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ARD
(knowledge is power) Thu 05-Apr-12 10:57:03

Calling maths and engineering geeks: Apple or Windows?

[link to this post]

I want to finance a laptop for a teenager who�s taking maths and further maths A-level three years early. She hopes to study either pure maths or maths with engineering at university. She has the use of the family PC and web access but has nothing of her own despite studying ICT at school. Which would be more appropriate both for educational purposes and the obvious fun this teen gets from �playing� with maths online? An Apple laptop or a Windows OS model?

Thanks in advance

Edited by ARD (Thu 05-Apr-12 10:57:35)

yarwell
(sensei) Thu 05-Apr-12 11:21:47

Re: Calling maths and engineering geeks: Apple or Windows?

[re: ARD] [link to this post]

there's a much bigger software ecosystem for Windows. Specialist stuff for maths or engineering is usually windows based.

Mac stuff tends to be creative / arty.

So Windows, but you can run that on a Mac too. A lot cheaper to buy a windows laptop than Apple hardware though.

Phil

MaxDSL - goes as fast as it can and doesn't read the line checker first.

MaxDSL diagnostics

micksharpe
(eat-sleep-adslguide) Thu 05-Apr-12 12:05:23

Re: Calling maths and engineering geeks: Apple or Windows?

[re: ARD] [link to this post]

There's no real advantage to using a Mac and educational software is more likely to run on Windows. If you are feeling generous, get her a high-end Windows lappy with plenty of memory and a copy of Mathematica Student Edition.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
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camieabz
(sensei) Thu 05-Apr-12 12:09:55

Re: Calling maths and engineering geeks: Apple or Windows?

[re: ARD] [link to this post]

A couple of points.

With which platform does she have experience? There might be a learning curve if choosing the less familiar.

Also, consider a tablet, if it would be more appropriate or helpful. Easier to carry around and hide.

~~~~~~~~~~

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ARD
(knowledge is power) Thu 05-Apr-12 12:21:41

Re: Calling maths and engineering geeks: Apple or Windows?

[re: camieabz] [link to this post]

Home: Windows PC
School: Windows PC and Apple

greenglide
(member) Thu 05-Apr-12 12:23:40

Re: Calling maths and engineering geeks: Apple or Windows?

[re: ARD] [link to this post]

And Microsoft software from www.software4students.co.uk has always been a good buy but the most amazing deals have just been ended by MicroSoft. They say they are working on a replacement deal.

My daughter's copy of Office 2010 Professional cost £40.00 (and my copy was £9 through my employer's site licence deal!!! This is available to most large companies who have a site licence).

Still advertising Office 2007 Professional for £69.95 though.

Ex <n>ildram , been to SKY MAX - 15,225 Download

Now with BE Unlimited - 21,000 Download 1,200 Upload! Never happier!

micksharpe
(eat-sleep-adslguide) Thu 05-Apr-12 12:24:15

Re: Calling maths and engineering geeks: Apple or Windows?

[re: ARD] [link to this post]

Windows or Apple? Why not ask her? If you surprise her, she may not get what she wants or needs.

ARD
(knowledge is power) Thu 05-Apr-12 12:24:17

Re: Calling maths and engineering geeks: Apple or Windows?

[re: micksharpe] [link to this post]

Thanks! I want her to have her pick of lappies but I�m eyeing up a Toshiba Satellite Z830-10U Ultrabook (6 Gigs RAM) for myself and wonder whether that would be appropriate. Portability is an issue.

EDIT: Ah I don't think it has an optical drive...forget it!

Edited by ARD (Thu 05-Apr-12 12:44:58)

ARD
(knowledge is power) Thu 05-Apr-12 12:29:20

Re: Calling maths and engineering geeks: Apple or Windows?

[re: micksharpe] [link to this post]

The laptop will not be a surprise. I'm not qualified to judge what wouklld be the best option- hence my asking for a bit of advice here. She'll get her pick but I have to know it's appropriate for what is most important regarding maths studies/maths based games.

deleted
(deleted) Thu 05-Apr-12 12:46:11

Re: Calling maths and engineering geeks: Apple or Windows?

[re: ARD] [link to this post]

In reply to a post by ARD:
The laptop will not be a surprise. I'm not qualified to judge what wouklld be the best option- hence my asking for a bit of advice here. She'll get her pick but I have to know it's appropriate for what is most important regarding maths studies/maths based games.

I'm not going to advice you, frankly because I'm not that qualified, what I will do is congratulate you and especially you daughter for such a keen interest in maths, which so many kids today shy away from.
So well done to your daughter!

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