Are Macs the best choice for Finance majors?

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Level 1

8 points

Are Macs the best choice for Finance majors?

I have the opportunity to purchase a top of the line 2 month old Macbook Pro from my sister for my son in college next year, at a considerable discount. (It is in perfect condition.) He will be majoring in Finance and the colleges all recommend or require use of a PC, not a Mac, due to the software they use in class, mainly, but not only, Excel. My son really wants a Mac but I need to be able to know it will be a good choice for him and his major to justify the expense.

Would boot camp enable my son to run the Windows version of Microsoft Office or will he still be using the Mac version of Office? Does anyone have any input or experience with this that could offer guidance?

Thank you in advance.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 9.2

Posted on Dec 18, 2015 6:30 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

heather92672 Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 18, 2015 7:31 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

That was my big concern. I wouldn't want him slowly group projects down by not having the same capabilities as the others if he used the Mac version of Excel. Or taking a lot longer on homework because he has the Mac. Some schools say they also will have other software he will need to run and they might not be Mac compatible. He would have to use the computer lab. I don't want him to have to do that.

Unfortunately, since he does not know which university he will be attending quite yet, I feel like I am flying blind. TCU, for example, mandates that the business students use PCs only. Other campuses recommend, but don't require. I just want him to be able to do everything exactly like the professors want, without having to deal with work-arounds. If I knew Macs could do that, I would get the MBP in a heartbeat. Because I am a PC-girl myself, I am starting from ground-zero with my knowledge base.

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Answer 2

Loner T

Level 9

59,513 points

Dec 18, 2015 7:24 PM in response to heather92672

If Microsoft Excel is the primary tool, you can run it on either OS X or Windows. The Windows version has some features that the 2011 Office for Mac does not. Newer versions achieve parity and are much closer.

I use both Windows and OS X and Excel (and Office) on both sides. The OS X side is also a Unix machine under the covers.

A 15-in Mac is heavier than 13-in MBP or a MB Air which may also be a consideration.

Windows on the 2015 Macs using Bootcamp is very close to Windows on a PC, so it is a good choice, and best of both worlds.

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Answer 3

Dec 18, 2015 7:24 PM in response to heather92672

He will have to install Windows in order to run PC-only applications. Windows on a MacBook Pro runs as well as Windows on a PC, if Boot Camp is configured correctly. He could also install Windows using a virtual machine.

I do not recommend he install Office for Mac if his class mates and profs are using Wiindows version of Office. There may be some incompatibilities if he is working on a group project or in the assignments he is submitting.

If he is working with large spreadsheets a larger screen would be very beneficial.

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Answer 4

Loner T

Level 9

59,513 points

Dec 18, 2015 7:39 PM in response to heather92672

Get a Mac, if you are getting a discounted price on the 2-month old Mac. If you take good care of the Mac, cosmetically and mechanically, it can last quite a while (10+ years - I still use a 2008 original MBA).

College life is hectic and rough and tumble and does require good care of any device you purchase, PC or Mac. My college-going sons use 2012 models encased in durable soft-touch cases.

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Answer 5

heather92672 Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 18, 2015 9:18 PM in response to Loner T

Thanks for the input. My son is pretty responsible so I am anticipating this computer lasting him through graduation. And since it has a 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM, it should be future-proof for a while even after graduation, I am hoping. I am amazed you are still using your computer for so long. My PCs have never had that shelf life, so to speak.

Reliability is one big reason I was trying to justify to myself getting him a Mac like he wants and the Mac price is too good to pass up.

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Answer 6

Loner T

Level 9

59,513 points

Dec 18, 2015 9:30 PM in response to heather92672

One other suggestion would be to inculcate good habits of backup and perhaps an offsite (at home) backup when coming home to the fold after each semester.

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