Kenneth Saxe, MCSE, MCSA, MCPS, MCNPS, CNE
Stambaugh Ness Business Solutions
Senior Technical Consultant

I am often asked the question by parents looking for a laptop for their child, "Which is the best choice for my high school or college student, a Windows or Mac laptop?"

Admittedly, after 26 years in the technology field, I am a fan of Windows. Nevertheless I still keep up with the Macintosh news, reviews and announcements for our podcasts.

Here's the bottom line. In my opinion Windows PCs do best in most office environments. Windows also has the larger market share than Macintosh. Most people are already familiar with Windows. So finding family or friends for assistance or local professionals with Windows expertise is usually very easy and straightforward.

In contrast, Macintosh dominates in more creative professions like graphic design, advertising, and film production.

Most people and schools have a preference ...  so try to determine your student or their school's preference before you buy. Most students I know will have an itemized shopping list in hand when Mom and Dad are buying.

Windows PCs

With the endless manufacturers and models available choosing a Windows laptop can be confusing. I have had great success with Dell laptops over the last nine years. Dell's Vostro laptops are especially exciting to me. Feature-packed and well-priced, it should do very well this buying season.

Dual-core processors have replaced single-core processors. I recommend Intel's Duo Core. These chips are quite fast and powerful. They will be usable for several years. I have not been overly impressed with AMD's equivalent ... so stick with genuine Intel.

Of course, you should also consider the amount of RAM. For Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, you will want no less than two gigabytes. For high-end graphics consider 4GB of RAM. Extra memory will help the computer run faster now and in the future.

You can be more flexible on hard drive size. But don't consider less than 100 gigabytes. Also buy a bigger drive if your student stores lots of music, video or photographs. The laptop should be configured with a DVD burner. This will play and record DVDs and CDs.

In most cases, a large screen isn't a necessity - and it adds to the laptop's weight. But for heavy graphics and video work, look to a 17-inch screen or adding an external flat screen back at his/her dorm room.

Macintosh Computers

Picking out a Macintosh laptop can be much easier. Your options are simpler, well, because Apple is the only manufacturer of Macintosh. Remember that Macs tend to be more expensive than similarly configured Windows machines.

Macintosh laptops include the MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. Within each family of computer there are various configurations. Important differences between the models are RAM, graphics and screen size.

Apple machines feature combo drives or SuperDrives. The combo drive burns CDs and reads DVDs. For DVD burning, opt for the SuperDrive.

Warranties

Most laptops will include at least a one-year warranty. Extended warranties are offered by manufacturers and most retailers (like Best Buy). Usually, I recommend extending the manufacturer's warranty to a 3-year, on-site warranty to cap your repair costs. Forego retailers' extended warranties.

Accessories

There are all kinds of accessories available when you purchase a laptop. One of the most important is a computer bag to tote the laptop around. This is not an area you want to try to skimp and save money. Be sure the bag is well-padded, comfortable to carry, and is large enough to carry other accessories such as an AC adapter and CDs. 

It is usually not a good idea for your student to carry their laptop in the same backpack as their books and other school items.

Conclusion

Regardless whether you choose a Windows or Macintosh laptop for your student, a computer can help with research, school reports, and presentations. If your student will be working in a traditional office environment, a Windows laptop may give them that added experience. If they will be pursuing a career in graphics design, marketing or film industry, the Macintosh may give them a hand up to succeed.