Should I buy a Mac for college?

Yes, you get 2 systems for the price of 1. You can run Windows on a Mac natively via Boot Camp (you need your own copy of Windows). So if you're worried about not being able to use certain programs, you can just restart in Windows mode and run whatever programs you want, all on the same computer. And in terms of compatibility, most mainstream commercial software made today comes both in Mac and PC flavors. The only time you really run into software that isn't available for Mac is when you're using software from independent or smaller developers from company that is competing with a mainstream commercial application.

And of course their is the security issues of Windows vs Mac.

With the interweaved networks seen on colleges campuses nowadays, security is of the utmost importance, and while the Mac is by no means invulnerable, it's far more secure from your typical college viruses or worms than a Windows PC. For example, my last year in college, 72% (based off IT statistics) of the campus computer systems were infected by a worm via AOL Instant Messenger. As soon as a single system running AIM was infected it automatically sent infected instant messages to everyone on the infected users buddy list (as an innocent message asking the recipient to check out a link) and since it was coming from a trusted friend, most people clicked the link without second thought. I too fell prey to this (I clicked the link) however, because I was running a Mac I did not get the worm.

While most experts will now recommend you run anti-virus software on a Mac, you can get away without it.

Unless you're an engineering major or visual arts major (graphic design/tv & film/photography) the main program you'll be relying on is Microsoft Office. Microsoft makes a version of Microsoft Office for the Mac and it has 100% compatibility with files made on the Windows version of Microsoft Office, and vice-versa. Also,

Now, if you are an engineering major, you will probably be better off with a Windows PC as the majority of engineering software is still mainly designed for Windows.

Now, if you are a visual arts major, you definitely should go for a Mac. Mac's are the standard for anything to do with the visual arts industry. If you're a graphic designer, you'll be using Adobe Creative Suite CS3/CS4 and they run best on Mac OS. If you're a tv & film major, you'll be using Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere, Apple Motion, Adobe After Effects, etc. All of which are either exclusive to the Mac or have a Mac version that is superior when paired with Mac OS. If you are a photo major, the main program you will be using is Adobe Photoshop CS3/CS4, a program that was born on the Mac and is best paired with Mac OS.

So, if you're just using it like a regular college student (nursing major, psychology major, etc) you'll benefit from a Mac because you can run Mac OS and Windows, and Mac OS is still more secure in most situations vs Windows. If you're a visual arts major (or any liberal art like music, theatre, etc), Mac is the standard used both for instruction and professional purposes. If you're an engineering major, stick with Windows.

You mean mac or windows as PC stands for "Personal Computer" and a mac fits that category. Depends entirely on what your doing. They will both do the same thing. Just mac is a little less annoying. And doesn't get viruses. Mac is a bit more expensive.

For College students I recommend them to go for Refurbished laptops as these laptops comes with fully functional.

Secondly these laptops are really good in physical condition as well as in technical specifications and plus you can easily upgrade it too

Last but not the least these laptops are low in price and helps you in saving money check out the link provided below regaring refurbished laptops

I'd suggest a Windows PC

1. Macs are way overpriced

2. Windows PCs generally are more versatile and have higher end components. You will get more power for a less expensive one

Probably PC is more affordable and has more programs...

But Mac is much better to work with...

I would recommend it for college... It is a great tool.

Only if you want an overpriced, underpowered piece of garbage that isnt compatible with 95 percent of the software on the market! If all you want is Bling, buy yourself some jewelry. You want a working tool, buy a PC.

Unless you are totally computer illiterate, you should get a pc. Twice the computer, half the price.

Mac have good student discounts.

Yes, they're perfect for college.

PC, better and more affordable, unless you have thousands at your disposal and want attention