General

[quote=expressive]For futureproofing I would get a quad core machine, aka not the MacBook air. If you're going into computer science then you should get a machine that can properly work with programs that you write that specifically take advantage of multicore processors. The 15" MacBook Pros are the only quad core macbooks you can get, and those are $2000+. Depending on your budget, I would go for an MSI GS60 Ghost Pro or a Lenovo Y50. Find the model of each that suits your needs.
P.S. Don't do 11" screen unless you have easy access to an external monitor. 11" is way too small imo. Even 13.3" is cutting it close for me.[/quote]

chances are, he's just going to write simple programs that don't require knowledge of parallel processing, nor is he likely to even learn about it until much later
- and by that time he'd be far more knowledgeable about computers than most people here.
there's a myth that a computer running a faster processor is necessarily faster than a different computer running a slower processor. this myth is perpetuated because of the lack of knowledge on algorithm efficiency. A computer running a program with efficient algorithm can outperform a computer running a faster processor, but a slower (inefficient) algorithm.
having said that, he'll probably be fine with either, with the only exception that he'll not be able to write iOS programs w/o a macbook for obvious reasons (though he'd be able to write programs for android on the unrealistically slow android emulator for Eclipse or other ide)

Answer as many questions as you are willing. The information you provide will narrow down the potential computers I look at.

What country/state do you live in?
What is the upper limit of your budget?
Would you like to save money or do you want to spend as much of your budget as possible?
Can you order online? If you cannot order online, what stores are around you?

How much hard drive space do you want?
What games do you play or want to play?
What programs do you use?

Mention any other special requests you may have. Be as detailed as you can with all your responses.

macs are light af and great for college bc you cant easily take it places

We all know you're going to do a windows partition on the thing, so the real question is: Do you require the software applications that mac can provide, or will you be coding on apple computers for school any time soon?

Also, I agree that you should at least get a pro if you consider mac. If you want to end up having hardware that lasts for 5-6 years (isn't outdated / too slow), get a pro. If you ever start working on large scale projects in college, you'll appreciate the better processing speed.

With PCs, you get waaaaayyyy more for your money in terms of hardware. Another massive factor is that, even with a laptop, you can change the hardware (add an SSD later, add more RAM, change the video card, etc) if you ever decide that you need an upgrade down the line. With Apple, what you buy is what you get, usually. There's no upgrading your SSD's capacity, stuck with the same amount of RAM, and no upgrades to other parts if it becomes outdated.

@richaf, @sirkibblex2: Care to elaborate on why PCs are better?

Macs are great for college. You won't regret it.

Why in gods name would you limit yourself to a mac?

I have a macbook air and it's perfect. I have like ten tabs open at all times with youtube and games playing simultaneously, and the speed is near perfect. Video lags at times, but mostly doesn't. I'd recommend macs, but they're too overpriced. If they were set at around 800 - 1000 that'd be okay.

If you like overpriced and outdated hardware with limited functionality, you can't go wrong with a mac

if you get a macbook opt for the pro at least.

I'm getting Macbook Pro soon!