Which is a better computer/operating system for college students: a Mac or a PC (Windows, specifically)?

It really is up to you and your course of studies. Remember that: Windows has more choice in programs, it's cheaper to buy a PC with Windows and it can be upgraded easily (of course, depending on the brand) Macs can be BTO (Built to order) but after that there is not expansion for upgrades (except for the Mac Pro which is the top of the line of Macs but also the most expensive ever), lots of programs available but NOT quite as many as for Windows and it's really expensive. Windows= LOTS of drivers problems and way too many crashes MAC= ROCK solid Operating System, flawless drivers support, amazing machine in look and feel and almost never crashes. As a Windows owner and a Mac owner (iMac 24"), I can tell you that I would NEVER go back to Windows, ever ! But that's just me.

It's going to be based on personal preference, but I'd go with Windows-based PC.

Go with Dustin's suggestions. he gave quite a few good reasons. Right now Apple's share of the computer market is growing. Last year over 50% of the laptops sold to college students were MacBooks. You can spend you time doing school work or checking daily for viruses. There are no released MacOs X viruses. Look at the security section here in Yahoo. 2,000 questions a day about "How do I get a virus off my Windows computer for free"?

MACs are good for audio-visual applications, Windows XP would be good for other courses of study. MAC users tend to be pretty loyal, they would say that the MAC is good for any course of study. Either OS would do, really it is preference. get your hands on a MAC and try it out and see if it fits. If you are going to schoot for IT, however, do the right thing and run some stripe of Linux. That will be an interesting adventure in comparative OS and you can get a job as a Linux admin on a network somewhere and drive the nicest car in the parking lot. XP is generally thought to be a more reliable and less-resource intensive OS than Vista. some people just flat out do not like Vista. Personally, i am looking forward to Windows 7.

Hi, It depends on what you are going to school for. Visual Arts, Graphical Arts, Music, and CAD I would recommend a MAC. All else PC (Specifically Windows XP), it has so many applications out that supports XP. Not to mention Open Source stuff such as Open Office runs great on a PC and it is free. If you are in the Information Technology hands down PC as a large portion of Enterprises have PC's. Randy

If you get a mac, then you could run boot camp with XP, and you would get the best of both worlds

College students that have rich parents footing the bill, almost always choose Mac, after all they come in such pretty designer colors. Norrmal people use PC and laugh all the way to the bank with the savings!

It's not personal preference. I use a Mac at home and Windows at work. Everything I do it Windows takes more steps than on my Macs. Many things on the Mac happen automatically while the same things require input by the user. In short, if you want a computer that will work for you, get a Mac. If you want to work for your computer, get a PC.

Windows XP or Vista is DEFINATLY the right operating system for a college student. Why? -Most college professors and computer networks use a form of Windows. -With Macs, a study has shown approximatly 40% of the money you pay is for the looks of the computer. -Macs are rediculous to set up with a college network and internet connection... let alone type reports and print them on college network printers... its hell!