<p>My parents have been saying all along that they'll buy me a laptop as a graduation present before I leave for UM. I went to a UM reception a few days ago and the counselor was very adamant about the fact that having one's own computer at UM is not necessary. Now my parents are rethinking getting me the laptop. I know UM has excellent computing facilities, but it seems incredibly inconvenient to me to have to leave your dorm just to use a computer. Perhaps that's because I'm spoiled by being able to sit on my computer at home in my pajamas eating chips for hours on end and go online in the middle of the night when I can't sleep. It'd also be nice to be able to work at a cafe or outside. </p>
<p>What have people's experiences been with computing at UM? Do you find it necessary to have your own computer? I'm determined to have one at this point, even if I have to pay for it myself (which is not appealing as financial aid was not kind and my parents aren't planning to help out much), but I'm trying to figure out if that's unreasonable.</p>
<p>Also, in general, what's a good laptop to have on campus? I don't know much about computers, so I'm basing everything off reviews at this point. I know macs are popular, and I adore my friend's macbook pro, but that's not exactly financially reasonable at this point. I'd like to stay under a thousand if at all possible. I've also been looking at the dell inspiron.</p>
<p>Any suggestions about any of this are appreciated!</p>
<p>Every person I know has one at Umich. And based on my experiences with shared computers, it is in your best interest just to get your own.</p>
<p>I say bit the bullet and buy a cheap $500 dollar laptop. This relatively small expense will make college a lot more convenient and fun, especially if you are a heavy computer user and you like doing things with a computer as opposed to pen and paper.</p>
<p>could you please elaborate on your experiences with shared computers? a few horror stories might be enough to convince my parents to fork over the cash.
thanks for the advice!</p>
<p>just wondering, on computer issue. If I am a heavy computer user, do you think it is okay to bring a desktop instead of laptop to U of M? because, I make my own computer and for the same price, I will have great desktop!</p>
<p>regardless of what type of computer you have, you absolutely need one of your own. </p>
<p>Annarborchick, here is a very feasible scenario. You've been working on an assignment over the weekend that is due first thing Monday morning. You've been using your friend's computer and the open computers in one of the many labs, and are ready to turn in your assignment. Low and behold, your good friend and study-mate calls you up at 11:30 pm on Sunday night and says, "You need to check your email! We messed up on section 4 and need to redo it!!"</p>
<p>Well, in this scenario, you would be S out of luck. </p>
<p>The benefit of having a computer in college far outweighs the minimal costs. As another user mentioned, computers can be had for around $400-600. Beg if you have to: get a computer.</p>
<p>btw, it is always the people who already have computers that will say, "Oh, it's no big deal. You'll be fine without one!"</p>
<p>Yeah, but the problem without a laptop is that it isn't portable. Personally, I would buy a laptop right now for around $500. With the release of Win Vista, laptops have to keep certain standards with speeds, and as long as you have 1GB of ram, the computer will last you for 4 years easily for school-related activities.</p>
<p>However, a desktop you build yourself will last last much longer because of the build quality. Laptops do not have the same quality as a DIY-desktop. Pretty much nothing, actually, compared to a DIYdesktop.</p>
<p>The computer I built in 2004 will easily last until I'm done with college. It runs all the latest stuff with ease. I can't say the same for most laptops because usually something goes wrong with it, and you have to send it in for repairs. However, a $500 price tag is well worth the advantage.</p>
<p>As someone who is a foremost expert on computers (I have first-hand experience and I'm not one of those idiots who claims to be competent with tech), I recommend buying a cheap laptop, preferably a Toshiba or HP. Do NOT buy extra warranty. Also, make sure you get at least 1 GB of ram. The processor probably won't make much of a difference for most people, but the ram will make a huge one. I could go into detail, but I'll stop now.</p>
<p>If you have any questions, IM me with the model and I'll take a look.</p>
<p>Looks like a good laptop might be the HP dv6000. There is two versions though, one with Core 2 Duo processor and the other with AMD Turion 64 X2 dual-core processor. I was wondering if one is better than the other, or what not. Anyone have an opinoin?</p>