Mac or PC for Med School

[jydeguzm]

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Hi Everyone,

Not sure where this would fit on a thread and don't want to start a war here but I was wondering which would be better for med school a Mac or PC or is it just personal preference? I was wondering specifically in terms of say software for study materials and such.

Thanks

 

[JonnyL]

I'm not in med school yet but I would assume either is fine. It's personal preference.

 

[noshie]

OMG, I need an answer to this too! I am debating every day on which to get. Everyone I know says Mac though... I’m just scared to get one because it’s not as versatile as a PC. But people swear by it. I don’t know what to do, and I know very little about computer specifications to figure it out for myself. Haha.

 

[iwannabemd]

Hi Everyone,

Not sure where this would fit on a thread and don't want to start a war here but I was wondering which would be better for med school a Mac or PC or is it just personal preference? I was wondering specifically in terms of say software for study materials and such.

Thanks

I think it's probably a matter of personal preference, but you might want to call your school's IT department to find out for sure what software you're going to need and if it would be Mac compatible (if you'd rather use a Mac). Also, check the website to see if they have a mandatory computer, I know some schools (UConn comes to mind and I'm sure others) require that you get "their" computer that comes with all the software you need pre-loaded

 

[Dude Man Bro Man]

That's funny that you posted this, I was just making this decision a few days ago. I've had PC's all my life but decided to get a mac laptop for med school. The main reason I've stuck to PC's was that I was into gaming through the better part of college and was always told that a mac was no good for gaming or customizing, but I haven't played a PC game in over a year and am ready to have a dedicated work computer. I've also been around lots of friends with macs and they're perfectly able to do whatever I do on my PC.

Overall I agree with what was said above, it's largely a personal decision but you can't go wrong with either. What swayed me was that my girlfriend's 5-year old macbook still wakes up and is ready to go almost instantly while my less than 2-year old PC laptop takes about a minute and a half to think before it's any use.

 

[UnclePhil]

I use a Mac but my med school uses a school pc. The Mac is for my own personal use. I used to use a pc when i was in college but have since found that I much prefer my MacBook. It just doesn't feel as bloated as a pc tends to over time. I don't play computer games ever but even if i did, I still have windows 7 installed via bootcamp. I just find the Mac more simple and intuitive to use. Although Im starting to use it less ever since I started using my iPad.

 

[membername3]

If you want to save a ton of money and not have to worry about compatibility issues then go with a pc.

http://collegetimes.us/top-10-reasons-why-mac-sucks/

 

[prone2xl]

I'm gonna go Macbook Pro myself... just trying to decide which one to go with - the 13" or the 15" . I really like the Anti-glare screen option on the 15" so will likely lean that way since I won't know what the lighting conditions are going to be like in school and study areas.

I like that viruses don't really reside on mac's like PC's and also the clean sleek look if i'm being honest 🙂

 

[90minIPA]

If you want to save a ton of money and not have to worry about compatibility issues then go with a pc.

http://collegetimes.us/top-10-reasons-why-mac-sucks/

The author of this article is guzzling the haterade. A lot of his/her points are simply false or outdated (it's from 2009, a lot has changed in software trending since then...)

In my experience, Mac's are more robust and better utilize their hardware than their PC counterparts do. I'd say they're worth the money, and unlike PC's ,they actually maintain a resale value (ebay has well-maintained macs reselling for $400).

If you have to go PC, go japanese. Toshiba or Sony are the way to go.

 

[noshie]

If you want to save a ton of money and not have to worry about compatibility issues then go with a pc.

http://collegetimes.us/top-10-reasons-why-mac-sucks/

Actually, just reading this article and remembering that there is no right click made me decide against a Mac!

 

[Beta Cell]

Actually, just reading this article and remembering that there is no right click made me decide against a Mac!

There is a right click? I'm using a two-button mouse on my brand new MacBook Pro right now.

 

[FIREitUP]

There is a right click? I'm using a two-button mouse on my brand new MacBook Pro right now.

how many buttons are there below the trackpad?

 

[noshie]

There is a right click? I'm using a two-button mouse on my brand new MacBook Pro right now.

