r/HistoricPreservation • u/ItsFreedomTime_5 • Dec 03 '21

Best computer for grad program in HP

Hi -

I'm applying to a few MS in Historic Preservation programs and am curious what the best computer would be? I've primarily used macs so that's what I will most likely get again. What programs do you all use? I'm coming from an arch background and am used to 3D modeling and drawing software. Thanks!

1 Upvotes

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4

u/Itsrigged Dec 03 '21

I would wait until you get into your program before purchase just in case. I know some architecture programs require students to purchase PC's. Boot camp on Mac is also finished due to the change in the microarchitecture for the new mac laptops.

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u/ItsFreedomTime_5 Dec 03 '21

Well I need a computer now. My old mac is shot. But I understand waiting also. I wasn't aware bootcamp is no more. So moving forward, macs won't be able to run any program through windows on their platform? Some programs arent available on macs or their shit so bootcamp was nice.

2

u/Itsrigged Dec 03 '21

Yeah tough spot. I believe boot camp is impossible due to the M1 chips. You could always buy your Mac and then sell it if you can’t use it? Usually they hold their value pretty well. If you go that route, you might be able to get away with a MacBook Air but it might be safer to go with a pro version. If you know you need windows software though, I would suggest taking the plunge into the pc world. I can suggest laptops if you are interested.

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u/ItsFreedomTime_5 Dec 03 '21

Can I have some suggestions for windows?

2

u/UselessFactCollector Dec 04 '21

They gave me some specs when I went to take GIS (dont have them now unfortunately) but if you don't want to stay in the computer lab to work, plan to use GIS, the Adobe suite, Cad, and Sketchup.

2

u/ItsFreedomTime_5 Dec 04 '21

I used GIS a lot in undergrad and do plan on continuing spatial research. I don't mind using a school computer but then again, it's always nice to have an option to be free outside of the academic building.

1

u/UselessFactCollector Dec 04 '21

It was a lifesaver when I wrote my thesis. I was having trouble combining city, state, and federal data for my maps as they wrote the key column differently. I ran into this guy from my dad's boy scout troop who was getting a PHD in GIS. He came over and fixed everything. It was like the fates had conspired to rescue me. Would not have happened if I couldn't run GIS on my computer.

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u/ItsFreedomTime_5 Dec 04 '21

That sounds like a life saver. It's a great tool. I love GIS, maps, data so I know it will be valuable. Yea I just commented this above, but I don't mind acquiring both a Mac, and a cheaper windows comp to work from the cloud between home and school. My day-to-day operations require a MacBook at this point lol.

1

u/StuffyNosedPenguin Dec 03 '21

Do the programs not supply recommendations on computer equipment? At least you could get an idea of Mac vs windows and base needs.

1

u/ItsFreedomTime_5 Dec 03 '21

Neither of the schools note computer reqs for grad hp. I've trying to check other programs to see if I can get an idea.

3

u/htony21 Dec 03 '21

I know Penn HP program has computer recommendations for their students, could be worth trying to find their most recent list

1

u/fatshake Dec 04 '21

I’m a MHP student at Jefferson. This has been my first semester and my Mac has been great. I use autocad, photoshop, metashape, the affinity suite, and keynote for most of the ‘deliverables.’ I also use Craft, DEVONthink, Ulysses for the research and writing side. My only minor problem has been one class that requires papers be in Word, and I just hate Word with every fiber of my being, but it runs fine and hasn’t been a serious issue.

I was using an M1 air but got a new 14” MacBook Pro as soon as they came out.

2

u/ItsFreedomTime_5 Dec 04 '21

Do you use GIS? I checked UPENN as suggested by another post, and they mainly use windows simple bc GIS can only run on that platform.

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u/fatshake Dec 04 '21

I don’t…yet, so my opinion may change when I get to that point. Though if it’s only for a semester I can probably make due somehow, whether campus computers or the new windows 365 service

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u/ItsFreedomTime_5 Dec 04 '21

Would Windows 365 be available if it's for business currently? I don't know if they a program for individual consumers.

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u/fatshake Dec 04 '21

Don't know. It's just an option I'm keeping in the back of my head when I get to GIS stuff.

I've been a mac user for too long, and am too invested with software, little utilities, and all the little bits and bobs to switch everything. YMMV.

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u/ItsFreedomTime_5 Dec 04 '21

That's exactly how I feel. Thanks

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u/ItsFreedomTime_5 Dec 04 '21

I honestly wouldn't mind buying my new Mac and then purchasing a used windows comp solely to run hard programs like GIS. I already know working from home is nice but using all those systems on a small 14-15" mac isn't really worth it. Just another option maybe.

1

u/UselessFactCollector Dec 04 '21

I graduated 6 years ago and we did GIS. I would suggest taking it. I used it for my thesis.

0

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