MacBook or Windows Laptop for Undergrad?

For context: I am going to Berkeley Haas for Undergrad next year and need a laptop in the $1000-1500 range. For now I plan on aiming for MBB consulting and not IB but that is subject to change. 

To my understanding the main drawback of a Mac is excel shortcuts being different and some (I don't know which ones) functions are only in the Windows Excel. How much of a hindrance is a Macbook over a windows laptop?

I currently use a windows desktop for basically everything but a Mac just seems more convenient for daily life w/ the apple ecosystem, probably the best quality in my price range, and it is a lot stronger for video editing which I also do as a hobby.

Should I commit to a windows laptop for college in preparation for work or would I be fine with a Macbook?
 

6 Comments
 
Most Helpful

You don't need to make decisions based on what computer you will use professionally in 4 years. Whatever you buy will be old and beat to shit by then. Make a decision based on the computer you need now. 

For me at least, unless you are a gamer, a Mac is going to be better in every way for personal use. Windows 11 is abysmal. I've been using a Mac for personal use and a PC for professional use for two decades now. My personal laptop never once interfered with my professional career. 

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

mac neo + regular ipad is a great combo

i really like taking notes on my ipad as somebody who used to on computer/notebook. ipad for notes is amazing.

im not a macbook fan, but assuming u have an iphone, its nice to have the option to sync stuff, especially messages

u wont be using ur mac for anything super hectic unless u do some coding

 

Think I'll get a Macbook air but is the ipad really worth it for notes as a business major? I see them mostly for very visual/diagram heavy STEM majors but not really for business. 

 

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