Does it work just like the right click on a PC?

 

[Beta Cell]

Does it work just like the right click on a PC?

Yes, it works exactly the same.

 

[StellaBlues]

I struggled with this same question when I began med school 4 years ago. As a relatively tech averse person who had to do plenty of computer based presentations throughout med school, I feel that I am very qualified to answer this question.

GO WITH PC! I had always used PC's. After getting accepted to med school, I emailed 10 random students at the school and asked what they had. Something like 8/10 had Macs. So I got a Mac. Although I have found that my Mac is user friendly and relatively stable, I have run into compatibility issues all over the place. Pretty much anytime I had to do a Powerpoint presentation there was some kind of technical problem (including a huge disaster at a national meeting). I prefer using Macs on a day to day basis, but as a student who will have to regularly interface with your school's technology system, you can't beat a PC. They're cheaper too.

 

[90minIPA]

how many buttons are there below the trackpad?

No buttons needed. You tap (or press) on the trackpad for a "click." Tap with 1 finger = left click, tap with 2 fingers = right click. "Swiping" the trackpad with multiple fingers gives you access to more advanced functions (toggle between open programs, go back or forward in a web browser, zoom in or zoom out, etc...):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OIwcMWA2oI

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

It depends on what your medical school supports. At my school, they lean a bit more towards PC because of some compatibility issues Mac users WILL face. That being said, if your school SUPPORTS both MAC and PC (even with some compatibility issues), I would say go with whichever you feel like getting--it boils down to personal preference. Each has its own set of benefits--Macs look nicer (IMO), have a certain "simplicity" factor to them, and are overall solid devices. PCs will be compatible with virtually anything you throw at it, and for now, are the "universal standard" of computing. As days go on though, I think Macs are definitely gaining the edge and will become the new alternative standard--like everything (most software) will be made for it (much in the same way most apps are made for iOS and Android devices nowadays).

As a PC user myself, I'm sticking to PC because I'm a diehard Lenovo Thinkpad fan--they're also well-built and can resist quite the beating! Granted, they do cost an arm and a leg (more than Macs--at least the ones I've configured). Regardless of what you get, I would encourage you getting an extended warranty to save yourself repair/breakdown headaches!

 

[MrAppleseed]

I'm on a MBP right now, but used PCs throughout college, so I'm not some staunch foe of either. Depending on what you're looking for, you can find decent PC cheaper than any mac, and you would avoid issues with compatibility (which, in my experience over the last 1.5 years, is pretty rare, with the exception being FLASH). That said, I would have a very hard time going back to a PC at this point...love the MBP.

Like others have said, the answer to this is probably school-specific (not in med school, so I can't help), but mostly personal preference.

 

[FIREitUP]

It depends on what your medical school supports. At my school, they lean a bit more towards PC because of some compatibility issues Mac users WILL face. That being said, if your school SUPPORTS both MAC and PC (even with some compatibility issues), I would say go with whichever you feel like getting--it boils down to personal preference. Each has its own set of benefits--Macs look nicer (IMO), have a certain "simplicity" factor to them, and are overall solid devices. PCs will be compatible with virtually anything you throw at it, and for now, are the "universal standard" of computing. As days go on though, I think Macs are definitely gaining the edge and will become the new alternative standard--like everything (most software) will be made for it (much in the same way most apps are made for iOS and Android devices nowadays).

As a PC user myself, I'm sticking to PC because I'm a diehard Lenovo Thinkpad fan--they're also well-built and can resist quite the beating! Granted, they do cost an arm and a leg (more than Macs--at least the ones I've configured). Regardless of what you get, I would encourage you getting an extended warranty to save yourself repair/breakdown headaches!

I just got a fully loaded x220 with an IPS screen, i7, 4gb of ram, bluetooth, 320gb 7200rpm drive, 9 cell battery for 875 + tax. there are deals all the time for thinkpads. Btw, i was considering getting a MBP 13 inch until i saw this thinkpad, which has a better screen (IPS, higher res, matte), bigger, faster HD, better battery life (9 cell), and is a pound lighter (3.5 pounds). Keep your options open.

