<p>This is an important thread. Definitely check with your school before you buy a PC. For some it is included in the tuition, others schools have a buying program for parents to get a discount, and others yet have a recommended list / minimum requirements. </p>
<p>Here are a few links to give you an idea on the variation:</p>
<p>NMH - they use thin-client terminals with cloud storage. The terminals are located all around campus, so the students don't have to carry a mobile PC to class. If you bring your own computer, they list basic requirements at: Northfield</a> Mount Hermon : NMH Network Compatible Computers</p>
<p>For those of who need to pick one out or are using one from home, here are some things to consider: </p>
<ul>
<li><p>light weight (3 to 4.5 lb range) is much easier to carry around to classes (or out to a common area or library). Plus, it's a space saver!</p></li>
<li><p>good battery life (4+ hours)
** Low voltage or ultra-low voltage processors will give you a longer battery life. They may not be speed demons, but will last through the needed time.</p></li>
<li><p>An extra battery is useful to have on hand (hopefully, it gets charged)</p></li>
<li><p>If the school requires the PC to join the domain to access a learning management system, then you'll need a business-ready PC.</p></li>
<li><p>If you get to learn to use a Tablet PC, check out The</a> Student Tablet PC. Primarily college students writing articles, but really great tips on note-taking. </p></li>
<li><p>Office at a discount to students: [url=<a href="http://www.theultimatesteal.com%5DThe">http://www.theultimatesteal.com]The</a> Ultimate Steal presented by Microsoft<a href="last%20year%20the%20promo%20was%20for%20$60%20for%20Office%20Ultimate">/url</a></p></li>
</ul>
<p>Oh and if you're energy consumption conscious, a mobile PC (notebook or Tablet) is the way to go over a desktop. (Avg of 2x less energy). They're much quieter too and take up less space.</p>
<p>What schools are Mac compatible? As I'm only applying, and not buying one for a year or so, it doesn't really matter... But it's interesting. Also, does Exeter have any computer requirements? I know they give financial aid to full-ride students, I think.</p>
<p>Per server domain join -- there are several version of Windows that fit needs for different types of customers. Essentially these can be divided into two categories: those that are for home users and those for business users. Students that need to join a domain are are lucky and fall into both categories, so will need to make sure they get the necessary "business" features :) </p>
<p>So, if someone is going to use bootcamp on a Mac, then willl buy Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Ultimate, or Windows XP Pro to get domain join for Windows.</p>
<p>The school will list what is needed, and that is really the key.</p>
<p>Awesome~ I love the mac's laptops, though the desk tops are a little clunky for me. My uncle is a big supporter of them because he DJs and used art programs, and I want a Mac, big-time. I'm glad that they're not PC-exclusive.</p>
<p>Saer, I would highly, highly, highly recommend a laptop for boarding school. I would also highly recommend a Mac. I don't know about other schools, but Andover is more than entirely Mac-compatible and -friendly.
The thing is, if the school buys you a computer, they will probably get you a PC--they're less expensive.</p>
<p>True. Which is pretty not-good. But isn't it true that Exeter just covers a set amount of cost for a laptop, allowing you to choose the one you want? (That's what I heard, but it could be crap. Haha.)</p>
<p>For Andover, along with prettyckitty's comments, I spoke with their technology department today (they called me back very shortly after I had left a message), and they said about 25% of students have Macs, and that Macbooks are fine.</p>
<p>So, now just trying to decide if it is worth it to spend the extra money....</p>
<p>It is! I think so, anyway. Unless you are a gamer or a programmer, Macs are better. The lack of viruses (no blue screen of death!), the dependability, and the easiness to use really are worth it.</p>
<p>Pros for a Mac: Dependability, very chic looking, can run both OS's easily (I mean, so can PCs, but PCs don't look pretty. Haha, aesthetics FTW!), user-friendly, and in my experience, quicker. I have a Mac and a PC in my home, used the same amount, bought at the same time, and the Mac runs 80 billion times faster. Freeware for the Mac is really nice (see Cons).</p>
<p>cons: No right click, or scroll wheel. This always bugs me. The keyboard (for the desktop we have, at least) is pretty dang clunky with buttonts that take the force of a small asteroid to press, unlike my PC keyboard which is smooth and easy. But I've played around with a Macbook Pro and the keyboard is nice and functional. Also, no MSPaint-equivalent. I had to download Pixen (freeware) for our Mac. And the iChat is a load of crap. I also downloaded AdiumX. I'd recommend both, btw, they run fast and Pixen is almost better than MsPaint, though a bit more confusing. Probably because I've been using MSPaint since I was 4 and this is completely new to me.</p>
<p>But I think that the Cons, though pretty big deals to me, can be remedied by a third-party mouse and the Macbook's keyboard (which is inherently better than my desktops, anyway), and tons of freeware. So if I get accepted, and get the FA I need to buy a computer, it's a white Macbook for me.</p>
<p>Brooklyn
I got D a new mac desktop (she had a laptop) - she is now trying to decide whether to give me the desktop (my idea) and just use the laptop. She had too much music on itunes so would need a separate hard drive if she goes that way. If you get the MacAir, you need another computer for "home". The macair is cool - I am waiting for the lottery for it. I think you won't go wrong with the macbook. Both my ds have it and love it. They use wife's dell just for games.
If you can go to a mall that has an apple store, play with one. The one in Knoxville said that they would give the ed discount for boarding school (I get college faculty one anyway).</p>
<p>Does anyone know the best third-party mouse for a macbook? I want a scroll wheel and a right-click button, are those available and still compatible with Macs? I should know this, I just don't. :(</p>