<p>Now that the computer guidelines are up on the Amherst site, I want to get my DD a laptop. What is everyone getting? What do you think is the best and why? I am not a technocrat.</p>
<p>I'm wondering about laptops, too. Are we required to have a specific version of Office -- I've been told I have to get the student version, and it costs a lot!</p>
<p>my own plan is to wait till i get there. i bet there are some nice stores in the area, considering the presence of 5 colleges, plus you can always find a good bargain online, if you dont like anything at the stores.</p>
<p>btw, i remember reading that you can buy software at Amherst's IT department at better prices. so i am definitely doing to wait before i buy anything</p>
<p>The website has the school has Windows program for only $10, so I will get that there, but the computer???????</p>
<p>Went back to the school's new student technology page and they offer computers at a discount. Will probably buy one through them.</p>
<p>The student version of the software should be significantly cheaper than otherwise and often has a more permissive licensing agreement.</p>
<p>Note: I don't know about Amherst, but at Smith they will support only computers purchased through Smith and that support is pretty good. Something to think about...the Smith computer prices weren't bad but the guaranteed support made it a no brainer, beats getting a call at 2am, "Dad was does a XJ43 error mean?" or whatever when a paper is do in four hours.</p>
<p>Thanks, TheDad. Read the website more carefully, and it would appear that there is abit more help from the tech support dept. if purchased there, but not that much. They will help with all, but warranty or extended warranty is required and there are recommended repair shops in town. There is no real reason to buy from them, except that it might be handier in the long run - not having to go out, comparison shop, apples to oranges, etc. These are already configured for the school requirements.</p>
<p>Oh, dear...I may have to make my brother drive me up there just so he can make my computer work. I'm hopeless with it.</p>
<p>there will be people to help you with the software :)</p>
<p>From my past experience, the Amherst server is very user-friendly. It's compatible with virtually all types of laptops. Any old laptop with Pentium III and above should be compatible with the current Amherst server.</p>
<p>If you're thinking about purchasing a new laptop, I wouldn't suggest buying it through the school because the preordered notebooks are usually loaded with unnecessary packages, making the price higher than normal. It's better for you to buy the laptop from the company because you can customize what you want. Normally, the major companies offer special discount price, making the reduced price of the school a moot point.</p>
<p>Here're a few tips for the new laptop:
1) CPU: the new M chip is the must have. This new chip generates less heat and conserves energy. Other CPU generates a lot of heat, making the laptop a frying pan after 45-60 mins of usage. In addition, the laptop might lag and possibly freeze if the heat is out of control.
2) CD: it must be able to read DVDs. If your daughter/son is a gadget freak, I would highly recommend a DVD burner.
3) Wireless: the school wireless system uses b. Some other wireless systems in the US use g. Nobody uses a. Don't overspend for a a/b/g wireless card.
4) Software: The school has all the required software at a bargain. Don't overspend any money on software. Just get the cheapest operating system available. You can upgrade the operating system to Windows XP for $10.
5) Warranty: This varies from an individual to individual basis. If your daughter/son is unorganized person, a three years warranty might be a good idea. In this world of technology, anything over three years is outdated.</p>
<p>Let me know if you have any other question.</p>
<p>I am considering a desktop. I will transfer to Amherst and will be a part of the '08.I will major in chemistry and I want to know if people at Amherst use their laptops to get notes in lectures or in the lab. My guess is that it is a bit impossible to do that in chemistry, but hey... </p>
<p>Otherwise, I choose a Cheaper, much more Powerful desktop.</p>