 

[hoot504]

Everyone who has experienced compatibility issues, do you have a copy of windows loaded onto your mac? Or are you trying to do everything through the mac os?

 

[Obliquity]

Everyone who has experienced compatibility issues, do you have a copy of windows loaded onto your mac? Or are you trying to do everything through the mac os?

I've used Macs forever, but I do have Windows XP for dual-boot on my machine, and the couple of times I've needed Windows, it's come in handy. The XP copy cost me $15 from my college's computer store and it's been great for the couple of times I've needed it, as well as gaming that I can't do on Mac OS X (though slowly, more and more game developers are doing Mac versions right alongside Windows)...

To the OP: go with what you're used to. I'd recommend a Mac, but some people just can't justify the cost (though I'd say the benefits are worth it)
🙂

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

I just got a fully loaded x220 with an IPS screen, i7, 4gb of ram, bluetooth, 320gb 7200rpm drive, 9 cell battery for 875 + tax. there are deals all the time for thinkpads. Btw, i was considering getting a MBP 13 inch until i saw this thinkpad, which has a better screen (IPS, higher res, matte), bigger, faster HD, better battery life (9 cell), and is a pound lighter (3.5 pounds). Keep your options open.

Hmm, I don't know how you managed that but the one I configured came out to 1386 with a 3 year on-site warranty (extra 250) plus a few small extras like Bluetooth, fingerprint reader, and webcam...probably another 100-200 at most. Then again, I think that adds up to where my config costs.

When I bought my T61 14.1" three years ago, it was priced with the employee discount and it was 1300 base, 1500 with taxes and whatnot included. I recently configured a T420 and it was about the same. Maybe it's just the way I configured my laptop. You're right though, there are always discounts on way or another. In either case, I'm sticking to my Thinkpad for now because it should last me another year or two at least (recently replaced HDD for kicks). I will probably look into the X series since it's thinner...hopefully just as durable. My cousin ran over a T series a few years ago with his SUV...the laptop survived!

 

[anbuitachi]

Macs are for the rich! Seriously. Theres no reason to spend 1000+++ on a Mac, when a 500$ PC laptop is more than sufficient. Keep in mind that a 500$-600$ PC laptop these days can snatch you an i5 sandy bridge (which basically rivals the i7 1stgen.) That is a quad core powerhouse for less than half the price of a Mac...

 

[Obliquity]

Keep in mind that you are not just paying for the specs - Macs tend to have high-quality enclosures (unibody aluminum) and all Macs ship with Mac OS X. You can definitely get a fast PC (aka Windows/Linux based) for less money, but the casing might be lower quality, and for some people the operating system is worth $ 🙂

Not all PCs are cheaper - some are even more expensive than Macs. Apple just chooses not to enter the lower end of the pricing market; take that for what you will...

 

[FIREitUP]

Keep in mind that you are not just paying for the specs - Macs tend to have high-quality enclosures (unibody aluminum) and all Macs ship with Mac OS X. You can definitely get a fast PC (aka Windows/Linux based) for less money, but the casing might be lower quality, and for some people the operating system is worth $ 🙂

Not all PCs are cheaper - some are even more expensive than Macs. Apple just chooses not to enter the lower end of the pricing market; take that for what you will...

I would be inclined to agree with you, but business grade laptops tend to be just as well built (i.e., thinkpad line).

 

[futuredoc528]

Macs are for the rich! Seriously. Theres no reason to spend 1000+++ on a Mac, when a 500$ PC laptop is more than sufficient. Keep in mind that a 500$-600$ PC laptop these days can snatch you an i5 sandy bridge (which basically rivals the i7 1stgen.) That is a quad core powerhouse for less than half the price of a Mac...

the mobile sandy bridge i5's are only dual core, gotta jump to i7's for quad, even still, if you go with the intro i7 (2630qm) and intel hd graphics you get a tremendously powerful workstation that'll blow through anything you throw at it in med school

memory is cheap as dirt at the moment too, don't overspend for 8gb of ram from the vendor, just get whatever you can for the lowest price and buy a couple sticks on on newegg or the like, simplest upgrade you can do just about (except on a mac)

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

Keep in mind that you are not just paying for the specs - Macs tend to have high-quality enclosures (unibody aluminum) and all Macs ship with Mac OS X. You can definitely get a fast PC (aka Windows/Linux based) for less money, but the casing might be lower quality, and for some people the operating system is worth $ 🙂

Not all PCs are cheaper - some are even more expensive than Macs. Apple just chooses not to enter the lower end of the pricing market; take that for what you will...

