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. 

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”