So I'm looking into buying my computer for next year (I'm going into Engineering). I currently am using a MacBook and would like to purchase another one to go away to school. However, I am worried about compatibility issues. I am aware of Parallels which allows you to run Windows programs alongside OSX but I don't know how user friendly is it or if it works for programs like AutoCAD which do not have a Mac version. Is there any other Engineers who have been successful with Parallels or similar software? Or would buying a PC be a safer option?

How old is your Macbook? Does it have bootcamp?

The new one let you run Windows Natively so it is at full speed. You don't need to use parallels and i highly suggest you dont use it for Autocad


I had to run 3 demanding programs in my program so far, Solidworks, Catia V5 and Autocad. They all ran better on my Macbook running windows then it did on some of the school computers sadly.

As long as you have bootcamp and dual boot into Windows youll be fine

PC! I dont see any students in eng classes pulling out a Mac. Everyone in my program uses PC, and that is electrical and computer eng, so i think we use our computers quite a lot;P

What are your reasons for suggesting I don't use Parallels for AutoCAD? My only concern with bootcamp would the splitting of the hard drive and being unable to recover that lost storage.

Originally Posted by ncull

What are your reasons for suggesting I don't use Parallels for AutoCAD? My only concern with bootcamp would the splitting of the hard drive and being unable to recover that lost storage.

It is just less stress on your computer and a much better experience using AutoCAD.

When you use parallels your limiting the processor power and ram that AutoCAD can use. Where as if you use Bootcamp AutoCAD can run freely. You will notice the biggest difference if you do 3D modeling with solid works of Catia.

Although if you planning on getting a new mac book(i5 +6-8GB ram) then your in much MUCH better position to use parallels as compared to my C2D.

not another PC and MAC war

i would say PC, i feel it is more flexible and is a safe bet with most softwares u need for engineering

also, if ur gonna be running // (parallels) for ur programs might as well settle down for a PC so u can maximize ur resources as Crzyrio said, instead of splitting it.

Originally Posted by jon.john23

not again!!!! another PC and MAC war

It hasnt started yet, dont provoke it

Use the search function. Plenty of threads already.

Originally Posted by Crzyrio

It hasnt started yet, dont provoke it

I think i did

i changed my answer b4 i saw ur post. Sorry about that

I'm getting so bored of this stupid argument every year. In case people are still somehow unaware:

APPLE SWITCHED TO INTEL PROCESSORS 6 YEARS AGO AND THEREFORE YOU CAN RUN WINDOWS AND ALL THE OTHER PROGRAMS YOU NEED FOR ENGINEERING ON IT SINCE IT IS A GODDAMN PC.

There is no reason why an ordinary PC would somehow run engineering programs better than an Apple one. Dual booting (if you choose to not stay in Windows all the time on your mac) takes about 30 seconds - you're not important enough such that that will slow down your productivity.

Now lets celebrate by never asking this question again.

Mac's are computers designed for personal use, therefore all Macs are PCs.

I win.