So Zack is entering Iowa State University this fall majoring in engineering/mathematics. I have reviewed the computer requirements provided by the campus but would like some feedback from parents here with relevant experience.
Iowa is recommending the latest MacBook Pro 15" for engineering students. Those weigh in at nearly $1800 when all said and done. I was thinking more along the lines of a 2-3 year old MacBook Air for $600. Smaller and lighter to carry into classrooms with a solid state drive. So what heavy weight apps do engineering students run that need so much horsepower? I could also send him with my late 2010 MBP 15" kitted with a SSD - but the form factor is probably not ideal for classroom use and the battery life is half of what it should be these days.
I am not committed to Mac - if there is a cleanly designed PC option I am all ears
I like the Surface pro with detachable keyboard but it's also a bit spendy. I'm NOT looking to spend bottom dollar on a POS laptop (and related frustration) but at the same time don't feel the need to break the bank on something beyond his needs.
Thanks!