Rbnz Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 I will be starting PA school in a few months and wanted some advice on what would be the best computer to get for school? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PYRITE Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 I'm very happy with the Macbook Pro w/retina I purchased in July (started PA school in August). Pricey, but nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingsquirrel Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 Unless your school has specific requirements (for running a specific piece of software or something), just get something that you feel comfortable with that has wifi. I have a macbook pro that is several years old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Steve Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 Once you go Mac... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerlily Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 Once you go Mac... Ha ha ha, I second that! Mine doesn't have a retina scanner though, I will upgrade it if I get in ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgdog Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 Mac book pro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNags Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 Let me preface this by saying I am Pre-PA and haven't even completed the pre reqs. However I am a super tech geek and I have a lot of computer experience, both in building and troubleshooting different systems. If cost is an issue, I know a number of companies that offer great laptops at low prices. If you don't mind spending upwards of 1000 for a computer, then I would highly recommend a macbook pro (as stated above). The big thing to consider is that Mac apps and approved software are not going to allow a port of entry for a virus, as well as the time machine backup (it is an automatic backup of your entire hard drive, including apps, that will backup whenever you connect your external hard drive). A non-Mac laptop is much less stringent on what you install/download, which can pose a potential threat for viruses. Feel free to PM me if you want some specs/potential buys on each side. I would be more than happy to help you :). Best of luck with your shopping and I hope you find something that will help you to succeed in school!! Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator rev ronin Posted October 23, 2012 Administrator Share Posted October 23, 2012 Mac. When you don't have time to deal with a computer system problem, they *just* *work*. The extra money they cost is well worth the peace of mind. Oh, and if you first used a mac 23 years ago, like I did, you can still use the current OS without having to re-learn the user interface. Windows just doesn't get that consistency and incremental improvements are very, very important to the end user experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Steve Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 I switched from a PC to a Mac halfway through a paper i was writing during didactic year. I was typing along and BAM! Blue screen of death, lost some of my report...The next day I bought a MacBook Pro. Took a couple of weeks to feel really comfortable working on it..now..I can't imagine ever going back to PC. Peace of mind is expensive, but so worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 I would recommend a mac. I have an old 2007 macbook which works except battery life sucks because it's so old, and it's getting a little slow and showing its age. I am buying a new MBP today. Wouldn't go with anything but mac. They just work and you can't afford to be dealing with PC problems in PA school. There just isn't any time for that, trust me. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
balsam88 Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 I'm not in PA school yet. Last year I decided to switch to a macbook pro even though it's more expensive, because I was so sick and tired of having to deal with PC issues. It took me a couple weeks to get used to it, but honestly it's definitely worth the money. I don't have to worry about viruses either. It's an awesome computer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmkasubo Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 If I already have a decent computer does any have advice on a tablet? Not which kind, but rather is it necessary/helpful/worth it? I have heard simply for lighter loads to class or note taking...? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancer_dancer01 Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 When I talked with current PA students at the school I got accepted to a lot of them had mentioned that they used iPads for note taking, so I will be getting one, even though I dislike apple products. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cthompson1782 Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 I have a MacBook from 2007. My battery life is still 5+ hours. The majority of my class used MacBook +/- Pro. Some used PCs, and some used some form of a notebook or tablet. Find what you find the most ease when using and go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenmood Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 I got an HP. I like it. About half the class had macs I think, and then a good majority of the rest had HPs and some other stuff. I consulted a family member who works for a major computer company and he turned me off his product and onto HP for something solid and affordable. Don't get something that you don't know how to use. You will stress out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grave72 Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 I had the same question before I started. Best advice I could give you is wait until you start in the program. That's what I did. After a few weeks I had a better idea of what would be best suited for my classes, and also I could see what my classmates were using. I am sure you won't need anything out of the gate and waiting could better help you choose what would be best. After starting the program, I would say laptop is likely essential and comes down to personal preferences and budget between PC and mac. I see an Ipad just as an adjunct to a laptop to read e-texts or review PPT slides. I have a HP dm1z 11" laptop; Just as powerful as a mac, and lightweight Not much bulkier than an Ipad especially since I see Ipad users are tethering keyboards to take notes anyway. Also, fraction of the price at <$400. Online coupon codes can help with the cost too. Personally I've never had any issues with PCs or viruses. (Although pretty much every Mac user I encounter has raved about their Mac and tells me all the reasons why I should get a Mac..... ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmkasubo Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 Okay all you brilliant tech people, I need some advice. Right off the bat I'll say I'm not going to get a Mac. I just don't think I'll utilize all the features as I'm pretty clueless about computers, and I want to save a pretty penny. So, I have 2 computers in mind and would like opinions. 1. ASUS Q500A model: i5 processor, 15.6" screen, 6GB Memory, 750GB hard drive, 5.7 lbs 2. HP Envy M6-1125DX model: i5 processor, .15.6" screen, 8GB memory, 750 GB hard drive, 5.3 lbs. Ugh I hate this technology stuff. When you're unsure of products and there are so many to choose from it's overwhelming! Thanks for any input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ap1249 Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 I have an Asus I'm mostly happy with (it sometimes has touchpad/mouse issues), but I have an i7 processor. I would try to at least get the newest processor you can get; I paid about $650 for mine from amazon. Someone in the "know" told me that Asus uses the same internal components as high-end manufacturers like Sony but cost less since it's not a brand name. Good luck! I've always had PC's and been happy, not had them crash or anything. Back up your work just to be safe though. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sartort Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 I'm pretty clueless about computers too, which is why I have a mac. I never have any problems with it like I did with my HPs. It doesn't slow down, it doesn't get viruses, I don't constantly have to wait for things to load, etc. and it's user friendly so I don't need to be tech savvy to be happy with it. I know they are expensive, but I find that a good computer that lasts for 6 years or longer is a much better buy than one that frustrates you until you replace it after 2 or 3 years. When I'm at school and use a PC that takes forever to load up I'm reminded of how great my Macbook is. Just my two cents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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