<p>I have seen the computer requirement for VT. I also know that we would be needing a slate for class. I wanted to know whether we require a SLATE + LAPTOP or a tablet PC which performs the functions of both, a slate and a laptop. Please let me know.
Thank You :)</p>
<p>In previous years the only choice was a tablet. This year you can either get a laptop and use a slate with it OR get a tablet. </p>
<p>If you decide on the tablet stay away from Fujitsu. Long history of problems with them. People seem to be pretty happy with the Lenovo’s.</p>
<p>Thankyou 
how will an asus eee pad do?</p>
<p>You will need a Windows slate if you go that route. </p>
<p>[Computer</a> Requirement For Summer/Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 Entering Students | <a href=“http://www.eng.vt.edu%5B/url%5D”>www.eng.vt.edu](<a href=“http://www.eng.vt.edu/it/requirement]Computer”>Engineering Computer Requirement | Engineering | Virginia Tech)</a></p>
<p>If you are thinking about a Windows 8 slate is will prbably need to be an Intel processor. I think VT uses some software that is unlikely to run on Windows RT</p>
<p>I’ve read a lot about this attempting to try and get around the tablet requirement. I’ve read that other undergraduates have gotten away with just using a laptop + USB tablet combination without any problems. Also, other people who opted to go the convertible tablet route ended up regretting it later on due to their overall terrible performance. Seems like an easy choice then, right?</p>
<p>The only thing holding me back in this case is I’ve read that the computer requirements were modified from last year to explicitly state that USB tablets were not around, which makes me worry and wonder whether they are going to be stricter about the computer requirements. If I must, I’ll probably just opt for the Lenovo x230t however…</p>
<p>I wonder, how many people are going to opt for the convertible table requirement, and how many are just going to combination route?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>The tablets have such a terrible reputation because of the Fujitsu’s. Absolutely terrible. Just do a search on the forum and you’ll see the strong reaction people have. Everyone I know from the class of 2015 got the Lenovo and have really been happy with it. Your speculation that with the introduction of the option of a laptop and slate they may really crack down on anyone with the USB tablet work around could be right on.</p>
<p>how would a HP slate be? I would ideally like to buy a lenovo ideapad but it would end up being too expensive as I am also getting a good laptop for around $1500. And I also wanted to ask if ipads are accepted?</p>
<p>I don’t think an iPad would be allowed, at least not in place of a slate. The slate has to run Windows 7 so you can load and use the engineering software on it.</p>
<p>As far as the HP slate I’m not sure. They have 2 models out I believe, and I think that it’s at least 600 bones.</p>
<p>Here’s what VT has to say about the slates:
[Alternatives</a> to Convertible Tablet Requirement | <a href=“http://www.eng.vt.edu%5B/url%5D”>www.eng.vt.edu](<a href=“http://www.eng.vt.edu/it/alternative]Alternatives”>http://www.eng.vt.edu/it/alternative)</a></p>
<p>So many topics about the same thing is getting annoying, use the search function.</p>
<p>Your Option (Forget whatever the VT site says, i speaking from experience)
- Tablet PC (Avoid Fujitsu)
- Laptop + Slate (Dont reccomend, would be expensive)
- Laptop + external tablet (Wacom Bamboo) (BEST OPTION)</p>
<p>Number the 3 is the only real worthwhile option. Choose 3.</p>
<p>I noted the negative posts on the Fujitsu. My D is Class of 2014 and her Fujitsu has been like a rock. Been dropped, generally abused, left on for countless hours and virtually no problems. Go and look @ the bookstore for yourself. They are solid little laptops. My S starts Engineering this fall and we just put the deposit on the Fujitsu T901.</p>
<p>Not to knock the above poster’s purchase, but I have a hard time believing that the Fujitsu will be worth $1900. Out of all of my readings, I have found that the Lenovo x230t/220t are the most recommended, and their hardware seems indicative as to why. For anyone who is looking to save money and still is looking to purchase a convertible tablet, I’d recommend purchasing the x230t from the Barnes and Noble Lenovo site. Around $861 for base configuration, but be warned it comes with only a one year warranty. If you want to spend $1400 for VT’s bookstore model with 4 year on site warranty, or even more if you chose another model, be my guest.</p>
<p><a href=“http://shoplenovo.i2.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/barnesnoblegold/StdAffinityPortal/en_US/StdAffinity:Home?menu-id=products¤t-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087¤t-category-id=89ECFD45CA0654775864CDBAD2606AC7[/url]”>http://shoplenovo.i2.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/barnesnoblegold/StdAffinityPortal/en_US/StdAffinity:Home?menu-id=products¤t-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087¤t-category-id=89ECFD45CA0654775864CDBAD2606AC7</a></p>
<p>The above site does require a free signup to login.</p>
<p>Be warned that I have not tried any of the products I mentioned. This is simply the option that I would choose if I end up decided to go the convertible tablet route, which is not likely.</p>
<p>FWIW. This a true story. I rec’s a call from my D regarding her computer. Seems that one morning the tablet function ceased to function. I have a full time job and was unable to rush down and diagnose her computer. But, since I bought from the VT Bookstore, I didn’t have to. I instructed her to just bring the laptop to the bookstore and by that afternoon it was back up and running. </p>
<p>Now, if I had not purchased from the bookstore and purchased say from Amazon, B&N, or Best Buy, the fix would have been to bring to some authorized service center and hope for a repair in 2+ weeks. </p>
<p>This is precisely why the Engineering students purchase from the Bookstore at their inflated prices, for the warranty. </p>
<p>Just ask yourself, when the call comes in (and it will), who would you prefer to have purchased from?</p>
<p>At transfer orientation last week I heard from some students in my group that that an external tablet such as the wacom one is no longer allowed. Does anyone know for sure if students absolutely must have a tablet pc or a slate?</p>