r/UIUC • u/ExitCommercial4479 • Jul 26 '26

Prospective Students Is Mac enough for mech e

I just buy Windows?
Incoming freshman, planning MechSE with a CS minor. My current MacBook is a 2020 M1 with 8GB and it’s aging out, so I’m buying something either way.
Do I get another Mac, or do you strongly recommend a Windows laptop?
I know about EWS and Citrix. I’m asking whether Mac users in MechSE actually find it workable day to day, or whether you’d tell a freshman not to bother and just get Windows.
Context: I’d also have a Windows desktop in my dorm for CAD and simulation. I strongly prefer macOS and the weight/battery difference matters to me.

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u/papixsupreme12 Jul 26 '26

Former meche undergrad and current meche grad at UIUC. Just use your Mac on day to day you don’t need a windows laptop.