Laptop For College
I know this has been echoed on finance forums and some guy is probably ready to ctrl C & V some lame joke about macbooks and finance.
I'm going into freshman undergrad and want the best computer option between the macbook pro/air and thinkpad---perhaps there are other options given as recommendations too?
As for macbook: I already have the ecosystem (phone, airpods, headphones, ipad) and I heard it is better overall for general college experience and free time stuff.
Thinkpad/windows: obviously much better for office activities (excel, ppt, power query, other windows preferenced stuff).
Macbook [pro/air] obviously has its advantages but the thinkpad is just the hardo go to for business. What do you think for best overall college experience?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown to help you decide:
MacBook Pro/Air:
ThinkPad (Windows):
Other Recommendations:
Verdict:
If you're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize a balanced college experience, a MacBook Pro/Air could be a great choice. However, if you're serious about finance and want to master Excel and other business tools, a ThinkPad or Dell XPS 13 would be more practical. Some students even use a MacBook for general use and a budget Windows laptop for finance-specific tasks.
Sources: Best Personal Labtop for Banking, Best laptops for an MBA program, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/new-laptop-recommendations?customgpt=1, Best Laptop for Undergraduate Finance Major, Random Thought/Tip for College Students
Obviously MacBook. I’m sure ur college has desktop computers in the library as well which will be better for using excel or ppt if you need to/want to practice
agreed even though I am a thinkpad user myself. Macbooks are great for the general college experience and if you really want to practice modelling buy an external keyboard that has the windows layout. will cost you max $100 for a decent one
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is pretty nice.
Depending on your budget I’d recommend Dell XPS 13 or 15, or Lenovo thinkpad. Windows is used in most professional settings and getting accustomed to its interface is critical. Shortcuts (alt+tab, ctrl+tab, etc) for navigation across different applications/browsers is a great skill imo. With some time you should be able to use an internet browser, outlook, word, PPT, file explorer, and excel (obviously) without ever touching your mouse. Ask ChatGPT the shortcuts for everything. Trust me, it’s a bit of a learning curve but it‘s far more efficient once you get the hang of it, and it will be invaluable in the workplace especially finance
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