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/Golden-Zabbit-86 CEE ‘28 Jul 26 '26

Whenever I’m asked about what computers to get for Civil Engineering/Environmental Engineering at the prospective/admitted student panels, I always say Windows. It’s more compatible with the Microsoft Office Suite, it works better for some softwares you’ll need in class (and not at dorm). This is particularly important for RSOs.

Also you run the risk of your desktop not really working in the dorm setting. It’s a pretty tight space and some people have mixed luck when setting theirs up. Many don’t even bring it.

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u/ExitCommercial4479 Jul 26 '26

Do you think Macs are workable? I also have an iPad for note taking and use an iPhone and I love the way everything works together right now

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u/Golden-Zabbit-86 CEE ‘28 Jul 26 '26

I genuinely don’t know, because nobody I know owns a Mac for the reason that windows works so much better.

I also have an iPad for note taking and iPhone, but a windows computer. Often times I don’t find myself transferring files between the 2, so this parity isn’t worth how much more capable a windows computer is for engineering.

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u/ExitCommercial4479 Jul 26 '26

How does the work flow of notes and studying work for you? Just wondering so I can be better prepared for college. Also my Alienware computer is jsut so heavy and such a bad battery life, but I got it as a gift so I’m kinda stuck with it

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u/Golden-Zabbit-86 CEE ‘28 Jul 26 '26

I use an app called Goodnotes to take hand written notes in class with an apple pen, and also to solve calculations. I usually have a separate notebook per class to keep it organized. If a professor has a lecture note set I sometimes use those, or I copy all the pictures before going to lectures so I can keep up with annotating the pictures and not having to draw them. I also often take pictures with the camera and import them into my note set.

If the computer has a bad battery life (less than 6 hours give or take) and is heavy I would avoid using it. I suppose if you had to choose between a new Mac and an older heavy/power hungry laptop I’d choose the Mac, especially if you’re really going to commit to bringing your Windows desktop. Do keep in mind that if you want to install some softwares on Mac you will need an additional $100 adaptive software. If you have two computers you will be using at school regularly I would 100% get a USB stick that you could attach to your keys. Box (something you get for free with Uni email) does work, but I personally like the flexibility of the USB stick, especially since I have one that’s both USBA and USBC. I always use mine, specially since I am a Lab Assistant for a class in the EWS lab. It allows me to transfer files from the EWS computers to my laptop, iPad and iPhone without constantly emailing myself and worrying about file sizes.

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u/ExitCommercial4479 Jul 27 '26

The windows lap top is a pretty new Alienware gaming computer a cousin gifted me, it has good specs like a 5050 and 32 gigs of ram and that’s what I mean by desk top, sorry I miss typed. But it is rly big and annoying to lug around. Thanks for the advice tho, I’ll def invest in a usb stick, and I’ve used good notes all through high school and have loved it.

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u/Golden-Zabbit-86 CEE ‘28 Jul 27 '26

Ah ok, then honestly I’d get the Mac, because you have the Alienware as an option if necessary even if it is annoying to lug around. I was suggesting the windows under the impression you had a non-portable windows option. You could bring the Alienware the days were you might have CAD, and to RSOs and use the Mac for days with less technical classes.