What laptop do you recommend for 25B personal use?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 13:44:05 -0400

As some know im reclassing this month but I have a macbook pro and we all know its not compatible with allot of the programs we use. I know I can use boot camp and all that. Any recommendations for new windows based laptops to study for certs and use IT programs that will help me become more effective as a 25B

Response by COL Randall C. made Aug 1 at 2014 6:37 PM

COL Randall C. — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 18:37:56 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, personally, I'm not the biggest fan of Macs and the OS (PLEASE don't turn this discussion into a PC vs Mac debate anyone), but you really don't need a PC unless you plan on installing the AGM in your spare time (and, even then, as you mentioned, you can use bootcamp for that).

The type of training and such that will be of most use to you will be platform independent. The training available through Skillport, FedVTE, etc. are all web-based - that's where the most relevant information outside your coursework is going to be.

If what you are asking for is "what is more of use when I'm at the schoolhouse", I can hook you up offboard with the one of CCoE instructors that you can bounce questions off of.

If you want to know what is of more use at the follow-on assignment? I'd wait. There are so many different positions available for 25Bs that it would be a dice roll to guess (plus there are many 25Bs that have tried to convert me over to Macs, so I would guess they would be using them....)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 10:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 22:05:14 -0400

Honestly, I'm a FA53 and use a MacBook Retina. I use a Boot Camp Partition with Windows 8.1 and I use Parallels. Parallels lets me emulate the boot camp partition. Basically, I can run Win 8.1 directly (as in booting directly to it without emulation) or emulate... but if emulate windows... its runs the exact same partition (important because I am running the same windows copy, not two separate versions).

I just like macs because of the stability (and I was a former hardcore windows fan). Basically, u have 14 days to return laptops back to best buy or the PX. I attached a pic to show the Windows running in the background on top of the MAC OS. Simple things... like if mac os corrupts, it redownloads itself from the internet (no disk, no serial numbers, and etc required) and just works. Things like that is what has me hooked. Running Mac OS 10.10 beta.

A neat thing is with IOS 8 beta and Mac 10.10 beta, they work together. I can make iPhone calls on my mac... not FaceTime, but actual calls. Tons of other great things, but it really comes down to what you wanna do.

Two things I have learned. People who can't use PC's use MACs (beginners) and people who outgrow Windows go to MAC. Basically, you get tired of Windows pricing upgrades, corruptions, malware, poor app store, metro interface.. and on and on. Even Windows Phone is losing out. Microsoft is just becoming bloated. I love the company, but has to turn around (and hope it does... competition is a good thing)

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 2:27 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 02:27:46 -0400

First off thanks for all the feed back from everyone. Now I have decided to keep my mac and add parallels and windows. BUT HERES A NEW QUESTION LOL. Do I go with windows 7 or windows 8.1 pro. @CPT Dunn sir, you really got me leaning towards the windows 8.1 but @LTC(P) Cudworth got me scarred to miss with windows 8.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 11:47 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 11:47:41 -0400

There are so many great options without sparking a Windows vs MAC debate/discussion, but if that 25B intends to learn or wants to write code for iOS he/she will only be able to do so with Xcode, which leaves only the MAC as an option. Only buy one from AAFES or whatever the other services call it the discount is great and there is no tax, also advise buying the apple care and a good case they do not drop well.

But if you want something with more power, there are always custom gaming rigs (bit overkill like Sager)

My PC is an HP zBook15 has 3 SSD 1TB drives with RAID. 32GB of PC3L ram. I can run about 8 intensive VM's so far without it choking. I also have four HD 24 inch monitors set up on it gives me 5 screens total.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2014 1:44 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 01:44:00 -0400

I am a Mac guy and was disappointed that nothing Army-related worked on my personal mac. I was issued a Mac Pro with both windows and mac software installed, and it still seemed to lag and have problems on both sides. My solution: I purchased a program called PKard made by Thursby Software. It was $30, but it was well worth it. I now use my personal mac with ease on AKO and every military website that I have visited so far. I have had zero problems using my CAC card on Safari and it has been great. I highly recommend it.

Response by SSG Billyray Musselman made Sep 3 at 2016 1:41 AM

SSG Billyray Musselman — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 01:41:21 -0400

avoid HP

Response by SSG Billyray Musselman made Sep 11 at 2016 1:16 PM

SSG Billyray Musselman — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 13:16:06 -0400

Don't get an HP.