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Are you Studying Business?....Mac vs. PC

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TheQuailman
Posts: 7382 - Karma: 147
Next year I'm going to college and I'm majoring in business.  I want to get a Macbook (I've never had a Mac before) but my parents are trying to convince me that since I'm studying business, I should get a PC.  Is there any reason I should get a PC over a Mac?  Like I know the whole stereotype, but does it really make a difference?  Please give me a legitamite response especially if your studying business.
Apr 11 2010 5:19PM
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prontocuts.com
Posts: 5244 - Karma: 42
Im not studying business, but I run one. OS X has a bunch of great business apps for invoicing, accounting, etc. But to be completely fair, theres really no advantage over each for business.
Apr 11 2010 5:20PM
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dwhite
Posts: 1499 - Karma: 32
That's bullshit. If you want a mac, get one. Besides, if you need windows for something, just download parallels.
Apr 11 2010 5:20PM
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theblackrod
Posts: 2162 - Karma: 575
university of Connecticut mandates IBM Thinkpads for business, they might have some idea but its your call.
Apr 11 2010 5:24PM
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Gnarshred
Posts: 5670 - Karma: 18
you could do business on a computer from the 70s.

it doesnt matter at all.
Apr 11 2010 5:34PM
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OhMyBosh
Posts: 5056 - Karma: 171
Well your parents probably understand that you can get a PC with the exact same specs as a macbook for half the cost, and you'll be able to right click without pressing ctrl!
Apr 11 2010 5:39PM
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antwone
Posts: 1352 - Karma: 157
hit the nail right there dude.
Apr 11 2010 5:42PM
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Mr.Luke
Posts: 2441 - Karma: 166
MAc is the best
Apr 11 2010 5:47PM
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Caveman.
Posts: 9067 - Karma: 330
Other than aesthetics what is the advantage of owning a Mac?
Apr 11 2010 5:48PM
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antwone
Posts: 1352 - Karma: 157
other then some software exclusive to mac, i would like to know to know too.
Apr 11 2010 5:51PM
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skiminnesota
Posts: 9093 - Karma: 429
you will be using Office.

idk why it would matter what computer its running on. but EVERYONE runs office. so be prepared to do the same.
Apr 11 2010 5:52PM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
honestly ask your school about compatibility problems.  he had to replace his mac with a pc because they used some software incompatible with the mac in his business degree
Apr 11 2010 5:56PM
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TheQuailman
Posts: 7382 - Karma: 147

I saw some people saying that excel doesn't run as smoothly on a Mac.  And that heavy statistical and other business programs don't run as well on a Mac.  Any info on this?

And is it a hassle to set up and run windows and office on a mac?

Apr 11 2010 5:56PM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
^^he being my brother since what i said there really didn't make sense
Apr 11 2010 5:57PM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
Ok. You're probably going to get a lot of comments from people not studying business saying "ZOMG MAC!!! ITS SO MUCH BETTER!!!!11!!1!ONE!"  Don't listen to them.

Now I'm not saying Mac's are useless for business. You can run Bootcamp and buy windows to run basic business programs on it such as Excel and Access. However, many colleges base their classes off of core windows programs so you'll end up having to pay a llooottt for each program as they come.

I have DOZENS of friends who are in business and use Mac's. Every single one of them can never end up using their parallels for the assignments. Every week they have to go to the library to use windows on other computers cause their Mac's have trouble turning their projects in.

I currently use a super souped up Dell Latitude 6500. It has been absolutely perfect for me and given me no problems. Excel and Access have performed perfectly and trouble free. Two of my friends who both tried Window-parallels on their Mac's now use my laptop once a week to do their homework for CSA (mainly excel and access).

Overall what many many business prof's will say and from what they have told me is that they recommend Non-Mac's because its trouble-free and less of a hastle. However, if you do choose a Mac there is software out there that you can run Windows on. However, there is some trouble and doubt that goes along with that if the programs seem to be shaky which happens somewhat often.

So my recommendation is call your university you're going to attend/attending and ask a couple people for their advice. Some colleges run their program easily with Mac's and some only allow for others. I use a Dell and have never had any problems.

Hope this helps. PM me if you have any other questions.


Apr 11 2010 6:01PM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
One problem many of my friends have that use macs is that they have a lot of trouble turning in their excel/access projects online. Something to do with how its saved and it being different and not recognizable.

And setting up windows on a Mac is easy. you pretty much just double click and icon and it boots up windows as fast as it would boot up on a normal laptop
Apr 11 2010 6:05PM
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jib-unit00
Posts: 6704 - Karma: 18
In college, you can get away with a Mac.

However, the business world = Thinkbads

Have you ever tried to do 500+ line models in Excel with a Mac --It's absolutely miserable. However, you most likely wont be doing this kind of work.

That said, Mac is better for everything for college and practical purposes.


