I'm going to be a business major in college next year and I'm in the market for a new laptop. Any recommendations for which computer works best for this major? I'll be doing a mix of spreadsheet work, presentations, and accounting, if that helps in answering.
Opting for a laptop that can smoothly handle a variety of tasks is essential for a business major. Since you'll be managing spreadsheets, presentations, and potentially some accounting software, you should consider balance between performance, durability, and portability.
A popular option among business students is the Microsoft Surface Pro series. The current model, the Surface Pro 7, is lightweight and portable, and it handles tasks like spreadsheets and presentations with ease. Its touchscreen and optional stylus are also very helpful for note-taking.
The Apple MacBook Pro is another often recommended laptop. It's known for its robust performance, retina display that's easy on the eyes, and excellent build quality. Be aware though, some Windows-based accounting software may not run natively on macOS. Boot Camp or a virtual machine software like Parallels can be used in such scenarios, so it's not a major issue unless you dislike the extra step.
For Windows users seeking a high-performance device, Dell XPS 13 or HP Spectre x360 could be the right fit. Both laptops offer powerful processing capabilities, sufficient storage, and touchscreen. These laptops can also comfortably run any Windows-based accounting software.
While a good amount of RAM (16 GB ideally) and a large storage capacity (256 GB or more) are going to be beneficial, remember that things like a comfortable keyboard and a high quality display are equally important, given the amount of typing and screen time involved in your studies.
Just remember, these are just a general guide, your decision should ultimately be based on your personal preferences and budget. Also, be sure to check if your college has any specific requirements for your major before making a purchase.
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