Best computer for MPH student

[Epidem]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello All,

I am in need of a new laptop before school starts this fall and was wondering if anyone has advice on which brand to get. I'm assuming all stats programs for the MPH-Epi program can be run on both PC or Mac? Does anyone in the program now have any insight on what I definitely want my computer to have?

Thanks!

 

[QuizzicalMPHer]

I believe SAS is Windows-only. You could dual boot a Mac. I would advise calling your program and asking what they recommend.

 

[AJ414]

Ive heard that SPSS only runs on Windows.... Also looking into buying a new comp for school but have been a loyal Mac user for the past few years and not thinking of going back.... might just use the computer labs at school for when I need those programs

 

[doctoroxygen]

SPSS runs on Macs, too, but often the newest version of SPSS won't run on the newest version of OS X for several months.

 

[Epidem]

Thank you for the input. I know I read both SAS and SPSS can be run on a Mac, but didn't take into consideration lag time on new versions. I'm sure getting the computer to dual boot would be extra $ too on an already expensive computer.

 

[CMVMPH]

Thank you for the input. I know I read both SAS and SPSS can be run on a Mac, but didn't take into consideration lag time on new versions. I'm sure getting the computer to dual boot would be extra $ too on an already expensive computer.

Not sure if you're interested in knowing about STATA (I've seen epidemiologists prefer SAS, then STATA, then SPSS for their calculation needs), but I found this on their website: http://www.stata.com/support/faqs/mac/leopard.html

STATA has excellent customer support and you can always find an answer to ANY question/problem that you have on their website.

 

[LiteBear2011]

There are work-arounds that allow users to run SAS on a Mac, but given that SAS can be a resource intensive software and all the workarounds that I have read require running the Windows OS, it makes more sense to use a PC.

Also, there is no Microsoft Access equivalent. If you want to use EpiInfo or the like.

Just something to consider.....