Choosing the Right Laptop for a CS Major at the University of Pennsylvania
When it comes to selecting a laptop for a Computer Science (CS) major at the University of Pennsylvania, there are several important factors to consider. From the vast selection of devices available, there are key recommendations and considerations that can help you make the best choice.
User Perspectives and Recommendations
It's interesting to note that both my daughter, a Finance major at UPenn, and my son and niece, who are CS students at Columbia and Princeton respectively, started out as Android, Windows, or Linux users in high school but quickly switched to the Apple/iOS ecosystem after starting their respective colleges. My personal opinion is that a 13-inch MacBook Pro is a safer bet for several reasons. App features like AirDrop are extremely useful for sharing notes and files among students, making the transition to an Apple laptop a smooth one.
Experience and Recommendations
I, an 80-year-old IT partner at a major international CPA firm for 20 years, have always chosen Dell laptops and desktops. My experience has been that these machines are reliable and last a long time. For a college student, it's important to invest in a system that can handle the computational demands of CS courses and projects over several years without frequent upgrades or issues. Ensure that the laptop has the latest version of Windows 10, as this operating system provides a stable and feature-rich environment for coding and other technical tasks.
Department Recommendations
For a more authoritative guidance, it's worth checking the recommendations made by the Penn CS department every year. They often provide specific advice based on the current trends and compatibility needs in the field of computer science. This can be invaluable in making sure you choose a laptop that aligns with the tools and systems used in your coursework and future career.
Windows as the Preferred Choice
Based on my experience, I would only suggest a Windows machine for a CS student at the University of Pennsylvania. Although macOS and iOS are very popular, Windows remains the 'standard' used by most businesses and is least likely to have any compatibility issues. As a CS student, you'll need to install various programs on your laptop, and a non-Windows machine might not work as well or might be different in some way. This can cause unnecessary stress and delays in your academic work.
Additionally, as a CS student, you will be able to install the entire Microsoft suite of programs for free, which includes powerful tools such as Visual Studio, Microsoft Office, and others. For those who are heavily involved in coding, the integration with Microsoft's ecosystem can be a significant advantage. Apple products, while incredibly popular among teens, often come with a steep initial price and can be problematic when it comes to repairs and support. Apple stores can often be overcrowded, with people waiting for hours to get their devices fixed or replaced.
Finally, it's worth noting that modern Apple devices can run most Windows programs, making them versatile and useful for a wide range of tasks. However, the reliability and long-term support provided by Windows laptops make them a more practical choice for students focused on their studies and future career prospects in the tech industry. By choosing a Windows laptop, you are setting yourself up for success in both your academic endeavors and beyond.