IntroductionOver the past decade, there has been a rivalry between Apple and Windows computers. Strong arguments can be made by both sides. In this report, we analyze the differences between Apple and Windows. The key factors we looked at are price, usability, material, customization, variety and future prospects of the companies. After analysis, we recommend that a first-year student purchase an Apple laptop rather than a Windows laptop if they have the funds available. What a Freshman Needs For most freshmen, this is their first year away from home, family, and safety. They are both excited and terrified about the upcoming classes. In today's world, a laptop is a lifesaver. With Microsoft Office, iTunes and the Internet, they could do just fine. So which laptop do they choose? Well, it highly depends on what they need. Freshmen need a laptop that is easy to use and will allow them to complete their work. And when the paper is due and it's 11:58 p.m., they better have a laptop that's easy to work with and maneuver. A lightweight laptop is also essential when you're out of class or simply in the small spaces of a dorm room. Ultimately, first-year students must purchase what best suits their individual needs and desires. Jeffrey S. Nevid and Amy Pastva discovered a correlation between buyers' personality and their brand choice, in a study they conducted (PC vs. Mac). They found that students who chose Mac were more "stylish, cool, young and exciting." Students who preferred PCs liked "the price and wanted a computer that was good for gaming." So what do freshmen need? It largely depends on who the freshman is.PricePrice is usually the most important factor for students when deciding which...... middle of paper ......Laptop - AMD Elite Quad-Core A8-5550M / 4 GB DDR3 / 750 GB HDD / Anodized Silver / Windows 8. " Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: HP Pavilion 17.3" Laptop. np, nd Web. April 5, 2014. "HP - Pavilion 17.3" Laptop - 4 GB Memory - 750 GB Hard Drive - Anodized Silver. " Best Buy. np, nd Web. April 5, 2014. Nevid, Jeffrey S. and Amy Pastva. " "I "I'm a Mac" versus "I'm a PC": Personality differences between Mac and PC users in an academic sample." Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Pyscho, December 20, 2013. Web. April 6, 2014. Nielson, Bob Dr Lecture, April 11, 2014. “OSX is what makes a Mac a Mac,” Apple. April 5, 2014. Wonglimpiyarat, Jarunee “Standard Technology Strategies and Competition – Comparative Innovation Cases of Apple and Microsoft.” Journal of High Technology Management Research 23 (2012): 92. Web April 5.. 2014.