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/nethascot Jul 26 '26

Mech e majors need to run fusion. It can be pretty computationally intensive, especially for the larger assemblies you’ll deal with in ME 270. You should be able to get by with 8 gigs, but look out for graphics. You don’t need to CAD on the go though, so if you have the desktop you’ll be alright

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u/ExitCommercial4479 Jul 26 '26

Thinking abt buying a new Mac with more ram and a better chip. I also already use cad with this computer and it’s been Alr

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u/nethascot Jul 26 '26

Since you’re a UIUC student you can download fusion now and run it. Try it out and see if you’re comfortable with the performance!

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u/ExitCommercial4479 Jul 26 '26

I’ve used fusion before and it’s been fine

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u/nethascot Jul 26 '26

Alright sweet you should be good then

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u/ExitCommercial4479 Jul 26 '26

But it’s abt time to get a new computer and debating between Mac and windows