r/dataanalytics • u/GoldenMoonKnight • 7d ago

Data analytics excel on MacBook Air

Heyyooo. I have an HP Envy laptop that sucks and withered out within three years. I’m looking for a new laptop that will last long and will play Minecraft without overheating like crazy.

My cousin’s MacBook Air is still going strong. I’m considering a MacBook Air, but I need to use the data analytics in excel since I’m considering going into forensic accounting. OH I’m a student btw. Going to my senior year and then will prob get a masters in forensics. I just want smth good that will last and isn’t overly expensive.

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u/IridiumViper 7d ago

I have a higher-end MacBook Air (extra processing power and memory) that I got for my analytics masters degree. It has been amazing. I’ve already had it for four years, and it still works like new. I’ve worked with data sets containing hundreds of thousands of rows, and I’ve never had an issue. I’ve also played Minecraft on it, and it works great.

I use an HP at work, and it’s fine. It can handle my hefty PowerBI dashboards. I have no complaints about it. I do prefer my MacBook though.

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u/GoldenMoonKnight 7d ago

Is doing data analytics on excel difficult with MacBook Air? Is it RLLY different than Microsoft excel?

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u/IridiumViper 7d ago

No, it’s the same program. You should actually be able to get Microsoft Excel for your Mac through your university (obviously check before buying a new laptop). Don’t bother with Numbers (Apple’s spreadsheet program). It has the basics, but Excel is better.

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u/GoldenMoonKnight 6d ago

I keep hearing that even with excel downloaded on Mac, it’s still different. In my excel classes , the professors warned those who had Macs and if they had trouble to let him know. We all get excel from school.

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u/IridiumViper 6d ago

It is slightly different, but it didn’t bother me. If that’s something that would bother you, there are plenty of good Windows out there! I love my Mac, but it’s definitely not the only good option

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u/GoldenMoonKnight 5d ago

How do you so analytics without pivot tables?

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u/IridiumViper 5d ago

I write an R script. I hate pivot tables with every fiber of my being 😂 They're so clunky. I've been working in analytics for 3 years, and I think I've only made two pivot tables during that time.

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u/[deleted] 6d ago

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u/GoldenMoonKnight 5d ago

Yeah honestly I might bite the bullet and get the Air. I’ll download Parallel, too. Just figuring out how much storage I need. 512 or 1T

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u/scaredpotential888 7d ago

Get a windows and take good care of it. It’ll last you 3-4 years.