Posted on Aug 1, 2014
What laptop do you recommend for 25B personal use?
30.3K
31
32
3
3
0
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
25B: Information Technology Specialist
IT Support
IT Specialist
Computers
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
3
3
0
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.
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.
(3)
(0)
CW4 (Join to see)
Yeah I'm definitely not a fan of that banter either, but I still respect the opinions of everyone.
(2)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
Best buy normally has sales and u can Price match. So you can save more along with the tax discount. AFFES will just called them to verify
(1)
(0)
SSG(P) (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) ok sir just went to best buy and bought windows 8.1 and went to office depot and bought parrallels they both match priced amazon saved 60.00 bucks
(1)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
SSG(P) (Join to see) , good stuff! Just let me know if you run into any issues. You'll love the setup though.
(1)
(0)
SSG(P) (Join to see), 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....)
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....)
(3)
(0)
2
2
0
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)
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)
(2)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
Ok, just what I thought. I remember builder being used for business purposes. You can use it but since I have never used i, I would not recommend it. It is recommended in the use of themreselling a computer. The problem is I do not know what stipulations are attached to that. Honestly I bought mine through Microsoft. Some of the others here mentioned that there are cheaper ways to get windows. You might be better off In that route. I bought my direct with Microsoft along time ago. What I did is I receive the key in the email and then I downloaded an illegal copy of it. I Made sure that it was an OEM version. Once I downloaded it, I used that to install for Boot Camp. Then I activated it with a legit key. Honestly if you are near a PX or Walmart, you can pick up the desk but I see why you're doing it because you want to pro edition.
(0)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
A tip, bootcamp will install the stuff tob drive when done. The drivers are on the thumb drive. Use the drivers after the install. If not you will be scratching your head wondering why you cannot even use Wi-Fi. The drivers are also important because it allows your keyboard commands backlit light and other stuff to work properly.In my first try, I did not know the drivers were there and I thought it was a faulty installation. Basically I wasted four hours not realizing that I had to install the Drivers
(1)
(0)
Suspended Profile
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.
1
1
0
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.
(1)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
Windows 8.1 is just fine.The only reason you want to go Windows 7 is because you are trying to learn and how to configure it specifically. Windows 9 will be coming out in spring of 2015. If you notice windows is trying to move more like apples model. What they'll do is they'll offer yearly updates and most likely for free. Windows is moving this direction because they are realizing that they do not have to developers to support them in their Apps. Windows 9 seeks to unify Windows phone, Xbox, and windows. They are suffering from fragmentation. The new CEO is making the right call by moving in that direction. Basically what I'm getting at is that Windows 8.1 is a step that you should learn. Windows 8.1 also has faster boot times and is more stable. That can be a matter of opinion but that is my opinion but as a result of my experience. If you want to run Windows 7, use parallels in addition for that. Parallels enables you to run multiple copies of the same operating system. It even lets you run a Mac inside of a Mac. I have a unactivated copy of Windows 7 through parallels including XP. You can also Run Linux, android and etc. I would recommend windows eight for the Boot Camp partition though.
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google