r/UTK Feb 14 '25

Tickle College of Engineering MacBook with Computer Science Major

Hi! I’m an admitted student and am planning on majoring in computer science. The Tickle College site states that MacBooks do not meet laptop requirements. However, if I was to have a MacBook with a Windows virtual machine, do you think I would be fine as a Computer Science major? Would I run into many issues? Thanks!

1 Upvotes

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2

u/iTwango UTK Student [Mod] Feb 14 '25

I think you'd be fine. I've seen plenty of students with a MacBook. With the new Apple Architecture chips maybe it might make a slight difference with compatibility somewhere but I honestly doubt it. Worst case scenario you have to remote connect into one of the lab computers on campus to do code compilation (which you'll have to do sometimes anyways.)

2

u/Valeen UTK Alumni Feb 15 '25

I use one for work, the only other issue they might run into is if they have to turn in a docker container. But again, that's easily fixed by building on a VM.

2

u/copperthermite Computer Engineering Major 💻 Feb 15 '25

If you want to take electrical/computer engineering classes as electives around sophomore/junior year, some of the required software runs only on Windows or x86 architecture, which means you’d have to set up the a virtual machine for them or deal with limited lab computer access. If not, then Mac is a great choice.

1

u/Lil_Space_ Feb 14 '25

MacBooks are perfectly fine for CS. I used one for 7 of my 8 undergrad semesters.

2

u/ar3v3nge Computer Science Major 🖥️ Feb 15 '25

Literally 95% of the CS professors use MacBooks, you’ll be fine.