I start my studies in the field of technical informatics in the winter semester (September) this year.
I'm still looking for a laptop for my studies and the question arises whether a MacBook is worth it or whether a "normal" Windows laptop is better? For example, Regarding the operating system (Windows vs. MacOS) and bandwidth of software?
However, I would have a few requirements for the laptop, it should be an aluminum housing (or similar robust), illuminated buttons and not too heavy. As an example, I would like to mention the new MacBook 2019. Screen size would be 13 "not bad, but I'm happy to offer advice.
Use is mainly study, but maybe some image editing or something similar, although I also have a good desktop PC.
Equipment at the university is available for all brands, so the selection is not limited.
In terms of price, I would have set myself a maximum of 1,600 euro.
Does someone have experience that makes the most sense or is also studying and also uses a laptop or has experience?
I would appreciate suggestions.
Well that's the question now.
Although I started with MAc and OSX is really not bad, I'm a bit overwhelmed with the way software is today.
But one thing is clear, you will be one of the few if you don't show up with a MAC in the university. As far as IT is concerned, I would say that everything can be done with MAC, if necessary you can still virtualize if there's anything special.
So if you have enough money, buy a MAC. You don't do anything wrong.
The only stupid thing is that you always have to carry around a pack of adapters with the MAC, Apple has not managed to pack one of the most important things into the laptop. Otherwise there's actually little to be said against it. OSX is a UNIX derivative and far better than a Windows.
However, when it comes to flat devices, Windows isn't really any better.
I know a few who use MacBooks and a lot who use normal Windows laptops. I myself use a ThinkPad in my studies in computer science (I would have to look at the exact model first), which works wonderfully and fulfills your requirements, apart from the non-illuminated buttons and the slightly larger screen. I think in the software area you will not suffer any losses if you choose a MacBook, but I also think that if you want to save yourself a few hundred euro, you will get through your studies with a Windows laptop. Back then I paid a little over 800 euro for my device and, even if I use it frequently, I think that a product for one or two hundred euro less would have done so without any problems.
If you have a good desktop PC then why spend so much on a laptop? With 800-1000 you already have something that should more than meet your requirements.
I would either think of a Microsoft Surface as convertible or something that might have https://www.lenovo.com/...2TP2TTT495 backlit buttons now but doesn't know if you really need it
From my own experience I can tell you that you don't need a laptop for 1600 euro to study computer science. For what you do with it at the university, a Lenovo Thinkpad for 400 euro is theoretically enough (we actually use a lot at the university). Of course, if you use private programs that need a little more power, you can also spend a little more. At that time I personally got the Lenovo Yoga 530, which has the advantage, among other things, that it has a touch screen, so you can quickly write something down or sign something.
I agree that many people refer to OSX as a better operating system (I think so too, but I can't confirm it firsthand), but, at least in my case, you don't notice anything with a Windows notebook when studying computer science, I even suspect a lot strong that "we" represent the (clear) majority. Not everyone has the money to buy a MacBook, and some consciously choose not to.
Thank you for your answer. The ThinkPads have also come across me, there were also interesting models.
Could you maybe check out which model you have exactly? I would be interested to look around a little.
In our computer science studies everything is actually Unix or Linux oriented. So the reference machines for tasks run on Solaris or Suse.
I had a ThinkPad with Linux on it for a few semesters, but then switched to a MacBook Pro. You certainly don't need that, but I thought it was pretty good.
Windows was just too cumbersome for me personally, because we don't have to develop anything for Windows and many of the software is simply designed for the (Unix) shell!
I assumed the usual. Even with those in IT, everyone was on the move with MAC and that was just training, however, retraining students who already had some life behind them.
osx is better because you can only break your user, but the system is extremely difficult to attack. Has been a multiuser since the beginning.
But I also have to say that owning a MacBook was always a "dream" for me, which I then made with my first salary as a student assistant… I could have bought a ThinkPad with similar specs for the same money. It's also a matter of taste!
I have an E470 with an i7 Gen / Mod? And 16GB Ram (etc.), but is also irrelevant, since you would probably use a current model in this case anyway. I can recommend you cheaper notebooks, they have a campus program where you can get quite irrelevant discounts.
Thanks for your suggestion, I'll take a closer look.
Yes, that's right if you already have a good desktop PC, but if a somewhat demanding program is to be installed, it is better if the laptop can do it.
Illuminated keys are only a nice-2-have but not absolutely necessary, because blind writing works even without illumination.
Thanks for looking, I'll take a closer look.
Also thanks for pointing out cheaper notebooks, I will keep in mind.
