Windows or Macintosh For Med Student?

Question

I am a college student who is very interested in Macintosh. I am so interested in MacBook Pro and I hope anybody can kindly answer my questions and give your opinion about both OS. Questions;

1. Honestly, are there any problems related to Macintosh OS X n the computer so far?
2. Comparing Windows and Macintosh, which one would be the better choice for a college student?
3. If I use Microsoft Office for Mac to do my assignment, can I share it with my friends who use Microsoft Office for Windows? Will there be any compatibility problems such as if I do tables in Words in Mac and then when I open it with Words will it be the same (the arrangement especially)?

I really hope anybody can help me to answer all these questions because it will help me in choosing the best computer for myself.

Thank you.

If I choose to use Parallel Desktop or Boot Camp with Mac computer, i think there will be no sofwares problem isn't it? So far, is there any sofware malfunction problems when Windows' sofware installed into Windows in Mac(using Parallel or Boot Camp)? Any comment or opinion?

Answer 1

Hi,

Get a Mac. For example, the vast majority of professionals in the field of Biomedical Visualization use Macs. Google the name "Scott Barrows", for example. Macs are the best in science, Google Macs and science, you'll see all kinds of examples.

Macs can run Microsoft Office, and many other office suites, that's hardly an issue. There is a whole world of Unix and medcal software out there that does not run on Windows, I don't see why a good med student would use Windows, and so leave so much of the good software off limits to them. But if you get a Mac, you'll be able to run Windows (and Linux, if you wish), and I am not aware of any issues running Windows on a Mac (beyond the usual Windows issues, which you'll have on any Windows PC).

Answer 2

You want Microsoft Windows, hands down. If you use a Mac you won't be able to find the medical software you need so you'll be forced to sell the Mac and buy a PC anyways. Why deal with the extra hassle?

1. Yes, but they don't affect the general population as no one uses Mac (except elementary school kids and people that buy their computers based on appearance and not performance. They are insignificant.)

2. Windows hands down. Nothing runs on the Mac and if it does you'll end up paying LOTS more for the same application you could get for free on a PC (Windows)

3. The Microsoft Office formats are standardized such that they can be shared amongst any type of computer. Note: Microsoft Office is made by...Microsoft. That should be a huge hint right there.

In summary, the Macintosh is not the worst computer in the world, however neither is your cell phone. Business revolves around compatibility, reliability and performance. Unless you only want to be compatible with 5% of the business world/those in professional fields, your only real choice is Microsoft Windows.

Answer 3

Get a Mac, you won't regret it.
1. No
2. OS X
3. Yes, there is a version of Microsoft Office for the Mac and you can also use either NeoOffice or OpenOffice

Plus, if you really need to, you can run Windows on it too.