Introduction Over the past decade there has been a rivalry between Apple and Windows computers. There are strong arguments to be made on both sides. In this report we analyze the differences between Apple and Windows. The key factors we looked at are price, ease of use, hardware, customization, variety, and the companies' future prospects. After analysis, if they have the funds available, we recommend a college freshman purchase an Apple laptop instead of a Windows laptop. What College Freshmen Need For most freshmen, it's their first year away from home, family and safety. They are both excited and terrified for the next lessons. In today's world a laptop is a lifesaver. With Microsoft Office, iTunes and the Internet they could do it. So which laptop do they choose? Well, it really depends on what they need. Freshers need a laptop that is easy to use and allows them to complete their work. And when the paper is due and it's 11.58pm, they better have a laptop that's easy to use and maneuver. A lightweight laptop is also a must when leaving class or just in the tight spaces of a dorm. Ultimately, freshmen must purchase what is best for their individual needs and desires. Jeffrey S. Nevid and Amy Pastva, in a study conducted (PC vs. Mac), found a correlation between the buyer's personality and brand choice. They found that college students who chose Mac were more interested in "style and being cool, young and exciting." Students who preferred PCs valued “price and [wanted a computer that was] good for gaming.” So what do college freshmen need? It largely depends on who the freshman is.PricePrice is usually the most important factor for college students when deciding which......middle of paper......Laptop - AMD Elite Quad-Core A8- 5550M / 4GB DDR3 / 750GB Hard Drive / Anodized Silver / Windows 8". Amazon.co.uk: Customer reviews: HP Pavilion 17.3" Laptop np and nd Web. 05 April 2014. “HP – 17.3” Pavilion Laptop – 4GB Memory – 750GB Hard Drive – Anodized Silver.” Best Buy. np, nd Web. 05 April 2014. 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, 20 December 2013. Web. 06 April 2014. Nielson, Bob Dr Lecture. April 11, 2014. “OSX, It's What Makes a Mac a Mac” Apple April 5, 2014. Wonglimpiyarat, Jarunee “Technology Strategies and Standard Competition: Cases of Comparative Innovation from Apple and Microsoft.” Journal of High Technology Management Research 23 (2012): 92. Web 05 April. 2014.