Apr 11 2010 6:08PM
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Gnarshred
Posts: 5670 - Karma: 18
by this do you mean picking up chicks?
Apr 11 2010 6:10PM
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feihlination
Posts: 8356 - Karma: 1,084
i study business, but seriously, what programs will you need? we had a statistical program, but it wasnt availabe for private laptops anyway. beside that i only need something to log seminars and calculate functions. pretty much 2 programs, so its not that special, but some universities might do more stuff with more programs, idk
Apr 11 2010 6:15PM
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OhMyBosh
Posts: 5056 - Karma: 171
I really don't know of one thing Macs are better for, apart from looks.
Apr 11 2010 6:15PM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
If someone asked for a computer to use for personal use, i would say hell yeah. Go get a Mac. However the majority of kids in my dorm who are business grabbed a Mac and have to go elsewhere to do all their business homework because their Macs don't run the Windows OS nearly as fast as another laptop would. So yeah. I understand Macs are awesome. But not for business in this day and age.
Apr 11 2010 6:16PM
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Gnarshred
Posts: 5670 - Karma: 18
the kid asked for advice on a choice between two things. if responses weren't biased how could they help??
Apr 11 2010 6:17PM
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punkrock32
Posts: 1183 - Karma: 21
I agree with this at my school as well.  A lot of the programs that we have to use don't seem to work on Macs, so the kids with Macs always have to work in one of the libraries.  It seems like a bit of a hassle.
Apr 11 2010 7:02PM
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prontocuts.com
Posts: 5244 - Karma: 42
nothing better than knowing a chick has a better macbook than you
Apr 11 2010 7:33PM
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applejuice.
Posts: 5506 - Karma: 1,512
University of Pittsburgh School of Business recommends Macbooks.
Apr 11 2010 7:39PM
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squibble
Posts: 4569 - Karma: 104
i dont know what aps you need but i have microsoft office for mac on mine... i used to be pc only, but i switched and i wont EVER go back, i still have a pc desktop and i fucking hate it. popups about updates every 5 seconds, and don't forget the fucking antivirus that you have to run all the time. macs are worry free and the os works on every model, if you get a shitty pc the os will run like shit.

i did a lot of research when i was getting my first laptop. the dell xps m1330 is the same as a macbook, and it costs the same if not more.

what programs do you use in business?
Apr 11 2010 7:41PM
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TerminatorX
Posts: 3087 - Karma: 169
i go to school for engineering and i have a macbook. i run bootcamp with windows xp. its great.
Apr 11 2010 7:45PM
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shortdawg
Posts: 1359 - Karma: 19
If you're going to business school get an IBM
Apr 11 2010 7:47PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
i have had a couple classes where you needed to run windows specific programs in business school. and look at it this way why would you buy a computer when you know you are going to have to install two operating systems. its expensive and more hassle than it's worth.
Apr 11 2010 7:58PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,234
I enjoy using a mac over windows, it always runs way smoother and I never ever run into any problems on it. I grabbed office and everything (excel, word, powerpoint, etc) all run great. If you weren't using it for business I would definitely suggest a Macbook. Graphics are way smoother and the computer just runs way smoother than any PC i have used.

However I would say you could probably soop up a PC for around the same price as a macbook and be better fit for Business. It would be able to handle running large files without too many issues (very large spreadsheets). You may not have the looks of a macbook and may have to deal with a bit more hair pulling (In my experience I have way, WAY less frustration with my macbook vs. a pc). But from what people have said above I think for business running Windows is the better thing to do because they still use that as primary software. But first thing is first, see what your college and the business department recommends.

Apr 11 2010 7:59PM
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prontocuts.com
Posts: 5244 - Karma: 42
Click for larger image
Apr 11 2010 8:00PM
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applejuice.
Posts: 5506 - Karma: 1,512
HHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA

nice icon, she would be so proud.
Apr 11 2010 8:04PM
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charmander
Posts: 10636 - Karma: 370
well, i have a macbook... i'm gonna be going into forestry. so were after a pretty different thing.

i really like mine, but if i was gonna do business i'd for sure get a pc. you don't realize how much you need microsoft office till it's gone.

and i dunno about you, but i'm nowhere near computer savvy enough to run parallels and shit.
Apr 11 2010 8:06PM
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hoodSlayer
Posts: 900 - Karma: 7
A pc is way more value for your money so from that prospective I would get a pc and for a business major it doesn't really matter. In fact at my college they are actually banning computers in a lot of business classes because of the distraction.
Apr 11 2010 8:28PM
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prontocuts.com
Posts: 5244 - Karma: 42
ummm office is on OSX too.... has been since like, 2002?
Apr 11 2010 8:29PM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
seeing as how my opinion is based off of actual people using both macs and PC's in our business school which is top 10 in the country, i would say that yeah. Its somewhat decent information.
Apr 11 2010 8:39PM
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charmander
Posts: 10636 - Karma: 370
wait? what? no way?

haha shit
Apr 11 2010 8:43PM
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OhMyBosh
Posts: 5056 - Karma: 171
This is practically the opposite of my experience with macs and PCs. I cant count how many times ive been using a mac and opening more than a program or two would cause the whole thing to freeze.

Apr 11 2010 8:46PM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
That might be what Apple has on its website when its explaining how Windows can run on Mac.

