A recent study from Global Equities Research’s Trip Chowdhry suggests that 70% of university freshman were entering school with a Mac, which is way up from the 10-15% that entered school with a Mac a year ago. As with all things that seem to be too good to be true, this large number may be as well. The New Jersey based group Student Monitor has been tracking university computer purchases for 22 years, and they claim: “Among those who planned to purchase a new computer, 87% planned to buy a laptop. And among those students 47% planned to buy a Mac.”
While 47% certainly isn’t 70%, it’s still a large number (keep in mind, this is people planning to purchase computers, not those currently having these machines). In fact, it’s more than both Dell and HP combined according to Student Monitor’s research. And while it could still seem far-fetched, I would have to agree with it from my perspective as a student myself.
A lot more of my friends entering college this year have come to me with questions like “Which Mac should I purchase?” instead of “Should I get a Mac or a PC?” Not only that, but more of them have actually gone on to purchase Macs over PCs. But beyond my personal experience, whether it’s because their friends are, because they like the features more, or because they are simply “cool and trendy,” the data is showing a pretty great trend for Apple among students.
The data could also suggest that Microsoft isn’t necessarily aiming for the college market, or that they simply haven’t kept up with the times in terms of what young adults want in their computers. Either way, this market is certainly a large one as almost all students going to college purchase a laptop as one of their first steps. It’s certainly a market that no laptop manufacturer or software developer would want to overlook.
Via [Fortune Tech]
Sorry I just don't believe that. Macs are simply too expensive for that many college kids (many of whom have to buy it with their own money). Many of those people may have a dream of owning a mac, but I think this study probably overlooks the fact that many of those people can't afford them.
As a freshman in university, I am SHOCKED at just how many people have Macbook's! And these most of the time are MacBook Pro's. Every 2nd person seems to have a Mac, no kidding. I figured I was going to come into university and be one of the very few rare students with a Macbook and I could rub it in their faces, cause I am just that mean… or selective about my choice of computers… I totally believe this study. Mac's are THE choice for students, it seems. My university has a small population (a little over 3,000 students) and I would say a good 60% of the student body that has a computer owns a Mac. Sure, most people can't afford it, but let's not forget that freshmen often work before going to school, like I did. I worked enough to be able to afford a Mac in January (at the time I was going to high school as well). My parents couldn't afford a Mac, but as an individual who worked my 40 hours a week and didn't have to pay any bills, I could very well afford at least 5 Mac's by the time I finished working (in late August), if I had saved all of my money of course. So, that being said… A student body with Mac's, are like a body of people in paradise. Less headaches, and that's a good thing in university, as studying is essential in passing and doing good.
Can one Student buy more than one macbook pro?
Wow… and here I am just wondering how I'll be able to pay my bills, let alone student loans. Wouldn't it be easier to just go for normal notebooks? I'm working part-time, taking an online college degree and can't even afford to buy an iPhone. Amazing where student priorities are these days.
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