<p>Alright, I thought I'd get us thinking about something other than waiting for admissions letters and look forward. One thing is certain, all of our kids (or, for the younger CC posters, you, yourself) will be attending A SCHOOL in the fall, so let's think about one upcoming major purchase- a computer. Some have kids who have gone through school or who are attending, so would you please share info about the computer that went along with your daughter/son? My D is going to be a vocal performance major and has applied only to conservatories (although all require some academic courses), but is extremely computer-savvy and uses it for everything. I've checked out the tech threads on CC but can't find anything relevant to what my D will need. I can't imagine that she'd need a laptop and a desk top or even a laptop and a notebook (the combination that's so popular now)....but what, exactly does a performance major use a computer for? :confused: I assume that each school has it's own requirements and preferences and also have companies they steer you toward? Do you wait until actual arrival at school to get the computer or do you buy it before and they supply the software you need? Can the cost be rolled in and included in the financial aid package? Help!!:D</p>
<p>DD, voice major, uses the computer for everything - all the class papers - Music history, theory, other university classes. Even in a conservatory they have other classes. She uses it to access all of the university information, registration, libraries, correspondence. She uses it to access a LOT of music. We have a subscription for her to Rhapsody and itunes. She has a digital recorder for her lessons that she loads onto the computer. She buys sheet music online and of course has all her social networks for class collaborations, amoung other things 
She has one regular notebook computer - or maybe it is what you are referring to as a laptop. The really small one is usually called a netbook now. That’s all she needs. </p>
<p>As to whether to get it ahead or at school, it varies greatly by school. S3’s school paid for all the software and had a special image for the school access so buying through the school was very cost beneficial. None of the other 3 had that so we just bought a good deal when we found it. Any special access software was loaded when they got there as part of moving into the room. </p>
<p>Funny side note, in the apartment this year all 3 of them have the exact same Dell model notebook. 2 voice majors and a psych major. </p>
<p>Not sure about financial aid question though.</p>
<p>Some schools actually mandate a specific (minimum) level model, and software packages and are often offered through the schools at a discounted price. I’d check the websites for the schools your student has applied to.</p>
<p>The common wisdom is that most music students prefer macs.</p>
<p>I was a performance major and I had a imac desktop. Honestly there is no need for a laptop. Sure its a little bit of a hassle to take home over breaks, but desktops are much cheaper. The only times I brought my computer to class were for my General Education courses, and the only thing I used it for was to surf the net and NOT pay attention. I had a voice recorder for all of my voice lessons and an Ipod for my music. Furthermore, the desktop allows for more space, and personally, as a performance major, I have ALOT of music. I spent around 1200 for a BEAUTIFUL brand new Imac and I LOVE IT.
I would not have changed it for anything.</p>
<p>It’s 2009.</p>
<p>A computer is pretty much understood as pretty darn essential. Even if you are majoring in 'Historically Informed Performance and Lifestyle" and don’t use electricity, toilets, and transportation; you’ll still probably need a computer! ;-)</p>
<p>You don’t need to get that trendy new macbook that everybody in a residence hall seems to have. Instead, anything with WiFi and a good word processor will do. Do make sure though, you get something with either a built-in wireless receiver, or you buy a compatible plug-in wireless card. Internet via hard wiring will not suffice for college life.</p>
<p>Like singersmom, I am also a bit confused by your wording of laptop, desktop, and notebook. I kind of take notebook to mean the same as laptop. She definitely does NOT need both a laptop AND a desktop. I think a sturdy entry-level laptop will suffice. Desktops might be better in terms of value and theft-proof-ness (important factor for dormitory life!) but I think they’ll be cumbersome and annoying in the long run. Think of how useful a laptop will be, when she’s at the end of the term at a late night decked out in the local cafe finishing her 3000 word essay which is due at 9 AM the following morning!</p>
<p>The one thing about a Mac is the Apple Care insurance. S1 got a very fancy PC based laptop computer when he graduated, which apparently is better suited to his computer science major and geek-like life. Unfortunately, he spilled water on or near it within 6 months of getting it. It went to the Dell hospital last Summer for around $600.00 That entailed sending it via Fed X to Dell in California or somewhere. When he brought it home for Christmas, its screen didn’t work and probably has some other issues. It is still here, and he took back with him his brother’s old Macbook computer which has been rehabilitated by Apple at our local Mac store, because we bought the Apple Care policy. </p>