Your view must be from only your own personal experience. I have seen many of my friends with macbook pro's who have boot camp never use it because of the problems they face. You might be able to play solitare with no problems but when your using Access or Excel and are creating queries and spreadsheets, the Mac's often fail to run as they should. This is why I have seen all these Macbk pro users with bootcamp who  have to venture to the library each week so they can do their assignments.

So yeah. You can't deny that it works so well when I have seen so many of my peers fail with it, and have to sometimes lend my PC so they can get the work done.

But congrats on having a positive experience with it!
Apr 11 2010 9:04PM
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zachimo
Posts: 159 - Karma: 10
I go to business school at UBC and I would say about 40% of the business students own Macs now. They all love them and seemed to have joined the cult that "they would never go back"
I just bought a PC and don't see the point in spending the extra...$600? on a Mac
Apr 11 2010 9:39PM
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skiminnesota
Posts: 9093 - Karma: 429
lolol this is gonna turn into "mac VS PC smack down 1billion"



how about just send a giant "fuck you" to the man, and run teh anti poon otherwise known as Ubuntu doo eeet!
Apr 11 2010 9:43PM
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Quinn
Posts: 1428 - Karma: 16
Legitimate advice: I'm in a business program at cornell, and here's the deal:

BUSINESS RUNS ON PCS. Depending on the program you're in (ie, legitimately good business program vs.something not serious), you will constantly be trying to compensate for the fact that you own a MAC instead of a PC. Look at course requirements--if there is any type of mandatory computing class, like i had, i would recommend against the mac. The "office" for the mac OS is NOT the same as the windows version. Once you actually learn how to use excel, you'll realize the mac version is 100% less powerful, and you will need to run parallels.

SO, if you plan on taking excel-heavy business computing classes, do yourself a favor and avoid the slew of troubles you will put yourself through by owning a mac. Anyway, once you graduate and start working, you'll be expected to know how to use Windows..not the MAC OSX. But if you REALLY want the macbook, it IS possible to own and succeed using one...just be ready for some annoying ass formatting, and document compatibility issues. and last thing..have you checked the school's suggestions? i know for me they blatantly said if you're entering a business program...don't buy a mac.
Apr 11 2010 9:43PM
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Caveman.
Posts: 9067 - Karma: 330
lolz
Apr 11 2010 9:55PM
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chapz
Posts: 10182 - Karma: 66
and the debate has started........
honestly, get a lenovo or something. they just released and are releasing a lot of new products. windows 7 destroys osx, so why not get a pc?
Apr 11 2010 10:00PM
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Six.0.Tree-ski
Posts: 4059 - Karma: 67
Do you even know what you're talking about? When you run bootcamp you are running the OS just like any windows machine would right off the hard drive. It's not running OSX with a program to make mimic windows, the hard drive is partitioned to run either. Either your friends are computer retarded (probably the case) or they are doing something wrong running their programs.
Apr 11 2010 10:01PM
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dickhead1
Posts: 328 - Karma: 11
mac, no competition, u can split ur harddrive and use bott camp if u ever need windows..theres
Apr 11 2010 10:04PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,082
Im a business student and its fine, sometimes i have to go to school and do assignments there but its due to having to do access assignments and i wouldnt buy that shit for my computer anyway, excel and word work the same on a mac as a pc.
Apr 11 2010 10:04PM
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skier_boy26
Posts: 11295 - Karma: 502
I'm getting blurry eyed reading all the responses.

As for choice: business requires little in computer power. Why, then, would you spend hundreds of dollars (if not more) for something comparable? Macs are flashy and all, and have some neat things (hell, I'm on a mac in my studio), but man, they are way overpriced for what you get. And since you don't need much, just invest in a nice laptop that doesn't cost $1k+ because its an apple product, and that way you have more leftover for other shit.

Hell, you can get a quad core i7 laptop for roughly 1k, and macs dont even have quad core laptops yet, and they can still easily be DOUBLE the price. FUck that shit
Apr 11 2010 10:08PM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
Uhh yes I do understand. And its not only my friends but pretty much 90% of Mac users I have met in the business school. When it comes to Excel and Access it does not perform nearly as well as it does on PC. Although Windows is supposed to be exactly like running Windows on a PC, its far from the case when it comes to Excel and Access.
We have specific Mac technicians who have been hired to help with Windows/Mac compatibility since its become such a huge issue once students try to perform long and detailed functions within Excel and Access. So many students bought Mac's and are now having trouble with these two programs. From what I have heard, the majority of recommendations coming from the technicians are to use on site PC's since students are having such problems with random shut downs and trouble turning projects in online.

As I said before, you can say how it should run but when it comes down to actually performing, many Mac's (NOT ALL, but probably 90%) have problems dealing with these two programs.
Apr 11 2010 10:11PM
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Six.0.Tree-ski
Posts: 4059 - Karma: 67
Sounds like operator error to me..
Apr 11 2010 10:17PM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
Well when a school has to hire Mac Technicians cause they have so many problems you know somethings up. And when you go to a certified Mac Technician and they cant even help you or fix something and have to refer you to a PC... I say its more of a performance issue my friend. Not operator error.
Apr 11 2010 10:20PM
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