If you were in my exact situation...

[THX1139]

Also THX1139 he is CS major. First year they general start into learning C++ and programing stuff in there. Quite offen the 24 hour labs do not have the stuff you need to do that. ...edit

In that case, he should buy a windows laptop. Better yet, find out what his instructors recommend before buying anything. I just finished 4 years of school doing graphic design, video and 3d animation. I didn't need a computer until I got into the advanced classes. And then it was for convenience. As for writing assignments I found it's often better to do them on campus where you don't run the risk of getting distracted.

A large campus should have access to computer labs 24/7. And if that turns out to be inconvienient, then buy a cheap dell laptop or used iBook. NOT a MacBook Pro!

 

[Timepass]

In that case, he should buy a windows laptop. Better yet, find out what his instructors recommend before buying anything. I just finished 4 years of school doing graphic design, video and 3d animation. I didn't need a computer until I got into the advanced classes. And then it was for convenience. As for writing assignments I found it's often better to do them on campus where you don't run the risk of getting distracted.

A large campus should have access to computer labs 24/7. And if that turns out to be inconvienient, then buy a cheap dell laptop or used iBook. NOT a MacBook Pro!

hate to tell you this but your major you can get away with what you stated for advice.
For his major he needs a computer of some type. Laptop I recomend a buget of around 2grand. Desktop 1.5k.

As for computer a mac can work but issues tend to come up at time. Some times things will compile on a mac but they will not work on a windows PC it sometimes just some little thing that the mac will miss due to it not complile it natively. (and it was doing it on PPC) rare at times and figuring out what caused it was just not there. Just requires checking it on a PC after he is done.

 

[Keebler]

follow what thx1139 says

Wait until you see what you need, then buy it. there should be plenty of computers at school to use. I would personally do that. as thx mentioned, faster, better laptops will (probably) be out and maybe even the software.

plus, if you're working now, then take extra shifts to get you that extra cash to get exactly what you want.

in all, if i were to become as student again, I would get a laptop over a desktop anyday for the portability.

 

[Timepass]

Wait until you see what you need, then buy it. there should be plenty of computers at school to use. I would personally do that. as thx mentioned, faster, better laptops will (probably) be out and maybe even the software.

plus, if you're working now, then take extra shifts to get you that extra cash to get exactly what you want.

in all, if i were to become as student again, I would get a laptop over a desktop anyday for the portability.

yeah like he said. Wait on buying a computer if possible until much closer to you going to college. That way you can get some of the newer updates. Also you need to check with the college at the univerisity that you are planning to go to (normally CS is going to be with under the college of engineering) and the CS deparment. Here at Tech some of the deparment in the college of engineering have been thinking about making a requirment for all incoming freshmen to own a computer than meets certian requirements. Right now they are thinking about it but they strongly recomend owning a computer with certain specs and the Univeristy itself does the same in that area. Heck the college of archtechure here already has set those requirements.

But do wait until closer to starting at school to buy a laptop.

 

[SC68Cal]

I think a follow up question is, are you purchasing a mac, because you want to switch to the mac operating system, or do you need more power?

I had the same dillemma before I fixed up this powermac. I desperately wanted to use OS X after experiencing the Powermac G5's in my CS lab. For a while I wanted to get a mac mini because it was the cheapest system out there and I didn't need a lot of power for what I intended to do with it. I basically wanted the operating system, and didn't care too much about the hardware.

After fixing up the Powermac G4, it's perfect for my needs for the time being, and if I ever need more power I can purchase a processor upgrade, if not an entire new machine.

If you feel the same way, find the cheapest mac you can get your hands on.