BleepingComputer.com: Purchase template: College student considering new laptop

Hi, all,

I'm a second year in engineering and considering buying a new laptop. I'm thinking about buying a MacBook Pro, but considering how expensive it can be, I'm open to getting a PC (possibly a Toshiba? I currently have an HP). I've used only PCs so far, so I don't have much experience with Macs/Mac OS. Do you have any advice/suggestions for getting one over the other?

My budget for the new computer is: ~$1200 (for the Mac), ~$800 (for a PC)

What are the primary uses for this computer (IE: mail, web browsing, programming, games, etc)? Email, web browsing, programming, music, movies/videos.

What software do you intend on using on the computer? Microsoft Office, Matlab, MikTex.

Do you play games? If so, what type of games? N/A.

Do you tend to have a lot of programs running at the same time, or do you close every program when you are done using it? I usually have two to three programs running at once.

Do you store a lot of pictures or music on the computer? Yes, especially music.

I'd prefer to have a laptop that's <14" (but not a netbook). I've heard Asus and Lenovo are good, but I don't know much about them. Also, if I were to get a Mac, do you think it's better to get Office for Mac or iWorks?

Thanks in advance!

MSI FX420-001US

Thanks for the rec! Do you have any thoughts/opinions re: Mac vs. PC (with respect to the purchase template)? Also, did you rec the MSi b/c it fits the specs or b/c you think MSi laptops are better than others?

Macs are overpriced. The MSI laptop fits the budget and it will do what you want it to do.