<p>My D will be a freshman this September at Penn State University. What would you recommend for a student going into a major (communications disorders) that requires just a standard laptop? </p>
<p>Looking for something that is dependable and as affordable as possible without giving up reliability.</p>
<p>This will be her first laptop....do stores offer a service where they will teach her how to set it up and how to use it?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Oh, but let me talk you into a mac…:)</p>
<p>Why NOT a Mac? They’re more expensive but they’re so much better.</p>
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<p>If she is like any other teen I know, she’ll be able to teach those store employees in no time. 
Most laptops come with preinstalled software and are ready to be used. If your D used a desktop PC in HS, she will be fine with a laptop - laptops are not much different. Get her something lightweight yet not too expensive. Also, your D’s college might have some guidelines for laptop purchase and/or offer discounts on software and hardware. Most colleges provide free antivitrus software and have IT help as well.</p>
<p>Often, your university bookstore will have manufacturer’s dicsount for students - so check with them first. Get extra memory. Toshiba and Dell have been pretty reliable.</p>
<p>Pick up the most recent issue of Consumer Reports that reviewed laptops. It was one or two issues back. Then follow their suggestions. In addition to recommending specific models, they provide the quality records for the top vendors. Given your daughter’s intended field a mid-range laptop is fine.</p>
<p>Make absolutely sure to get a malware software subscription. Consumer Reports rates several. Don’t go with a free one. Get a priced/supported suite. Most “maintenance” problems with laptops are a result of viruses. This is not an area where you can take shortcuts.</p>
<p>And buy the computer online. Amazon is great.</p>
<p>Setting up a new computer is just a matter of turning it on. Unless she has never used a computer before, I’m certain she won’t need any help.</p>
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<p>Using free anti-virus programs isn’t a shortcut. There are many good ones available. The college may also offer a free download of a recommended program.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone. How much should I expect to pay? Plus she needs a printer.</p>
<p>You might want to read through this…</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1065080405-post30461.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1065080405-post30461.html</a></p>
<p>Most colleges have recommended configurations, and many times offer special package deals. Apple has student discounts (it’s on their website, and you can ask in any store). There are also some places that have special software discounts for students, and the deals are generally very good (journeyed.com for one).</p>
<p>Did you check with Penn St? Did you D go to orientation yet (they usually offer info there)?</p>
<p>There are some decent anti-virus/spyware (AVG) software and firewalls (outpost, zonealarm) for free. You need both. There are also packages you can purchase that contain both.</p>
<p>Many of the ‘deals’ include a choice if printer. You can check reviews on Cnet, or Pricegrabber. Whatever printer you buy, if it’s an inkjet, purchase extra ink cartridges.</p>
<p>As for needing a printer . . . some kids have them and use them a lot, some kids have them and never use them, and most kids get by without them. On the rare occasions they need to print something out, they can do it in the library or some office at a price that ranges from free to basically covering the retail cost of paper and toner. My kids ask for lots of things, but neither one has ever asked for a printer. This was not obvious to us or to them when kid #1 started college, but by the time kid #2 followed it was obvious to everyone.</p>
<p>Some college bookstores have tech support available for laptops purchased from the bookstore. You may want to check that out.</p>
<p>Why not a Mac? $1000.</p>
<p>Not sure what a communications disorder major is, but anything having to do with communications is probably better off with a Mac. Just saying.</p>
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<p>The Apple store does. ;)</p>
<p>I love how the OP specified NO MACS yet half of you people are trying to sell him/her a Mac as if you worked for Apple. I don’t like Macs because I find their OS limiting and their computer specs rigid. (you can’t mix and match parts like a graphics card and such) Something cheap would be a netbook, but if your daughter is interested in activities other than word processing I would suggest checking out refurbished models of the OS she is most comfortable using. Refurbished models (as far as I am aware) are usually cheaper than buying a computer with a college discount. Just my 2c.</p>
<p>OP asked if stores would offer services to help her daughter set it up, and MAC is idiot proof (except for Mac Air, in which case the wifi doesn’t work).</p>
<p>If you don’t know how to use a computer, buy a Mac.</p>
<p>Brands to stay away from for PC: Dell, HP. Do not buy one of these, ever. Highly recommend Toshiba’s and Sony Vaio’s. Really though if you don’t know how to keep a PC clean from viruses and malware, you be better off with single-button mouse (ha-ha).</p>
<p>“If you don’t know how to use a computer, buy a Mac.”</p>
<p>exactly!!! Sure they are now ONLY $1000, but I can buy two decent PC’s for that. Unless you are in some artsy major your future employers will most likely have PC’s, so do yourself a favor and learn.</p>