I would be inclined to agree with you, but business grade laptops tend to be just as well built (i.e., thinkpad line).

I'm with them!

Business grade laptops are usually better built, with either higher quality parts, or in the least, a better build quality. I'd say it's well worth it considering I haven't had any crazy problems with my Thinkpad. Only issues I had were a cooling fan that needed to be replaced and LCD hinges that I wanted replaced because my LCD hinges were no longer "stiff". Yay fellow Thinkpad user at Downstate! 🙂

 

[90minIPA]

FTR, I had initially planned on purchasing a lenovo, but had uniformly negative experiences with the thinkpads that were provided to me during my post-bacc employment. It could be attributed to the specs of the individual PC's that my company handing out, but my girlfriend's run-of-the-mill macbook was far superior to my thinkpad in my experience.

The thinkpads used to have a great reputation when they were manufactured by IBM, but since lenovo took the reins they seem to have gone down hill.

 

[random cell]

I've had a mac starting in college and had it for the past 6+ years and macs are great but they can really SCREW YOU when they die on you. I've had macs die on me and programs screwing me with issues (namely powerpoint/excel) but , I wanted to see how far windows PCs had come in 6 years. After talking with some members on here (mostly WUBear) about tablets I bought a tablet: the thinkpad X220T (t for tablet)

I finally got it last week and let me tell you this thing is awesome. The writing feels like it is writing on paper. My only wish was I had gotten this thing sooner. with Onenote it is like a digital notebook with infinite paper and SEARCHABLE notes. only "downside" is the price I guess which came out to be about $1500, but still it's a tablet. You should really try it out. Before I bought it I tested my buddys tablet, same model and he said it changed his life. The writing on it was just really like writing on paper and that's when I pulled the trigger and bought it.

 

[JonnyL]

I've had a mac starting in college and had it for the past 6+ years and macs are great but they can really SCREW YOU when they die on you. I've had macs die on me and programs screwing me with issues (namely powerpoint/excel) but , I wanted to see how far windows PCs had come in 6 years. After talking with some members on here (mostly WUBear) about tablets I bought a tablet: the thinkpad X220T (t for tablet)

I finally got it last week and let me tell you this thing is awesome. The writing feels like it is writing on paper. My only wish was I had gotten this thing sooner. with Onenote it is like a digital notebook with infinite paper and SEARCHABLE notes. only "downside" is the price I guess which came out to be about $1500, but still it's a tablet. You should really try it out. Before I bought it I tested my buddys tablet, same model and he said it changed his life. The writing on it was just really like writing on paper and that's when I pulled the trigger and bought it.

I have to agree with this. If you get a Mac it is essential that you back up all your files using time machine or another. For some reason it's much harder to recover files from a broken mac than it is from a broken PC. It costs a lot more as well.

 

[random cell]

I have to agree with this. If you get a Mac it is essential that you back up all your files using time machine or another. For some reason it's much harder to recover files from a broken mac than it is from a broken PC. It costs a lot more as well.

I remember upgrading from Tiger to leopard. Apple screwed me hard with the whole migration thing. Random files did not make it over. I had to use a ****ing flash drive over and over. Maybe they like to screw people that can't afford the shiny Macbook Pros? Time machine is a good addition and hopefully makes migration easier. P.S. you should get Applecare or else the people at the genius bar won't give 2 craps about your problems

 

[Bungie]

Do you want a laptop or a desktop? I've never been a fan of laptops. I'm building my own computer and will be saving a ton of money. It's quite easy to do.

 

[FIREitUP]

Do you want a laptop or a desktop? I've never been a fan of laptops. I'm building my own computer and will be saving a ton of money. It's quite easy to do.

most schools require a laptop, so whether you like them or not is irrelevant.

