What computer should you buy for college? First, check your college requirements. After that, what are you interested in? Drawing? 3D modeling? Programming? VR? I’ve had a lot of success with my VR-ready laptop while a Predator Helios 300 from Acer, I also like Razer, but I avoid Alienware; I’ve never had good luck with them. This kind of laptop is also appropriate for 3D modelers and programmers. For EVERYONE I recommend purchasing a large screen for dual monitors. Large “gaming monitors” like 32-inch curved screens are inexpensive and provide important screen real estate for developers. It’s not just aesthetics.
(I’m not sponsored by any computer manufacturer FYI, this is not a sponsored post, just my opinions).
Artistic Students
For more artistic students, a surface laptop or current iPad Pro with pencil provides a lot of artistic creativity and the ability to program but won’t give you VR capabilities you’ll need in most college programs. 3D modeling may also be more challenging but possible. the iPad Pro has 3D modeling, drawing, and even a coding app from Microsoft and can connect to Bluetooth keyboards. However, most game engines do not run on any iPad, and most game programmers prefer PC.
Budget Conscious
For extremely budget-conscious game developers, I recommend getting more power at a cheaper price with a tower desktop computer, but when it comes to Mac, well, I don’t recommend them. it is possible to develop games on Mac, but a bunch of things make it more difficult. If you HAVE to buy a mac, install windows on it through Bootcamp. Newer “silicone chip” Macs can only be run through Parallels, a software that creates a virtual machine on your Mac. Unfortunately running a virtual machine and running a modern video game engine can really impact performance. Mac products are GREAT in many ways, they are highly integrated with other hardware like the phone and watch, but many games don’t run on their main Operating system.