This results in a much lower cost of the device as entry level laptops can be found for around $600 and more advanced devices with larger storage drives and faster processors can be found well under $1,000. Windows laptop advantagesĪ couple of the biggest advantages on the Windows side are selection and price. Windows-based laptops are available from many different well known vendors which creates more of a competitive landscape. What your student plans to study and specific software that will be required may provide you with an obvious path if that software is operating system specific.įor the most part, it’s likely that everything they’ll need to do can be on either platform, but always start by checking this variable.
Just because they used one or the other at home shouldn’t be the primary factor in the decision. QUESTION: Should I buy a Windows or Mac laptop for my child’s first year of college?ĪNSWER: It goes without saying that a computer is an essential tool for anyone going to college, but which one is best for your student will depend upon a number of variables.