May be worth checking with your school. See what programs you will be using(if any).
It is pretty likely that they will all run in windows, but every once in a while there is a program that wont run in MacOS(You can run windows on a mac, but it isn't a wonderful experience, my macbook air boots directly to windows every time and i pray i never have to boot back into macOS.
Example: I work in the IT department at a college. Our school provides the microsoft office suite to all students. If you install the office suite on a windows computer you will be able to use Microsoft Access. If you install on a MacOS computer, you do not get Microsoft access.


Another thing to consider, if you don't happen to be a higher level computer user who can handle learning curves, is the people you know. If you know or are around a lot of people that are highly experienced Mac users, it may be worth considering a Mac in the absence of people who are experienced windows users.
I wouldn't say that this is a great way to completely base a decision off of, but factoring in the people you can bounce questions off of is a good thing to do.


From a value standpoint, and my personal opinion on which OS is more useful/usable when specific programs are not required, I would always recommend Windows.

If your not doing stuff in art, music, video editing get a windows, if ur doing art,music, video editing get Mac.


If ur really stupid and not get some kinda of free anti virus and ur windows gets hacked/malware alot get windows. If your semi smart and get some kinda of anti virus go windows.

I saw the new thin books or w/e with ryzen and Vega looked really nice.

Fan boy spotted. Mac used to have good quality control but things changed like 3 years ago and they started to use cheaper parts to make more profit and since then their quality have been on coin flip. Also some things are really limited on mac and you are forced to install virtual box with either windows or linux on it to do certain things. Mac used to have best programs for visual work but other vendors have catched up in past years.

If you want status symbol and pay more than you should, get mac. If you want good quality for your money get professional level windows work laptop from Lenovo or Fujitsu for example.

I use a $300 laptop with linux on it for all my schoolwork; not sure why people use anything different. Running mint is significantly faster than win 10 on my laptop, and can do all the same stuff. Only way I could justify anything more is if I wanted to be able to use it for Autodesk programs.

Thanks for opinions, it does help to take a decision. One last thing that is bothering me is I heard Macs last longer. My gf has had her Mac for 5 years now and it's still up and running very well, speed is good etc. Would a microsoft last as long whilst keeping a decent speed throughout the years?

Also, if I were to choose a Microsoft, any specific model recommendations?

Thanks again!

Mac's lasting long was Mac's build prior 2015, new Mac's are different story like I said earlier. Well build windows laptops can easily last for 5 years if you are getting some better model. Model really depends on your budget and needs. If you want long lasting laptop get some Business level laptop and you are good. Lenovo and Fujitsu have been solid in my experience but there are many other manufacturers as well like Dell..

All my Macs are dinosaurs and are in amazing shape. I do not own anything up-to-date however, my CMP is by far the best PC/Mac that I own despite being 12 years old.

Mobility wise my 1st Gen Macbook pro looks mint and runs fair on Windows and OSX.

anything with good specs in ur budget
and install linux on it

poor person spotted

If you spent any time in this sub, you'd know vittu isn't poor.