The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.Apple computers cost a lot more than some PCs, but they're worth their high price when you consider the value you get for your money. Macs get regular software updates that make them more capable over time. Bug fixes and patches are even available on older versions of MacOS to keep more vintage Macs safe.If you love the way something looks as much as how it works, it's also difficult to argue against a Mac's aesthetic value.My longest-running Mac is an iMac from 2008 that refuses to quit.The first question any friend or family member asks me after I recommend getting a Mac is, 'But is it really worth the price?'As Mac power user for the last 10 years, I always say it is. That said, I completely understand the sticker shock people get when comparing a Mac computer to a PC. So instead of focusing on the price itself, I'd like to explain why the Mac is a worthwhile investment.The Mac is part of Apple's ecosystem of products, and it works seamlessly with the iPhone and iPad.Apple's biggest strength is that it designs its own hardware and software. This gives the company the power to make an operating system and suite of apps that are tailor-made and optimized for the Mac. Apple can also plan out new Mac hardware based on the software it's currently developing. In fact, Apple has designed all of the hardware and software it makes to work seamlessly.For example, if I take a photo on my iPhone, it's automatically synced through iCloud to my iPad Pro and iMac without any external software. I can also send text messages and iMessages to my contacts through my iPhone, iPad, and Mac — starting a conversation on one device and continuing it on another. Other vendors have tried to replicate this experience, but it remains Apple's biggest selling point. If you already own other Apple hardware, a Mac will start working with it seamlessly right out of the box in a way that no PC currently can. This integration is getting tighter and more expansive over time, so this is a benefit that will actually get better the longer you have your Mac.Apple can update software patches and make improvements quicker than PC makers.One of the biggest problems with issuing software updates to Windows machines is having to account for the fact that they have to run on systems with wildly different components. Microsoft has minimum system requirements to run the latest version of Windows, but beyond that hardware makers (or individuals) are free to build their own machines.Apple doesn't have that issue; there are only a small number of Macs (tens, instead of thousands) that need to be supported, so bugs can be squashed quickly. MacOS, the Mac operating system, is also constantly being updated, with a new major version released each fall. New versions of MacOS aren't without their flaws, but it's a lot easier to keep your system up to date with the latest fixes as soon as they're ready.Your Mac will last for a long time, and if it breaks, you know exactly where to take it.I've owned several Macs, but the first one I got to use at home was an iMac my mom bought for our home in late 2008. The machine has worked without any major issues for 10 years, and it's currently still set up in my room at her condo. Apple supported it with new versions of MacOS through 2015 and issued software fixes to it through the end of last year.My experiences with Macs haven't always been rosy, but when any Apple has hardware failed me, I've always known where to go: the Apple Store. It's always possible to get a reservation to sort out my problems within a couple of days. Having a place to go when you experience computer problems is another big selling point for the Mac, and one I appreciate even as someone who prefers to troubleshoot problems myself if at all possible.Macs have a high-end look and feel.Function will always be more important than form, but it is nice that Apple takes the time to carefully design its computers. I'm not saying I agree with every decision the company has made, or that there aren't nicely designed PCs out there, but it's hard to argue that Macs don't look and feel great.This is the strongest material case in the 'you get what you pay for' argument, so it shouldn't be overlooked. After using a Mac, most PCs feel a little clunky, or at the very least not as well put together.Knowing what you're getting makes the price of a Mac easier to justify.There's no getting around the fact that buying a Mac is expensive, but it's easier to justify the price of one when you think about what you're getting. Great-looking and -feeling hardware, consistently updated software, free in-person tech support, and inter-device connectivity all come at a cost. I don't think that most people will keep their Mac for a decade, but the fact that my vintage iMac still runs without any hitches is enough of a reason for me to continually recommend people seriously consider the platform.13' MacBook Air (Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB SSD), $849, available at Best Buy 13' MacBook Pro (Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB SSD), $1,299 available at Best Buy15' MacBook Pro (Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, 256GB SSD), $1,999, available at Best Buy21.5' iMac (Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, 1TB hard drive ) $899, available at Best Buy
And of course, the best laptops for college students need to last for the long haul, preferably through four years of undergrad and maybe a year of grad work. PC gamers, of course, won't find. Every college student needs a laptop, but with so many choices at so many different prices, it can be homework in itself to find out the very best laptops.Start by reviewing our buying guide then.
