<p>How helpful is it to have a personal computer in college when there are 24 hr. computer labs?</p>
<p>very helpful--there will be times when you don't want to sit in a lab with dozens of other people to type your papers or just e-mail someone--sure, you can get by without your own computer, but it is a lot easier to have one</p>
<p>yeah, i couldn't live without my computer...</p>
<p>think of EVERY helpful use of a computer that you can think of (including ones that wouldnt be possible in a public lab)</p>
<p>Now double it.</p>
<p>That is how useful it will be to have your own.</p>
<p>lab computers also do not allow the installation of any software and are also very limited in the storage space they allow</p>
<p>in my school, that limit is 500 mb</p>
<p>so in essence, no movies, no music, no gaming</p>
<p>you NEED your own computer.</p>
<p>You can get a cheap one if need be, but you definitely need one.</p>
<p>I thought it wouldn't be that big of a deal to have to use the computer lab if something happened to my computer. Well, my laptop completely fried and I had to use the computer lab for the last 1 or so of the first semester. It was torture to have to walk to a computer lab, and I really couldn't do much of anything. Plus you have to listen to constant typing and clicking in an otherwise silent room</p>
<p>try bensbargains.net</p>
<p>You can get a brand new Dell desktop for as low as $499 or less (including monitor!)</p>
<p>Actually, Dell desktops start at $299!!</p>
<p>Wow, I didn't know that having a computer was so vital. That's terrible because my family is too broke to buy me a computer. I guess that I will have to get a job, and pay for it on my own.</p>
<p>What kind of computer is better for college--a laptop or a flat screen desktop computer?</p>
<p>If you are lacking money, I would suggest a desktop from Dell. As mentioned earlier, they can cost as little as $299 with monitor (might be CRT and not LCD flat screen). I know the $499 deal definitely comes with a flat panel monitor.</p>
<p>$299 is A LOT of money in our household. My mom isn't willing to spend that kind of money.</p>
<p>vtoodler, get a job during summer if you can't at this moment. It is possible to make about $150 a week.</p>
<p>You're planning on going to college, aren't you? $299 is a lot of money, but compared to the cost of college, it's tiny!</p>
<p>Yeah and comparing to amount of frustration not having a computer will cause it is also tiny. Get a job and work a lot. A nice job is lifeguarding if you're trained b/c they usually need a lot of people around now and pay well. Another good job are store clerks or food service people for places like ice cream shops that just open for the summer and need workers. Plus it'll be something to put on your resume until you get better jobs.</p>
<p>Are you attending a community college? Or getting significant financial aid? If the price of a desktop computer is prohibitive, it might be difficult to pay for all 4 years of college and the other expenses involved with school: housing, transportation, fun money, etc... etc...</p>
<p>You dont even need a new computer...anything new these days is OVERKILL for any of the basic things you would do in a computerlab.</p>
<p>Try a little family owned or similar computer shop (there are often several around big state U's and in big citys). One near me can sell you a used PIII PC with what would still be wicked fast components for $199.</p>
<p>impactangel,</p>
<p>I'm not attending a community college next year. Next year, I will attend Emory University, and I got a decent financial aid package there. I will go to college no matter how much it costs. My only fear is that I'll be super broke once I graduate. I will take everyone's advice and get a summer job or a summer internship to spiff up my resume.</p>
<p>Thanks Everyone,</p>
<p>Btw--Where did you all find out about that $299 Dell computer? Do you have a website?</p>
<p>One more question--> What kind of computer is better for college-a laptop or a LCD flat screen computer?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bensbargains.net%5B/url%5D">www.bensbargains.net</a> for good deals on laptops and desktops</p>
<p>As for which one is better, it depends on the campus. I know my campus does not have wireless internet and as such, a laptop isn't really that useful. (Another thing to consider is that laptops generally cost more than desktops)</p>
<p>a CRT monitor will cost you the least but will take up a lot of space on your desk</p>
<p>an LCD flat screen monitor is in the middle for price and will allow you to keep most of your desk for studying, your keyboard, your mouse, books, etc...</p>
<p>If budget is a concern, I'd definitely go the CRT (boxy monitor) route- much less money for the value. </p>
<p>One bad thing about having a computer is that it can be (for me at least) the ultimate distraction machine. Often times when I'm studying I remove my computer's hard drive so I can't waste time (on things like CC, lol). Not having a computer in your room could actually help you.</p>