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

Do you want a laptop or a desktop? I've never been a fan of laptops. I'm building my own computer and will be saving a ton of money. It's quite easy to do.

most schools require a laptop, so whether you like them or not is irrelevant.

Get both! I'm one of those who has a laptop for when he needs it, but mostly relies on his desktop for all other stuff.

 

[Docbeme]

It is largely irrelevant what you get, PC or Mac. Just buy Microsoft's latest office suite, dirt cheap for most students, and you are set.

I like the MacBook Pro, which I got a couple of years ago. With a docking station, or even without a docking station, there is not a need for a second PC. Asyouwereatrio, please provide an instance when you needed desktop for a school related activity where a laptop wouldn't suffice?

PC's are a bit cheaper, Mac's are bit cooler (IMHO), but both should work fine just about everywhere. Half the posts on this thread are justifying someone's purchasing decision.

 

[jydeguzm]

great input everyone love the perspectives leaning toward a macbook pro right now but we shall see

 

[FIREitUP]

It is largely irrelevant what you get, PC or Mac. Just buy Microsoft's latest office suite, dirt cheap for most students, and you are set.

I like the MacBook Pro, which I got a couple of years ago. With a docking station, or even without a docking station, there is not a need for a second PC. Asyouwereatrio, please provide an instance when you needed desktop for a school related activity where a laptop wouldn't suffice?

PC's are a bit cheaper, Mac's are bit cooler (IMHO), but both should work fine just about everywhere. Half the posts on this thread are justifying someone's purchasing decision.

I use my computer for more than just school.

 

[prone2xl]

i've had my thinkpad for like 5 years, but honestly i'm sick of it... it gets real dirty too with the black. and after you reach a certain point, i think it starts to self-destruct 🙂

had soooo many viruses, etc on this thing and just am tired of pc for now.
definitely going macbook PRO- (there's a reason they call it Pro) !!

 

[FIREitUP]

i've had my thinkpad for like 5 years, but honestly i'm sick of it... it gets real dirty too with the black. and after you reach a certain point, i think it starts to self-destruct 🙂

had soooo many viruses, etc on this thing and just am tired of pc for now.
definitely going macbook PRO- (there's a reason they call it Pro) !!

that whole post made no sense. black gets dirty? i haven't gotten a virus for years; if you get proper antivirus you wont have any problems, just watch what you download.

 

[prone2xl]

that whole post made no sense. black gets dirty? i haven't gotten a virus for years; if you get proper antivirus you wont have any problems, just watch what you download.

um, I'm posting MY experience not yours ya noob!

 

[random cell]

i've had my thinkpad for like 5 years, but honestly i'm sick of it... it gets real dirty too with the black. and after you reach a certain point, i think it starts to self-destruct 🙂

had soooo many viruses, etc on this thing and just am tired of pc for now.
definitely going macbook PRO- (there's a reason they call it Pro) !!

how about you stop visiting porn sites and downloading torrents for movies a week before they come out. also black getting dirty...is dirt white in your universe?

 

[FIREitUP]

um, I'm posting MY experience not yours ya noob!

🙄 Ideal apple consumer: clueless.

 

[Docbeme]

I use my computer for more than just school.

The OP's question had to do with what he needed for med school.

 

[prone2xl]

Apple screwed me hard
I had to use a ****ing flash drive over and over. like to screw people shiny

and Maybe YOU should stop screwing computers noob! 😱👍

 

[Lokaa]

ok so back to the topic before this turns to a flame thread.

I have used both PCs, Macs (both laptops and desktops) and I was a tech in my College IT department. Here are some pros and cons to PCs and Macs.

