Reliability and SpeedSome of the best Windows laptops tend to be more expensive. Low-priced Windows laptops are more trouble than they're worth. They typically come with slower Intel Core i-3 or i-5 processors, low-end graphics cards, and 2 to 4 GB of RAM. They are ideal for word processing and Internet browsing. These can also be perfect for English majors, especially if they are on a budget. A Windows laptop comparable in price and performance to a 13-inch MacBook Pro is the Dell XPS 13. This laptop comes with 8 GB of RAM and an Intel Core i-5 processor. It comes with a 13-inch touchscreen that offers 1080P high definition and is ideal for movies. The Dell XPS 13 comes with an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4400 card, which will not allow running games at the highest settings. With a 128 GB SSD (solid state drive), the Dell XPS 13 has roughly the same storage as a low-end MacBook Pro. Additionally, the Dell XPS 13 has some ports such as 2 USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, but no SD card slot (Neilson). The Dell XPS 15 is a bit fancier than the XPS 13, but costs around $400 more. This model has the same graphics card as the 15-inch MacBook Pro, a 2.2 GHz Intel quad core i-7 processor, 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. The Dell XPS 15 comes with Windows 8.1, which is the newest Windows operating system and aims to be more compatible with a tablet or Windows Phone. The XPS 15 is ideal for computer programmers and science students. The laptop runs Windows 8 and can also support Windows 7 and Vista programs; a great option for business majors. The XPS 15 can easily run QuickBooks and other professional software. It has enormous computing power with a decent video card, which allows it to take photos and videos...... middle of paper... in the long run. All things considered, our recommendation for the average college freshman is the Mac laptop. With its simplicity and reliability, it is unbeatable. Its quality parts provide years of reliable service. While both can be valid options, the advantage for freshmen goes to the Mac.Works Cited Nevid, Jeffrey S. and Amy Pastva. "'I'm a Mac' versus 'I'm a PC': Personality Differences Between Mac and PC Users in a College Sample." » Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Pyscho, December 20, 2013. Web. April 06, 2014.Nielson, Bob Dr. Conference. April 11, 2014. “OSX is what makes a Mac a Mac” Apple. and Web. April 5, 2014. Wonglimpiyarat, Jarunee. “Technology Strategies and Standard Competition – Comparative Innovation Cases of Apple and Microsoft.” Journal of High Technology Management Research 23 (2012): 92. Web. April 5. 2014.