Are there computer requirements?

[kaihoahoa]

I got a positive response from one school so far which has started me wondering what kind of computer I'll need for an M.Arch program. I'm desperate to switch to Mac (my husband has one and it's flipping sweet) but I wonder whether schools require students to use programs only available for PC. I could potentially use Parallels to run Windows programs but maybe that's too cumbersome.

Can anyone tell me whether I should go MacBook Pro or not?

Has anyone used a Mac as an architecture student and had problems because of it?

I know that AutoCAD now has a Mac version. Would I have to purchase a student version? How does that work?

Edited March 13, 2011 by kaihoahoa

[michpc]

I think your best bet is to contact departments directly and ask whether or not they require a specific OS and/or other specs before you take the plunge. I love my MBP and would wholly recommend it, but you should really find out what you'll need for sure before making that kind of investment.

[kaihoahoa]

Can anyone say from their own experience whether using a Mac went smoothly or was a headache?

[sheds+levees]

I've been using my iMac for the past three years in a MArch program, and it's worked well. I use bootcamp so I can use AutoCAD, Rhino and 3dMax on the windows side, and use the Mac side for all of the Adobe programs. It can be a bit of a pain in the butt to have to switch, but I am a die-hard Mac user and it never became that much of a problem for me. The key was the huge screen. If you get a laptop, it's worth it because you can go home and work, but you're going to be spending a lot of time staring at that screen, so get a nice big one.

Can anyone say from their own experience whether using a Mac went smoothly or was a headache?