3 ms·

I’m in the market for an AIO at the minute and I wondered if I could trouble any of you guys for some advice? To be honest I’m pretty computer illiterate, but I

I’m in the market for an AIO at the minute and I wondered if I could trouble any of you guys for some advice? To be honest I’m pretty computer illiterate, but I need a machine this year to finish an MSc in Maths and possibly for a PhD starting next year. I’m using a computer algebra package called Maple this year, which doesn’t need much processing power at the minute. However, if I manage to start my PhD next year I’ll be dealing with much larger data sets, and possibly coding with python or C. I definitely want an AIO due to space constraints. I also need a large, decent screen due to poor eyesight. To be honest, I’ve been kind of taken in by the M3 IMac with 24 gb and 1 TB, but it’s expensive and for the same money, I’ve seen an HP with a larger 27” 4K screen, an Intel i9 12900, 32 gb and 2 TB. Also you can expand the memory on the HP. I’ve got an iPhone which I like and I guess that’s been influencing me in thinking about switching to Apple, but I need something that’s going to last me at least 5 years. If any of you guys have any thoughts I’d be grateful for some advice. £2000 is a lot of money to me, so I don’t want to waste it on a system that’s going to be no good in 4 years. Thanks in advance.

hulitu 3y ago
> I’m pretty computer illiterate, but I need a machine this year to finish an MSc in Maths and possibly for a PhD starting next year Nice try. Anyway, with 1000£ you can get a decent computer and monitor.
- Badmath 3y ago
  Seriously I am.I’m a mature student and I completed my maths degree years ago. I only just picked up studying again, part time, over the last couple of years. I’ve been mainly studying number theory and Galois theory recently, in which all the problems were solved with pen and paper. When I say computer illiterate I can obviously use Microsoft office etc but when it comes to evaluating a machine that will last me possibly 5 years doing coding (which I’ve never done before) I haven’t got a clue. I don’t want a separate monitor and computer if I can help it. Being fairly clueless I’d rather get something I can just unbox and switch on, but powerful enough to cope later on. Do you think the Mac is a waste of money?

hulitu 3y ago

> I’m pretty computer illiterate, but I need a machine this year to finish an MSc in Maths and possibly for a PhD starting next year Nice try. Anyway, with 1000£ you can get a decent computer and monitor.

Badmath 3y ago
Seriously I am.I’m a mature student and I completed my maths degree years ago. I only just picked up studying again, part time, over the last couple of years. I’ve been mainly studying number theory and Galois theory recently, in which all the problems were solved with pen and paper. When I say computer illiterate I can obviously use Microsoft office etc but when it comes to evaluating a machine that will last me possibly 5 years doing coding (which I’ve never done before) I haven’t got a clue. I don’t want a separate monitor and computer if I can help it. Being fairly clueless I’d rather get something I can just unbox and switch on, but powerful enough to cope later on. Do you think the Mac is a waste of money?