Computer for entering Freshmen - Class of 2018

Colleges and Universities A-Z College of William and Mary
1

<p>My son was so excited to be getting a new Apple lap top, but now the school issued computers are Dell, and he is bummed. Can't quite figure out why, except that Apple may have the 'cool factor'? The Apple tech help support is now off campus (but you can get to it by bus he says) and now the on-campus tech support and 4-yr insurance will be with the Dell, which I see as a big plus. DS says that "but now 75% of the students have Apple computers"! I say, "after this year, 50% of the students will have Dell!"</p>

<p>Is there a problem with getting the Dell? I can't see that Apple will be obsolete, but was wondering about what the professors used, or if that is even an issue? Or, are most freshmen students coming in with their own (already purchased) computers?</p>

<p>Or.... is my DS making a mountain out of a molehill? I told him I would post here to see.</p>

2

<p>From a parent of a recent former student, no it is not relevant which computer you have. I don’t think you need a specific laptop, so don’t go buying the latest and greatest. If you have something useful now, that should suffice. DD got the dell and it was fine but cumbersome to bring to classes. She got an ipad during jr year, and it was basically all she used at class, and at dorms, she could use any laptop for papers/projects.</p>

3

<p>Parent here…My impression of the students laptops is one of personal preference. Out of the 4 roommates, its split; 2 Macs and 2 PC’s. Our S has used his Mac all 3 years(going into the 4th) with no issues at all.</p>