A Mac will cut it. You'll get a free copy of Windows for Mac from the company. You can run Windows on your Mac using Boot camp, Parallels or VMware fusion. Bootcamp runs Windows the fastest performance wise and is free.

 

Bootcamp allows you to actually boot your Mac with Windows instead of OS. When you use Bootcamp, you have a Windows machine (on Apple hardware). The only drawback to this setup is you can't use your other Mac software while booted to Windows. No worries with this scenario though, because you'll be focused on your training instead of surfing the web.

 

Thanks for the info guys!

 

I forgot to mention that bootcamp doesn't replace OS, you just build a separate partition on your hard drive for Windows. (The instructions are on your Mac and easy to follow. Applications/Utilities/BootCamp Assistant)
Then, from your OS, you tell the machine 'next time you turn on I want you to use Windows'. When you're done with your training (or MS Office, etc) you tell your machine 'the next time you turn on I want you to use OS'. It's actually pretty slick if you don't need to switch back and forth mid-task.

 

So better to buy a cheap windows laptop or deal with the pain of the mac?

Also, do you guys know if there is just a July 7th class, then August classes? Heard a rumor about July 21st, but not sure how backed up they are.

Thanks for helping out the remaining poolies!

 

Mac runs windows fine. Cheap windows laptop will work also - check out Lenovo outlet.

Latest word is 2 classes of 50 each in July. 70ish total in August.

 

There are a number of cheap, light laptops for around $300-$350. They will work better than running one of the dual boot solutions on your Mac even with free Windows from Delta because there is a driver problem with the Macs.

 

I have used my Mac with both Boot camp and Parallels. Bootcamp seems to run Windows application a little bit better than Parallels, but both are good. Bootcamp is pre-installed so it will save you money but re-booting is a hassle.

You will need to buy a copy of windows 8 or 7, if you can still get one, for either application so you might be better just buying a cheap windows machine if you are primarily concerned about $$$.

Important tip with Bootcamp - Do not short change your Windows storage when setting up your partition. I only allocated 30 gig and when I got close to 30 Gig my computer totally bogged down. As far as I know it is a one shot deal and you can not easily adjust your partition size. You may now be able to buy 3rd party software to do this but by the time you do this you would have been better off just buying a cheap windows machine.

My Bottom line: If you are just concerned with $$$$ purchase a windows machine. If you want the convenience of having a Mac and also being able to run windows then use get a Mac with Bootcamp or Parallels.

Bootcamp - runs windows applications better, but is inconvenient.
Parallels - Runs windows applications pretty well (including most DOD CAC enabled applications) and is more convenient, but more costly.

Scoop

 

Thanks for the info guys! Prob will just get the cheap windows machine--can get one refirb. for $300. Tax deductible.

 

Get ready for Lots of tax deductibles: laptop, phone at a certain percentage, hotel and per diem up to the govt rate, equipment like cases or headsets if you so desire, uniforms, to name a few.