PCs:
-Highly compatible with many applications and software.
-Highly customizable even after purchase (you can add more ram or hard drive, you can do the same with a mac but you have to be a lot more tech savvy and if you mess that up, you void you warranty with apple)
-BUT, viruses find their way though your computer on way or the other (some people will be more vulnerable to this due to sites or downloads they do but you really can get a virus from any random website)
- Cheaper for pretty good specs and you could even juice it up so it becomes a gaming computer(if that is what you are into for the same price of a regular mac)

Macs
-interface is so well done and user friendly.
-It feels more academic to use one and like people mentioned a lot more universities and schools are expanding their support for macs.
-you can install windows on it but I just rather use a pc to run windows than a mac but that is just a preference.
-syncs really well with other mac products that everyone have now (ie iphone, ipods and why not but you could do the same with pcs)
- with the new icloud feature, you can share things wirelessly between all your mac devices which can be great.

if you are planning to get a mac, I would wait another month for the release of the next generation of mac airs and mac book pros so it comes with Lion OS and all the sparkly new features that come with it.

 

[Myuu]

how many buttons are there below the trackpad?

I'm beginning to think you haven't actually seen a mac in years and are therefor just hating on principle...

 

[FIREitUP]

I'm beginning to think you haven't actually seen a mac in years and are therefor just hating on principle...

called sarcasm

 

[versus]

ok so back to the topic before this turns to a flame thread.

I have used both PCs, Macs (both laptops and desktops) and I was a tech in my College IT department. Here are some pros and cons to PCs and Macs.

PCs:
-Highly compatible with many applications and software.
-Highly customizable even after purchase (you can add more ram or hard drive, you can do the same with a mac but you have to be a lot more tech savvy and if you mess that up, you void you warranty with apple)
-BUT, viruses find their way though your computer on way or the other (some people will be more vulnerable to this due to sites or downloads they do but you really can get a virus from any random website)
- Cheaper for pretty good specs and you could even juice it up so it becomes a gaming computer(if that is what you are into for the same price of a regular mac)

Macs
-interface is so well done and user friendly.
-It feels more academic to use one and like people mentioned a lot more universities and schools are expanding their support for macs.
-you can install windows on it but I just rather use a pc to run windows than a mac but that is just a preference.
-syncs really well with other mac products that everyone have now (ie iphone, ipods and why not but you could do the same with pcs)
- with the new icloud feature, you can share things wirelessly between all your mac devices which can be great.

if you are planning to get a mac, I would wait another month for the release of the next generation of mac airs and mac book pros so it comes with Lion OS and all the sparkly new features that come with it.

Just figured I'd add my PC experience to this list.

PC
- Though I know MANY people who HAVE had them recently, I personally haven't had a virus in years, and I haven't run a virus scanner more than once a month (its off by default, slows the system down constantly scanning every few hours or however frequent you set it). Just stop clicking on the ads and popups people. 🙂 Viruses are becoming more of an issue with OSX as the platform increases in popularity, whereas Windows is getting much better at dealing with security threats over the last few years. (http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/18/microsoft-to-malware-your-autorunning-days-on-windows-are-numbe/)
- Windows 7 is great, the UI is easy to use as well. Not a huge debacle as Vista was. Not as user friendly as OSX which does everything for you, but still very usable.
- In terms of academic friendly, Windows still takes it. Sure, there are many academic related programs for OSX and iOS (if you feel like taking notes on an iPad) but most higher level programs for science and such run natively on Windows first (or perhaps even on Linux distros), and then are eventually ported to Macs if at all. Additionally, the world runs on Microsoft Office (though Google Docs, OpenOffice, etc. are viable alternatives) which Mac OSX gets good versions of, though a year later normally.

All in all, it LITERALLY comes down to personal preference. While I'm a PC guy, I wish that PC manufacturers would make their products with a bit more build quality. My laptop after a few years is going to be falling apart. My college room mate had a Macbook (Power PC released in 2005) that lasted him through his junior year before he got a 27" iMac. The hardware didn't fail either -- it worked fine. It was just slow, and he was ready for an upgrade. My laptop would've never lasted that long. Everyone has already dealt with the price issue so I'll let that rest.

 

[random cell]

and Maybe YOU should stop screwing computers noob! 😱👍

good job cutting and pasting parts of what I wrote out of context into some gibberish just because I called you out on your porn addiction.

 

[prone2xl]

oh boy you're classy 🙂
you should have probably never opened your mouth and given that little comment after i said I wasn't particularly fond of thinkpads. -
anyways, I'm choosing a mac just to see if I like it better, b/c personally that's the only way I know to find out if I like it better.