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Buying a Computer

buying a laptop • netbooks • tablets • specifications • student discounts

 

The eternal question -  or  ?

Should you buy a PC (Windows) or a Mac? Or should you risk it with Linux? Make sure you check with your department before purchasing a computer to see if there guidelines on what kind of laptop is required. Traditionally, Macs are considered better for creative endeavors, PCs are for more business/workplace functions, and Linux is for those who are fed up with the whole mess and like being outside the box. Sometimes it just comes down to personal preference.

Mac tend to get drastically fewer viruses (not because they are more impervious, but because there are far fewer of them that are networked), but statistics say that in your future workplace you will be more likely to be working with a PC. There is a far greater variety of PCs available, with greater customizability options, more software (including games) and lower prices.

Before buying one or the other, try out both to see how you like operating within their operating systems. Forsyth Libary has both for you to test drive, and the Learning Commons can loan you a Mac and/or a PC for a home trial.

You can also check out these online opinions:

• Popular Mechanics conducted the Ultimate Lab Test for their May 2008 issue
• Canoe.ca has a nice outline of the basic differences between the two models and the benefits of each
• PC World did a laptop by laptop comparison in 2007. It's a little outdated now, but will give you a good idea of the major issues to look at.

Find out which laptops the Learning Commons crew uses - and whether or not we'd buy that model again.

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