While the Apple iMac may be the most recognizable computer on campus, a Dell Windows-based machine is running an increasingly close second with the Class of 2003, as PCs continue their push into the College's traditionally Macintosh campus.
With approximately half the incoming class's computer orders already in, 35 percent of purchases have been for the Dell Optiplex, up from 13 percent overall for the PC option last year.
The change in proportions may be due to a change in the College's official recommendation. Typically, Computing Services strongly recommends the Apple Macintosh package, but this year the Class of 2003 did not receive such advice.
"We did not make a recommendation this year. We said we're a dual platform campus, you decide what you want," said Malcolm Brown, director of academic computing.
Brown said the reason for the shift in emphasis was due to an increase in the use of Windows-based software for academic programs. Brown cited MATLAB, a programming tool for engineers, and SPFS, a statistics package, as two programs which are not available in Macintosh format.
Although the proportion of undergraduates who use Windows computers has steadily climbed, Brown said he does not necessarily see a general trend in changing patterns of computer usage.
"There used to be a general trend, when it looked like curtains for the Macintosh, but in the past year, Apple has experienced a resurgence," Brown said. "Things shift so quickly in the computer industry. Each year we've taken a very close look at the circumstances."
According to Bill Brawley, director of user communications at Computing Services, one trend that has emerged is the growing number of laptop users.
"The number of people choosing the laptop option is up over the last year," Brawley said.
Brawley said the choice of computer package machines for the 2003 class is not substantially different from the one for the Class of 2002.
"The big difference that you continue to see is the price falling as performance increases," Brawley said. "We're looking to come up with a basic package that represents the best combination of price and performance."
The selection of recommended computers for the incoming class includes two basic desktop models, the Apple iMac - both the more popular "blueberry" color and "grape" - and the Dell Optiplex and two laptop models, the Apple Powerbook G3 and the Dell Latitude CPt. More advanced versions with added computing power are also available for both the desktop and laptop models, Brawley said.
This year's iMac package costs $1,196, a slight reduction from last year's price of $1,264. The Dell PC package is priced at $1,261.
