The Zenbook UX31A has a better, brighter Full HD screen (1920 x 1080 pixels versus 1440 x 900 on the MacBook Air), and it's a touchscreen, which you can't get on a Mac. I think the MacBook Air has a slightly better keyboard, a much better trackpad, and better battery life. When it comes to the hardware, Asus has improved the Zenbook range since it first appeared, so now there's not much to choose. It's not hard, but there is a time penalty for switching systems.
MAC OR WINDOWS LAPTOP FOR COLLEGE MAC OS
This supports both PCs and Macs – so you won't need to buy Office twice – and provides all seven major Office programs for four years for £59.99.īear in mind that you will also have to learn to use Mac OS X, so I'd try to get some hands-on experience before buying a Mac. You may need to translate them from workbooks etc using this very wonderful ExcelJet chart: Excel PC and Mac keyboard shortcuts side-by-side.Īs mentioned here previously, the best deal is Office 365 for University. This works, though the Mac keyboard is far from ideal for using the Windows version of Excel, and most of the keyboard shortcuts are different. PC: What's the Difference? at the Parallels blog. However, you may need to add a copy of Parallels software, a copy of Microsoft Windows 7, and a PC version of Office. This doesn't mean you can't buy a MacBook Air if you want one.
MAC OR WINDOWS LAPTOP FOR COLLEGE FOR MAC
The huge gap has closed dramatically with Excel for Mac 2011, but it doesn't have exactly the same functionality, plug-ins may not work, and you'll find it harder to get help. Although Microsoft Office is available for both Windows and Mac OS X, I would recommend against choosing the Mac version. While I have no idea which programs might be needed, it's a good bet that your course will include Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, including programs written for Excel. You may need to run specific business software for some parts of your course, and if your laptop can't run it, then you will probably need to run it in the university's computer labs.
In this case, the best source of advice would be economics department staff at the university you're going to attend.
If you are buying a laptop for a specific purpose, then you need to make sure that it does the job. However, the MacBook Air seems to be a better contender. I have recently come to like very much the Asus Zenbook Touch UX31A.
I would like a decent, light, fast and portable laptop. I'm off to university – my first year for a BSc in Economics – and I need advice on which laptop to get.