Like every year, I don't know where the summer went but here we are again getting ready for the new school year.  As far as computers go, that might involve a decision about which laptop to purchase for your first year of college, or for your child's first year of highschool.  There seems to be  a trend especially among younger folks, to look towards the Apple Mac family of computers to fill this need.  While there is no question that the Macs are fine computers and will do everything you need them to do.  In my humble opinion, I feel that the Microsoft Windows based laptops are at a point now to make them a better choice.

First off, it has always been the Apple's claim to fame that they are not vulnerable to malware and viruses.  While this is historically true, a Windows 7 based laptop with a decent antivirus package is pretty darned secure against malware as well.  As a matter of fact, the Windows 7 operating system is actually more "hardened" against attack than the Mac OS.  Despite Windows reputation for getting viruses, the truth is that Microsoft has actually put much more effort into making their code secure than Apple.  In my opinion, it's just a matter of time before Mac viruses start to surface.

Then theres price.  The 15" Macbook Pro starts at $1,800.  You can get a very nice Windows 7 laptop with a 17" screen for $1,000.  I feel that the extra $800 you need to pay to get this Mac is money that would be better spent elsewhere.  If you are a college student you have no shortage of expenses to apply  this to. 

Lets talk reliability.  The Apple hardware is very well made and had a good reliability track record.  Of course, you don't have a choice if you want to go with the Mac OS, Apple is the only manufacturer.  In the Windows world however, the choices seem endless and making a decision can seem like a complicated process.  Laptop preferences among Windows users is not unlike Automobile favorites here in Detroit.  In my opinion, the offerings from the major manufactures are similar in quality at a given price point.  It is more important to prioritize the features of the laptop (i.e. weight, screen size, processing power, battery life etc.) and then "test drive" the ones on the short list to make sure you like how the keyboard feels, how you like the built in pointer etc.  In any case all laptops are computers and they require that updates be applied to maintain reliability. 

Finally then there is software compatibility.  Like it or not, most of the world is still using Microsoft Office for word processing and spreadsheets.  Yes, these suites are availble on the Mac, but they can be had for less money when bundled with a Windows laptop.  Windows is also a better gaming platform.  Yes, I know that students should be focusing on their schoolwork.  But games can be a great destressor occasionally as long as they only played for an hour here and there.

 In summary, if you really want a Mac, and money is no object, go ahead and get it.  I don't think you will be dissapointed.  For my money however, A Windows 7 platform is the wiser choice.