has long battery life and I wont be distracted by games.

 

However do you think it will suit everything that I need to have without using Windows? Any input would be greatly appreciated

 

Please read, if tldr looking at a Macbook 13'' Retina for University despite digitizer support for an Electrical Engineering program. Need at least a 13'' screen and will be composing C as well.

 

Thanks!

[ohJey]

You could get a windows laptop and install linux so you aren't distracted by games 

cheaper too

[Jerakl]

Well I'll be in the same boat as you in a couple of years. Want to take that path. I don't know too much about this so take my opinions with a kilo if salt, or cockiness if you roll that way.

Anyways I would go with the MacBook because you can't get distracted by games. A digitizer is just a pen you can draw on screen with is it not ?

If so you could buy a drawing tablet to go along with your MacBook.

Please correct me if I'm wrong

[Jerakl]

You could get a windows laptop and install linux so you aren't distracted by games 

cheaper too

Blast! Never thought of that!

[SpaceSquid]

If you dont want windows, then you probably know the way of thinkpads and linux. I like the Sony Vaio Pro too, seems nice and Sony laptops are pretty tough. Are you interested in convertables? What kind of work would you be doing?

[CoolBeans]

If you have the money a macbook would be good, just install boot camp on it

[TheProfosist]

Grab a Thinkpad from the X, T, or W series. Im on a T420 right now and would suggest a T440, T440p, or maybe T440s depending on what you need. Try configuring a few models or poking around on lenovo's website.

[JantsoP]

Just buy a Mac. I see many people use it and its good and stable and last way too longer than windows pc

[Bloodyvalley]

Lenevo Thinkpads are very good, I've heard great things about them.

 

Don't get a Macbook.

[marioo1182]

Well I'll be in the same boat as you in a couple of years. Want to take that path. I don't know too much about this so take my opinions with a kilo if salt, or cockiness if you roll that way.

Anyways I would go with the MacBook because you can't get distracted by games. A digitizer is just a pen you can draw on screen with is it not ?

If so you could buy a drawing tablet to go along with your MacBook.

Please correct me if I'm wrong

The digitizer pen disables hand input, my plan was to write all my notes on onenote, but it just doesn't seem that the technology is there yet

 

And I would install linux but some of the software I want to use wont work such as microsoft onedrive. I'm big into keeping all my assignments local and in the cloud.

 

The other reason I figured Mac is because of super long battery life and the software it comes with. I remember using a mac in elementary school when they gave me one, and it basically boosted me a letter grade from previous years.

/e sorry would have replied sooner but notifications weren't on

 

Everyone here is being really helpful though! 

[ShadowCaptain]

13" retina pro - amazing build quality - really light (only like 200g more than the air) so easy and rugged to carry around, very powerful, SUPER nice display, and should last you a good many years, my brother has kept his macbook pro since 2009 and it still does a great job 

 

its a great all rounder, they really are very quick 

[marioo1182]

Have you used one yourself?

And that's what I like too, it will last a very long time.

However it should do everything I need for an engineering program shouldn't it? Especially if I have a powerful PC at home to run any specific software.

[TheProfosist]

@marioo1182

Your likely not going to beat a thinkpad T series in battery life if you choose the 9 cell also if you want to run all day on battery like I did/do also pick up the 9 cell slice battery.

Have you looked at say the thinkpad x1 carbon possibly if you want something more macbook ultrabook esk?

[marioo1182]

I emailed my program head to see if I need a certain OS, specifications, or if I have to run any special software.

If I don't then I will most likely get a MacBook retina or possibly retina Air if they release it this year. Hopefully Apple doesn't discontinue the 13 retina with the rumoured 12''. If I do end up needing a Windows laptop then I am definitely going to look at the Carbon X1 or Thinkpad T series. Lightweight, durable and battery life is big.

[erty176]

I emailed my program head to see if I need a certain OS, specifications, or if I have to run any special software.

If I don't then I will most likely get a MacBook retina or possibly retina Air if they release it this year. Hopefully Apple doesn't discontinue the 13 retina with the rumoured 12''. If I do end up needing a Windows laptop then I am definitely going to look at the Carbon X1 or Thinkpad T series. Lightweight, durable and battery life is big.

 

If your looking for the window's experience you could always dual boot. If your looking for a good laptop though, I'm currently using the Lenovo X 220 tablet and it is a three year old convertible and still runs strong with an i7 and SSD. Best writing computer I've owned so far as well. If your set on the MacBook go for it but definitely look into Lenovo's options first.

[DJfern94]

I attend university in the UK and can say many students use Macbooks for three main reasons.

 

1. Many pro grade programmes for more creative courses are mac only.

2. They are very solidly built machines and will last your entire university life.

3. Many universities use macs themselves so having a macbook can improve any compatibility issues that may occur if you are using a windows laptop.

 

After one semester at university I decided to take the plunge and bought a macbook, my machine is a i7 2.9Ghz 13inch none retina, upgraded to 16GB of Crucial mac memory and  480 GB Crucial SSD. An absolute beast of a machine that will last me for years to come. 

 

EDIT: I should also mention I have a friend who is studying forensic computer science here and he uses a none retina macbook with two harddrives in, one setup for OSX and another just for Windows. His experience with his Macbook has been seamless