With the growing number of students bringing Macs to campus(over 50% of the Fall 2016 freshman class), it is likely that there are more students(and parents) debating whether or not to buy a PC or a Mac. The very short answer is that Lehigh fully supports both Windows and Mac platforms; and, as stated previously, it is always recommended that you purchase the computer that fits your wants/needs for personal use as long as the hardware specifications fit Lehigh's minimum requirements(which new computers do). In order to help you make your final purchase decision, LTS has compared the following major points between both platforms. Be aware that you may have other considerations specific to your wants/needs; however, the following major comparison points should give you a solid starting point.
Viruses / Malware / Spyware
PC
This has been and continues to be a major concern for Windows users. While the latest versions of Windows are much more secure than previous versions and Microsoft continues to make great strides in terms of security and protection, the Windows platform is still the target of the majority of viruses, malware, and spyware on the Internet.
Mac
Macs typically experience fewer virus/malware/spyware-related problems. Regardless of platform, no system is totally immune from threats and Lehigh still recommends that users take appropriate steps to protect their computer from virus/malware/spyware threats.
Coursework-related Software
(both platforms)
Most coursework across various majors can be completed using software available to both Windows and Mac platforms (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite for Windows and Mac).
Pycharm for mac reddit. Jul 16, 2017 Click on the file you downloaded. Click on program you downloaded. This part varies a little for Windows and Mac. Mac: Drag PyCharm to the applications folder. PyCharm is now also available as a snap package. If you’re on Ubuntu 16.04 or later, you can install PyCharm from the command line: sudo snap install pycharm-professional pycharm-community -classic. Jul 24, 2019 PyCharm is the best IDE I've ever used. With PyCharm, you can access the command line, connect to a database, create a virtual environment, and manage your version control system all in one place, saving time by avoiding constantly switching between windows.
Mac Vs Pc For College Students
However, there are certain courses that do make use of Windows-only software as part of the coursework. In these cases students with Macs can run Windows as a second OS either by using Apple Bootcamp or a 3rd party program like VMware or VirtualBox. Students who want to run a Windows-only application on their Mac can obtain a copy of Windows from the Lehigh Imagine program and install it alongside the Mac OS. If a student does not want to install Windows on his or her Mac, Windows-only course-specific software can be run on public site computers across campus.
STAR Services provides assistance with installing Windows on Macs.
Warranty Considerations
PC
Most PC manufacturers - especially those Lehigh recommends purchasing from - offer standard and extended warranty coverage that cover both parts and labor for manufacturer defects. Lehigh also strongly recommends purchasing accidental-damage protection which covers accidents like liquid spills, drops, etc.
Mac
Apple offers a 1yr warranty on all newly purchased computers. Lehigh strongly recommends purchasing the AppleCare+ extended warranty. AppleCare+ extends the warranty for 3yrs and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage. Deductible fees apply for accidental damage, details are on the Apple support website.
Mac Vs Pc For College 2011
Initial Cost vs. Longevity
(both platforms)
The concept of 'You get what you pay for' is very much true with regards to the PC market. You may find a fabulous deal on a computer at discount retail store, but find yourself looking for a new computer only a year later. If you purchase one of the Lehigh-recommended brands/models (PC or Mac), your computer should last throughout your academic career.
Other Notable Advantages
PC
Selection/Custom Configuration
Because there are so many different PC manufacturers, consumers have a huge variety of options across manufacturers, models, and configurations.
Apple Or Windows For College
Mac
Simplified Selection
Apple very clearly lists the models they sell and offers ways to customize your selected model such as upgrading the hard drive, memory, video card, processor, etc.
For additional help, please contact the Student Technology and Repair Services Program at 610-758-2666 or helpdesk@lehigh.edu