As far as University goes, I'm not sure that it matters that much. I suspect that most software used there for these subjects is UNIX/Linux based rather than Windows or OS X.

It's (marginally) easier to install Linux on a PC; on the other hand, OS X being a UNIX-based OS it would be easier to port software to it. But you pay quite a premium for the Apple name.

Overall, I'd go for a Windows based PC on the assumption that if your daughter studies Maths/Engineering at that level she'll probably be geeky enough to install Linux and any software she needs. You'll get much better value for your outlay.

I'd disagree with the suggestion to get a tablet; the software just won't be there for them (and, although easier to hide, they are easier to steal). Porting software to a tablet is something of a nightmare (and requires a normal computer anyway).

Thanks for your input Uni is a few years away even if my godchild goes early. I think the consensus is to opt for a Windows laptop but it's easier said than done getting something lightweight and portable but powerful.

Thanks but she's not my daughter...except in my dreams. She's a kid to be proud of and not only for her intellect. Not much input fom her immediate family, sadly....

It might be worth her checking with students on her target courses (e.g., at interview or contact the departments) to find out what's commonly used and any special need, e.g., do they use any course materials or software that's tied to something like Windows.

If your main concern is for school use, then I guess they're dominated by Windows, and the reality is that, whatever she uses at university, she's likely to encounter Windows afterwards. However, that doesn't mean she should avoid Macs; on the contrary, given that, for the last decade they've been based on a flavour of Unix, they run an awful lot of Unix/Linux packages - commercial and open source - including many that have never been ported to Windows. This is particularly true in university science/math/eng. departments.

The notion that Macs aren't used in science/math/engineering is extremely outdated and utterly wrong; if anything, the balance has shifted the other way, from experience of counting them at conferences and meetings.

If you need an inexpensive option, go for a Windows box, but it would also be a good idea to use VirtualBox (free) or VMWare (costs) to run Linux without having to reboot.

If you want a Mac option, you can still run Windows (and Linux) under VirtualBox or VMware, for the best of all worlds.

Light weight, portable and powerful isnt hard to get but it is expensive.

My Sony Viao fits those, ultra portable (13.3 inch screen) with a Intel Sandybridge i7 processor. My daughter (at university) has a top of the range HP with an 8 core i7 with a 15 inch screen.

Bigger screen means bigger and heavier laptop but a "must" for kids to play games, watch streaming video etc.

Staff in her department (Chemistry) all have Apple laptops but only because Apple do special deals for educational users, the standard "approach and use" kit around the university (Liverpool) is mostly Dell windows kit.

My son studied Computer Science at Manchester and they insisted that everything was Linux - he had a Sony with a dual boot of Windows and Ubuntu.

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.

"Educational" maths software and games will be designed to run on bog-standard PCs, so no specific recommendations there. I would recommend a copy of Mathematica if she shows any signs of being a maths "whizz" and for this she will need hardware that will run it comfortably. I would suggest:

• A large screen (at least 16") so that apps can be run multi-windowed. The bigger, the better.
• A multi-core 64-bit processor - always useful for scientific software.
• As much memory as can be crammed into the machine (consider maximum memory, not just installed memory).
• Windows 7 Ultimate to provide maximum capabilities, especially memory addressability and being able to run 64-bit natively and 32-bit in a VM if needed (old educational software may be 16-bit).
• A rugged case that will take inevitable knocks.
• A built-in camera if she likes social networking. She will. I know, I know.
• A high-capacity hard disk is always useful although upgrades are easy to do.
• Insurance for theft if your wallet doesn't start screaming.

Do not be tempted to skimp on screen size, memory capacity or processor power.

Student Editions of Mathematica do not seem to be available for schoolkids so:

• Find out if her school has the software and a site licence that allows installation on pupils' machines Do not be put off if they pooh-pooh the idea (they will).
• Contact Wolfram Research to see if they will make an exception given the circumstances. They're very friendly and helpful and will advise you on minimum and recommended hardware specs. They also run free courses that your god-daughter may be able to attend. If she's not sure about Mathematica, get her on one of these courses. If they won't flog you a student licence over the phone, attend one of the courses and ask them face-to-face. They usually have a marketing wallah there.

That's all that I can think of for now.

Edited by micksharpe (Thu 05-Apr-12 14:47:19)

In reply to a post by ARD:

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.

No! No! No! For scientific computing, size trumps portability every time. Running scientific software on a 13" screen would be like Chinese torture. Please. Forget it.

Thanks for all the advice. My goddaughter has an external mentor (outside her school) via the UK Mathematical Trust. I think I�ll contact her. I�ll also contact Wolfram Research about Mathematica on which, I think, the UKMT mentor-student problems and ideas are based. I�m not sure the school would pooh-pooh the idea. They�ve been helpful within their limits. I�m going to snoop around for the best person to approach, which I might not be the head teacher or head of maths. It�s difficult not being the parent but we ought to be able to work together on this issue.

I would not skimp on processor or memory but I�d hoped to limit screen size for the sake of portability though maybe an external monitor would help here. One thing I can be certain of is the webcam. In this case, I�d say social networking is essential tool as well as much-needed fun.

Edited by ARD (Thu 05-Apr-12 15:08:33)

You're obviously 100% certain so I'll go with that advice unless an external monitor would get around the issue

An external monitor would do the business. If you go for a "portable" lappy, make sure that it has a high-res screen.