PC vs mac for pharmacy school?

[tommyVoltage]

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Can we use a mac or is it recommended to use a pc? i remember seeing on one of the schools site that a pc is required ,but i don't if that is for every school.

I'm trying to buy a new computer within the week, so any information will help.

 

[fhx06]

Find out what kind of software the school uses. You'll most likely need to buy either iWork or Office either way and honestly, unless the school deals strictly with Mac OS (which is highly unlikely), either will do fine.

You can install a Microsoft OS, maybe even Linux, on a Mac so the options really are open. Macs are, by nature, more expensive so you'll want to consider if the $2000 is really worth it.

 

[futureblakpharm]

get a pc, apple only takes up 7% of the market share that means the rest of the world (93%) all use pc.

 

[aboveliquidice]

Can we use a mac or is it recommended to use a pc? i remember seeing on one of the schools site that a pc is required ,but i don't if that is for every school.

I'm trying to buy a new computer within the week, so any information will help.

Our school recommends either a dell or a mac - and provide coupons for both. It is whatever suits you better. I find Macs limited - .02

 

[rjk]

There is free software out there that handles all common file formats.

The formatting problems between Mac and PC are virtually non-existant anymore.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

If you chose a Mac over a PC, you are an idiot. Unless its a PC that's as ridiculously overpriced as a Mac for some reason.

 

[dougwell]

I have a mac and had no problems with it at all. My friend has a Dell laptop that he spent $1500 and has had to send it back to them 2x in the first 6 months for software issues and it still doesn't work the way it should. I love my mac.

 

[fhx06]

Yeah... unless a person likes using the mac for the graphics capabilities, it's not really worth it. Or... if you get it as a present.

 

[fugm]

I wouldn't suggest that Macs are overpriced. You get what you pay for. Every new Mac now is able to run Windows XP/Vista/Linux natively, simultaneously, or even via dual booting. If you're a student, you can get a discount at the Apple store on the Mac as well as a CHEAP 3 year warranty. Also, Macs hold their value far better than any pc. What solidified my switch is the fact that I've never experienced any problems with viruses, and I've never had to install any malware/adware/virus scanner on my Mac. The majority of programs that are written for PC's are also written for Macs, (those that are not are generally freeware written by 13YO Johnny and allow you to rip and re encode blu ray disc so you can stream them or something most people don't do) if not, one can always boot up Windows.

I grew up building PC's and worked at a pc repair shop (was a CSCE major). I've seen countless PC's infected with multiple trojans sending information to other countries. The only reason I would choose a PC over a Mac would be if I was a HARDCORE gamer or a PC head, but then you'd build your own....just my opinion.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

I have a mac and had no problems with it at all. My friend has a Dell laptop that he spent $1500 and has had to send it back to them 2x in the first 6 months for software issues and it still doesn't work the way it should. I love my mac.

Yes. Because anecdotal evidence actually means something.

Stuff White People Like pretty much summed it up.

 

[Sparda29]

As a hardcore gamer, I'd go with a PC, you get more for less.

 

[aboveliquidice]

Yes. Because anecdotal evidence actually means something.

Stuff White People Like pretty much summed it up.

I've had an iBook - I game with a PC - and use an ASUS tablet for school - As far as sexy goes - Apple makes some great things. If you are willing to shell out the extra money for look - I don't see the problem with it.

You are definitely payin' for sexy though - a comparable computer (similar specs) will go for cheaper via HP or dell.

The idiot part is a bit harsh - couldn't we just call it the metrosexual of PCs (a mac is a Personal Computer after all).

 

[ericn2k3]

I went with the Dell Lattitude XT2. I just bought it literally 30 minutes ago off of Ebay.


The size, weight, batter life, was my 3 top concerns. Might as well get it now when I can afford it before settling down into pharmacy. I will be a P1 in the fall. Hooray for no more pens/paper!

 

[futureblakpharm]

I have a mac and had no problems with it at all. My friend has a Dell laptop that he spent $1500 and has had to send it back to them 2x in the first 6 months for software issues and it still doesn't work the way it should. I love my mac.

my gf has a mac and its her 3x getting it fixed the first two times was from VIRUS yes macs can get them! and i didnt even pay half as much for my HP

 

[RXDIVA]

Well you know what they say, once you go mac you don't go back..🙂
Seriously though, I have never had a single problem with my macbook, I went through a couple of hp and one dell with problems like viruses etc.. The mac never freezes on me! Never had a virus, I can't complain! Besides, iWork will open Word documents and powerpoints just like a pc.

I 😍 my mac!

 

[confettiflyer]

my gf has a mac and its her 3x getting it fixed the first two times was from VIRUS yes macs can get them! and i didnt even pay half as much for my HP

That's probably a function of the owner, not the hardware. You don't blame the car when the driving sucks. I never got viruses on my PC's. Besides, if there's malware for your mac, you have to physically type in your password to allow it to install. #1 cause of malware/virus installation on a mac is user error.


Anyway, I use a Mac...then again I do photography/video editing. Never had a problem with my macs. I remember my old Compaq laptop overheated in the middle of class once...and so I stormed into the bookstore and the iBook had a really good rebate on it ($800), so I just bought it then and there. I was impressed enough to get more mac hardware.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no computer idiot (My desktop is self-built), and I knew how to tinker "under the hood" so-to-speak with my windows machine...it's just nice not really having to do that. Now, when I use my friends' PC's, it's like night and day. You miss little things like two-fingered scrolling/image manipulation via the trackpad, spaces/expose, and CMD + shift + 4 to selected screenshot vs. the cumbersome "print screen, CTRL+C, open image software, CTRL+V, save" method on a PC (unless there's an easier way I don't know about)

For the OP...either one is fine, you can boot into XP with a mac no problem (I use VMware fusion...once in a blue moon). I've never had any compatibility issues with docs (I run MS Office). BUT, if you're on a budget... pick up a Lenovo or other good quality PC laptop, it should last you the 3 years of classroom instruction.

EDIT: actually, i think lenovo's are just as expensive as macs for the same hardware/software set up...at least the good ones are.

 

[charfdorn]

Mac OS is more intuitive and easier to learn the Windows. All of the good features in Windows came from Mac originally, and their stable operating system almost never crashes. They are also some of the most environmentally friendly computers available. Their customer support is outstanding. Last summer I had a Mac totally die on me. It would turn on but wouldn't boot up. So I took it to an Apple store. Mind you, this computer was eighteen months old, no longer being produced, and out of warranty. Not only did they fix the problem for me, for free, they also upgraded my Mac OS to the newest version.

That said, their laptops are prohibitively expensive. I just bought my school computer and I ended up going with Dell. They have a good reputation and they had some great sales going on. But if you can afford a Mac, you won't be disappointed. The only reason, software-wise, that you wouldn't want one is if your school has some proprietary software or something that will run only in Windows. You can still install Windows on your Mac, but you will have to buy it.

 

[jasonbourne]

Even though i must agree that a MAC is better than windows, I would strongly recommend a windows for academic purposes. It is generally more convenient and cheaper.