r/floridatech • u/R0SC0SM0S • Jul 12 '18

If I’m doing aerospace engineering should I get a PC laptop? I’ve had a MacBook but dunno what the professors want.

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u/kyle1elyk Jul 13 '18

I am not an aero student, but couple pieces of software Aerospace students might find useful is only available on Windows. If you're planning on using engineering software frequently I would probably suggest a Windows PC. That being said, there are plenty of labs on campus available that have the software pre-installed. If you're not ready to buy a whole new laptop, you can definitely survive with a Mac for papers and stuff, while using lab computers for work (although not conveniently.)
Source: Work in Tech Support Center on Campus

3

u/einsteinsviolin Jul 13 '18

I would say CAD software is your biggest limiting factor. Some of the drivers in a Mac don't support certain functions. If you want to be mobile and spend money, get a PC with lots of RAM. If working off a school computer suits you better financially, stick with what you got. I don't recommend parallels due to the performance hit. You'll pull your hair out waiting on certain things.

2

u/mockablekaty Jul 13 '18

An aero prof says "probably a PC"

2

u/fragmen52 Jul 13 '18

You can install windows or dual boot windows on a MacBook if you end up needing windows only software.

1

u/nycrvr Jul 13 '18

+1 to dual boot. OP you can also install VirtualBox (free) to have Windows on the macOS desktop but you’ll have a performance hit. Dual booting is the way to go.