Tablet PC vs. Mac Book: Which one?

Question

I am debating between a convertible tablet PC and a MacBook for my college laptop. The MacBook that I want is a tad less expensive and has more memory, but I'm thinking that I may need to get Windows for Mac so that I won't have any problems converting my assignments for professors. I have a friend who says she can give me a copy of Windows for Mac, but I 'm wondering if it will stop working once it figures out the copy isn't genuine. I know that Macs are more configured for pictures and music. While this feature is nice, my main objective for the laptop is to take notes, complete assignments, and do online research (in addition to checking email, etc).
I like convertible tablets, however, because I think that I would be able to write notes onto the screen during class, then transfer them into a Word file. For those who know, is this a realistic expectation? Will my professors let me have my laptop whenever I need to take notes on it?

Overall, which do you think I should get?

Answer 1

Most assignments for professors are for writing papers. Most professors use a PC and some form of Microsoft Office. Some assignments may require you to use a PC-based Microsoft Office product.

Second, Microsoft does not make Windows for MAC that I am aware of. Your friend will probably give you a full unlicensed version of Microsoft Windows XP to use in conjunction with Apple's Boot Camp.

Yes you can run both MAC OSX and Microsoft Windows on an Intel-based MAC using Apple's Boot Camp. But to do so legally you have to purchase a full version of Windows XP. Also, do you really want to have to keep up two operating systems?

Unless you are enrolled in a program that speficially requires a MAC, just get a PC with Microsoft Office. The tablets are not that great at 12" and if you are looking at the 15" models, they are very heavy. At 15" you may as well get a notebook. I purchase Thinkpad T60's for our faculty and staff which are the 2623-DAU models for about $1,400. You can also look at the Thinkpad T60 2007-J2U or Thinkpad T60 2007-7KU.

Most University's are centered around a PC environment so if you get a MAC, remember you'll have to adapt to that.

Answer 2

Absolutely it works. Get a tablet.

I use a slate rather than a convertible because I find that I don't need the keyboard for notes at all. A tablet does a much better job at handwriting recognition than a PDA because it matches the words against a dictionary. You can also keep the notes in your handwriting. The best thing, though, is that if you have an electronic handout in Word or Acrobat you can write notes on top of it.

The main problem you will run into will be battery life. Standard batteries run about 3 hours before giving out.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I hear what your saying about the PC, but the Mac is the better of the 2 choices. Less problems in the long run with a Mac. I purchased my first one in September and will never own another brand.