MAC or Windows laptop for MFE students?

[JieFu]

Could you give me some suggestions on what laptop to buy for the MFE study? I really prefer macbook pros, but excel doesn't work very well on them. Also, I worry about the compatibility of the file format to other student that I might do group project with. Is it easier to just use a windows computer? Thanks!

 

[KaiRu]

But whatever you want then use prefered software for dual boot (for Mac see http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/) or virtualization software.

 

[menovive]

Thinkpad with Linux/W7 !!

 

[Dibbs]

a lot of students from my programs use macbooks. With macbook and bootcamp, they can do everything.

 

[alain]

The requirement for new Baruch students is a machine with at least 4GB of memory and a CPU that supports 64bit Virtualization.

 

[JieFu]

Sounds good. I guess I can keep using Macbook pro then. Thank you everyone for replying

 

[AlexandreH]

The requirement for new Baruch students is a machine with at least 4GB of memory and a CPU that supports 64bit Virtualization.

Do I need "Virtualization" if my machine has dual-boot (Win 7 64 bit and Ubuntu)? Is a 17' laptop too big to carry (if the specs are really good)?

 

[alain]

You need virtualization because you will be downloading a 64bit VM with the operating system and pointing to the packages we would like you to use. It makes for a uniform environment for all the students.

 

[AlexandreH]

I see. I thought we used virtualization because not everybody had Unix/Linux. Doesn't that make the system slower?

 

[alain]

... Doesn't that make the system slower?

Probably.

 

[SYau]

I just ordered a Lenovo laptop (x220t). I haven't taken delivery yet but it is small, versatile and has the latest cpu (sandy bridge i5) and awesome screen (IPS screen with multitouch and digitizer for note-taking). It is Win7 so not for Mac fans.

 

[menovive]

Do I need "Virtualization" if my machine has dual-boot (Win 7 64 bit and Ubuntu)? Is a 17' laptop too big to carry (if the specs are really good)?

yes u need virtualization and YES 17 is too big !! It was/is horrible time with my HP 16" and is on craigs list now !!

 

[AlexandreH]

yes u need virtualization and YES 17 is too big !! It was/is horrible time with my HP 16" and is on craigs list now !!

so 14 in? thinkpad or MacBook Pro? Anyone at the Baruch Program is managing with a MacBook Pro?

 

[alain]

I have a MacBook Pro. The other professor also have a MacBook pro.

 

[menovive]

me: I find Thinkpad the best among all laptops for tonnes of reasons. Well Mac has good battery life though !!

 

[AlexandreH]

Too bad. I have a G73JW Asus (I7, 12 GB ram, VRAM 1.5 GB,....)Really good specs for programming and simulation...

 

[atreides]

me: Well Mac has good battery life though !!

This is debatable

 

[menovive]

This is debatable

I agree in precisiveness !! but i meant in general that too for new models !!

 

[SimonZheng]

Mac definitely. I'm using Mac OS/Win 7 dual system. Win 7 for Excel/VBA.

 

[alain]

again, if you are a new student coming into the Baruch program, get a laptop that supports 64bit Virtualization and have at least 4 GB of memory and the biggest hard drive you can afford in that model. Macbook pros will definitely work. I know some dells don't support virtualization.