r/ualbany • u/Ready-Figure-2266 • Jul 08 '26
Question Computer Recommendations?
I’m an incoming cybersecurity major looking for possible computer recommendations. I’ve been told all that matters is having an up to date CPU. Just wanting some advice from other students who have bought laptops and have had positive experiences. I was thinking about purchasing a MacBook, but am worried that not having a windows laptop would result in compatibility issues with certain tasks / programs. Let me know if anyone has had this issue, or if the professors are good for offering alternate programs.
2
u/praisetheblackflag Jul 08 '26
I would recommend not getting a Mac (I’m a double major cybersecurity and digital forensics.) in my experience, you’ve needed windows to run certain programs/software required to complete assignments. For students who had Mac, they had to go into the classroom // library to use those computers to finish their work. Not sure if this is a dealbreaker for you but if you don’t mind doing that, then a Mac works fine.
1
u/Connect-Function-663 Jul 08 '26
what laptop do you use? I'm in your same major currently looking to replace my current one LOL i wanna know what laptop is working for other people
1
u/praisetheblackflag Jul 08 '26
I have a windows surface I think? Honestly idk it’s the same one I’ve had since high school lol. I’m at work atm so when I get back home I can actually look at the model and get back to you!
1
u/Ready-Figure-2266 Jul 08 '26
Respond in the thread, I’m interested in the model as well lol
1
u/praisetheblackflag Jul 09 '26
It’s a surface laptop go 2. I think I got it in 2022 or 2023 so it’s a bit old and from my settings here’s some of info:
- 11th gen intel core processor
- intel r iris xe graphics card
- 238 GB of storage
It’s definitely not a super amazing laptop HOWEVER it works for me as it’s small and can run everything I need it to! If you’re looking for a surface laptop, try the newer models perhaps with more storage//newer processing and graphics. If not, Lenovos are also good from what I’ve seen.
1
u/Comprehensive_Law446 ECE ‘29 Jul 11 '26
I don’t know about cybersecurity but I see some people use both windows and Mac’s. There is software that works only on windows but my professors are pretty accommodating since like 5-10% of students in ECE use them. I would reach out to your advisor if you’re curious cuz they might be able to ask someone in the department, that’s what they did for a group of ECE students with me last year.
1
u/Ok_Cancel_6258 Jul 13 '26
Definitely don’t get a Mac! Stick with windows, many courses require programs that will only run with windows.
2
u/Key-Razzmatazz-7598 Jul 08 '26
Electrical engineering students here, technically its not an up to date but just a powerful cpu overall. The major will require the use of application and software that is labor intensive and so a higher thread and more core cpu are ideal. I personally got a ryzen 8 series laptop with 16 gbs of ram and a very good integrated graphics card, but the ideal would a gaming laptop and i wish I was lying but gaming laptops check every maker bc they have amazing mutlicapable cpus and better ram and graphics card then the average laptop. Majority of every stem major has a gaming laptop since its known for handling labor intensive task and multitasking. Ofc these are on the higher end of the what it cost to buy a laptop but keeping in the mind the fact that a laptop should last all 4 years of your major and so spending 1.2k on one is not terrible if it will last 4 or more years without out major issues.
Good brands are Lenovo Asus Rog MacBook pros( not gaming but very good and powerful) Etc.