Hi, I’m an incoming first year at UVA. I plan to eventually go into the Mcintire school or at least try. One thing that I’ve been putting off is the purchase of a new computer for college (my old one doesn’t even last two hours without its batteries dying). However, as a broke college student with a negative net worth as of a couple days ago (#student loans), I’m trying to get the most bang for my bucks.
In essence:
I just wanted to know if there’s any reccomandation.
Where I should get my computer (is the cav computer program worth it)
what are the required specs for the business school?
Should I purchase the McIntire recommended computers or are there better or cheaper options.
Also, any other tips you might have for a first year.
For windows machines, you can find much cheaper high quality laptops than through Cav Computers. If you go to the Cav Computers website, one of their options for Mcintire is a Dell Latitude. Dell Latitudes are designed for business travelers and are more durable than the typical laptop designed mainly for home use. I’ve bought several Dell Latitudes for myself and my kids through the Dell Outlet website. You can find an online coupon code for further discounts. You can bring your current laptop to college to use as a backup.
You can buy a basic version of windows operating system and then download a free or very cheap full windows upgrade from UVa. You also can get a free or very cheap full MS Office Suite that you download from UVa.
My D really wanted a Mac, and it seemed that the Cav Computer Program was not that much more than buying elsewhere with a good enough service plan would be. But considering how much their PCs are, it does seems that you have a lot of other options for PCs that could be cheaper, such as those mentioned above.
For someone trying to save money, I would definitely buy a windows machine. Macs rarely go on sale and have much higher list prices. Also, I read that the computer labs in McIntire use windows computers. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe most major corporations use windows computers.
As a computer person with both, I would say stick with a windows computer if money is an issue. Macs are much easier to use in the grand scheme, provide a simpler interface, are visually more appealing, will make you never want to use mice, and make visual design simpler; however, they are usually much more expensive (unless you try eBay and manage to snag a deal) and you may find yourself missing out on some much-desired software when you go beyond general consumer levels.
The Cav Computers program is ok if you want all of the warranties (I never go for warranties like that). If you’re concerned about your computer and are not savvy enough to troubleshoot issues, it may be your way to go. If you’re REALLY scraping for cash, you might want to get a cheaper computer with similar specs, potentially without the full warrantee.
I’d recommend looking into Sam’s Club; they seem to have a good support system set up for members (a $49 per year fee is worth it, and the $99 for 2 year warranty is not bad) and they’re running some cool “Tech Savings” promotions. Check your area, but this is available where I live which would be a great and cheap substitute (I don’t know if they’re location-dependent) for a base price of $579, a $290 discount: https://www.samsclub.com/sams/dell-nt-15-6-nb-12gb-intel-ci7-6500u/prod21031742.ip?xid=cart_product.
If I were in your situation, I’d be happy to buy that computer and, if it happens to break down after the warranty ends in 2 years, buy another one; it may be a bit more than keeping your one computer for 4 years in the long run, but you’ll be able to get a more updated model after 2 years (computers get much better in 2 years), and your expenses will be more spread out instead of immediate. Assuming your parents aren’t members and warranty considered and assuming that you have a similar deal in your location, you can expect to pay $833.90 after tax (before buying stuff like Microsoft Office something else you might need). It should get you through your classes about as well as their recommendation.