PhD Economics: Macbook Pro 13" or Windows based PC

[Hellhammer]

MOD NOTE

Let's stay on topic. The OP wasn't asking anything about Linux, so all Linux-related posts have been removed.

 

[maflynn]

Alternatively, you can install bootcamp and run Windows natively on the Mac but you lose the ability to work with OS X for fuel exchange, etc. Parallels can run it's VM from the Bootcamp partition so you can decide if you need native Windows or want interoperability with OSX. Not sure if Fusion or VB does that simply because i do not us them.

It all depends on where the OP will be spending the majority of time, if he needs to be using windows most of the time, I'd say that a windows machine would be a better use of his money. True that the MBP can run windows in a VM or natively, but he's using windows most of the time, why not get a windows machine.

 

[j1104638]

It all depends on where the OP will be spending the majority of time, if he needs to be using windows most of the time, I'd say that a windows machine would be a better use of his money. True that the MBP can run windows in a VM or natively, but he's using windows most of the time, why not get a windows machine.

Because Macbooks hardware is still the best (though the trendline is down while Windows machines trendline is up IMHO). I'd still prefer Windows on Macbook.

 

[maflynn]

Because Macbooks hardware is still the best (though the trendline is down while Windows machines trendline is up IMHO). I'd still prefer Windows on Macbook.

I disagree, in fact I think many Pc makers have already leap frogged Apple and its up to Apple now to up the ante.

To be sure the MBP is a nice machine, but Lenovo, HP, Dell and even MS with the SurfaceBook offer some really bold designs, and great performance. If the OP is looking to run windows, then that opens the door to some really great computers.

 

[j1104638]

Thanks! What you said makes sense. But another thing that worries is me is the dell's longevity. I've had dell a dell in the past that only lasted me 2-3 years. My current macbook pro has lasted me 6 years with very little maintenance needed and few problems.

Even if non-Mac fails earlier, most of the components, contrary to the Mac, are easily replaceable by common parts from the market (and this may even become an upgrade at the same time which will prolong non-Mac longevity even further*). The hardest ones would be logic board and display but I doubt there is a huge difference in their quality between Mac and non-Mac - overall design is the difference, not these specific components. IMHO.

* Remember, current Macbooks are nowhere near your old one. Most parts are soldered or glued nowadays, even batteries, and/or have proprietary connectors. Of course there are non-Macs with same problems as well.

 

[jlc1978]

It all depends on where the OP will be spending the majority of time, if he needs to be using windows most of the time, I'd say that a windows machine would be a better use of his money. True that the MBP can run windows in a VM or natively, but he's using windows most of the time, why not get a windows machine.

That really is the ultimate deciding factor, get the tool you will use most. Another factor would be how his university licenses programs since the can be the difference between free and paying a lot extra for them.

My VM is more of a safety blanket in that it allows me to "Run Windows" if I ever really need to; but beyond Hearts and the occasional checking to see if a document looks right in the Windows version of Word it's just taking up 30GB of disk space.
[doublepost=1465732509][/doublepost]One other consideration could be the availability of tech support; if there is no compelling reason to buy one over the other. Some school bookstores are Authorized Apple Service Providers which makes it easier to get service if you need it.

 

[Hellhammer]

I think the discussion is focusing too much on OS X vs Windows and neglecting two key aspects: price and performance. OP said his budget is $1500. That limits him to 13" MBP and it's very unlikely that the update is going to change the pricing that dramatically. For the same price, OP could get a 15" Dell XPS, which has a quad core CPU. When dealing with PhD-level econometrics, having as much CPU power as possible is essential because the models are going to be far more complex than the typical random walk.

 

[maflynn]

I think the discussion is focusing too much on OS X vs Windows

Correct, and my inference is that if the windows platform is something of a requirement then it makes more financial sense. Plus as you correctly pointed out, you can get more bang for your buck

 

[Queen6]

It all depends on where the OP will be spending the majority of time, if he needs to be using windows most of the time, I'd say that a windows machine would be a better use of his money. True that the MBP can run windows in a VM or natively, but he's using windows most of the time, why not get a windows machine.

This vey much sums things up, one has to consider the environment one using the computer in, and OS X has to bring something to the table or realistically it`s just an asthetic purchase. Personally for this usage I would defer to Windows, as the Mac & OS X will likely just be an added complication.

Q-6

 

[Closingracer]

OP, all the software you mentioned (as well as some other econometrics software such as gretl and OxMetrics) are compatible with OS X. However, check with your university to make sure that they have Mac licenses for all software. Sometimes licenses are not universal and universities may skip on Mac licences as universities tend to be PC-based.

Also, I would really go for a 15" model regardless of what laptop you end up buying. Having a quad core CPU will speed up modelling quite a bit, especially if you work with large data sets. Dell XPS 15 is considerably cheaper than the 15" MBP, so that might be something you want to consider.



I agree. Monday may dramatically change things, so making a decision right now is quite difficult.

The latest rumor I read was no hardware being announced Monday at all.... Probably a tack onto the iPhone launch?

 

[lowendlinux]

I have no idea whats involved for your education but people are/were starting to bring up large data sets and the like maybe you should put that money into a desktop and keep your laptop as just a portable machine.

 

[leman]

I have no idea whats involved for your education but people are/were starting to bring up large data sets and the like maybe you should put that money into a desktop and keep your laptop as just a portable machine.

Im my experience, to analyse any sufficiently complicated model and/or dataset, one needs professional infrastructure (i.e. supercomputer). For data analysis, the best setup is having a light, portable laptop where you develop prototypes, write papers, make notes, use for teaching etc., as well as having access to a scientific computing inftrascructure where you run your serious analysis. The final data mining procedure for my thesis would require 3 month to run on a big desktop. It ran in few hours on a supercomputer.