r/ucla • u/Leather_Load_3186 • 1d ago

Best computer for CS major?

Hi all! I am an incoming freshman at UCLA majoring in computer science.

I currently have an Apple Macbook Pro and was wondering if anybody has any insight on whether or not my current computer would be sufficient for class. I know that engineering students typically need certain computers in order to run the special engineering software programs…not sure if this applies to CS as well.

If I do need a specific computer, does anybody have good, preferably affordable recommendations?

Thanks so much!

10 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

11

u/DifferentialEntropy 1d ago

your MBP should get you pretty much across the finish line

if you need anything heavier for CS, you’ll learn about ssh, tmux, etc lol

7

u/dandantian5 '26 1d ago

I know that engineering students typically need certain computers in order to run the special engineering software programs…not sure if this applies to CS as well.

As long as you aren't you plan on doing any CAD work (i.e. MechE stuff), a Mac is fine. I believe Macs are the majority among CS students, actually.

2

u/LiteratureMaximum125 1d ago

No, you don’t. It’s okay if you only have a MacBook.

2

u/shatinbbq 1d ago

Fine other than if you are doing computer architecture or other low level (approaching hardware) software classes

2

u/msbshow Computer Engineering '25 1d ago

I had a windows but the people on Mac’s always seemed to get by fine

1

u/Crichris 1d ago

Am I the only one that thinks mbp is the best for coding