Yeah now I am concerned.
Why is Israel not friendly with Apples?
Just bought my computer a year ago, was waiting to ask the question about if I need a new computer or not.
Like much of the rest of the world, the primary personal computer in use is a PC, not an Apple. You're more likely to find software and support for your PC than the Mac. Repairs and parts are also likely to be more expensive. Since most of the software used by med students (powerpoint, word, adobe pdfs) run on both PCs and Apple, you don't need worry too much if you own one already. Here is some advice given by a former student to the class of 2010:
"1) Get a gmail or yahoo forum going. Many of the 1st and 2nd years are on a yahoo group and this will allow you access to our input if you are interested in it...
2) Learn some Basic Hebrew before you get here. If you have no Hebrew at all, learn as much as you can before you get here. The schedule is really tight for many of us, and there is not much time for many people to really learn the language. The more hebrew you know before you get here, the easier this will be (I know it sounds elementary, but this is a real problem for some people).
3) Call your airline and figure out exactly what their policy is on excess baggage. It will be worth it for you to bring extra stuff, but there are some airlines that are unwilling to carry oversized bags (British Airlines for example). This might spare you discomfort when you arrive at the airport (Again, elementary, but it happened to me and it was a real pain).
4) Do not buy an apple computer if you are going to buy a computer.
Israel is not apple friendly, and I don't think that the office went to the trouble of telling us that. If anyone of your classmates asks you about it - make sure to tell them that. I know this must really hurt for some of you (I am still not over it).
5) Do not buy all the books on the book list!!! Save yourself alot of money and stress. Many of these books are utterly useless and/or too vast for medical school. Everybody was really eager to get books before we started, and now we have many really nice new editions gathering dust on our shelves. Ask 2nd years what to get when you arrive. I will be happy to revise the list for you guys. At this point I use one guideline: If the book looks too big, don't buy it. Sounds stupid, but I am much happier for it, and still passing...
6) Try to figure out where to live before you get here. Don't trust the office to find you the best deal as they are overwhelmed and often clueless when the new students arrive. If you can't get a place with 2nd, 3rd years, don't stress too much because everyone found a place at the end. Finding a place before you arrive definitely takes some of the stress off, though.
I could probably go on forever, but these are just some of the things that come to mind. Be excited. This is a really trying, but overall good experience to have, and the fourth years absolutely rocked the match this year, so that leaves most of us hopeful.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Michael
[email protected]"