<p>I know Apple makes a lot of money from Apple Care, but our family has really used it for our computers (the one I’m typing on) and iPhones. I’m going to recommend a Mac for S2 at college, if only because of this ease-of-repair WHEN something goes wrong.</p>
<p>Be sure to search your school’s webpages to find out if they recommend one or the other. Don’t want to spend a lot of money now to find out it’s the wrong one.</p>
<p>I have two performance majors, S has a PC, D has a Mac. Both are happy. S’s program had no requirements, but he had a lot of music-related programs already, so wanted to stay with a PC. His school didn’t care. </p>
<p>D’s Mac was pretty much necessary for her program. The music school uses various software that requires a Mac. If she had a PC, there are Macs available in the library and lab, but since we were starting over with her (she had an ancient desktop), we went with the school recommendation. We bought it through the school, with the school’s warranty, etc. Last fall, she got the Blue Screen of Death that is apparently fairly common with Macs, and the school techies had to fix it all. She lost a lot, but nothing criticial. The only thing I ever hear about is all her itunes that she lost.</p>
<p>S’s computer also had a meltdown, but it happened over Christmas, and H fixed it himself. (He insisted that D have the service warranty because he knows nothing about Macs.)</p>
<p>I do have to say that all my kids, and my H, are all pretty computer literate, techie types. (My oldest S has both PC and Mac.) So it wasn’t a matter of how hard it is to use, but a matter of compatibility; in D’s case, compatibility with her school, in S’s case, compatibility with his old files.</p>
<p>SJTH, Dell has CompleteCare that takes care of anything that happens. S3 had that and it took care of all repairs - anything he did to it. They even got the new hard drive with the school’s image to him overnight when his hard drive crashed. You just have to remember to check with anyplace you purchase for a similar plan. Include that in your cost comparisons.</p>
<p>My experience with S1 (who is now a college sophomore and is not a music student): During the summer, information was available on the school’s web site about its expectations and requirements re computers. Also, most colleges have negotiated discounted prices for their preferred computers. And, many computer companies offer special pricing and sales during the summer; incoming college freshmen are a big market for them.</p>
<p>Sorry- I did mean “netbook”. I’m showing my age, as those smaller ones used to be referred to as “notebooks”, which were smaller than laptops and have fewer features and hence, are much less expensive.
When my D was in middle school, the district bought a I-Books and then PowerBooks and distributed them to the kids as an “experiment”. The I-Books were (in)famous for just shutting down without warning, which, I’m afraid led to a much more creative vocabulary than one might want for a 7th grader! Her PowerBook was just sitting on her desk, not doing anything special, when it overheated and completely bent the metal! The experiment was short-lived and when last seen, those Macs were heading over to the primary school to help 1st graders work on phonics, while the administrators who authorized the money for the project are now employed elsewhere!! Judging from what I am reading here, the hoped for improvement must not have materialized! I have a Dell laptop that came with the full warranty and when I needed it, they sent out what I needed via overnight Fed Ex! When she makes her choice of schools, we’ll sit down and look at what the web sites say, then make our decision. I’m trying to sound out all of you and benefit from your wisdom!!</p>
<p>My daughter was a freshman last year, majoring in Voice and Theater. The school had 2 recommended laptops and I bought her one of them. She has never taken it out of her dorm room, except to bring home. It has a locking cable that deters casual thieves.</p>
<p>Recommendation:</p>
<p>1) Wait. Computers always get cheaper.
2) Buy the schools’ recommended configuration. They usual offer a student deal. Recommended configuration is also important because the school’s IT help desk can help with ANY problem with the computer.
3) 300 GB hard disk. It may seem like a lot, but it needs to last 4 years, and store lots of songs.
4) If you are buying it with Windows Vista, get Home Premium, not Home Basic.
5) Min of 2 GB of main memory, preferably 4 GB.
6) External hard drive for regular backups</p>
<p>If you have the extra cash:
7) Docking station (port replicator) for one cable connection for full size: Keyboard, mouse, network cable, printer, etc.
8) External monitor 17" min, but check if there are desk size limitations (bookshelf over desk).</p>
<p>Don’t buy software, unless you get student prices for the software. The school can sell you Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc for $70 or less for the entire office suite. Dittos for Finale (music writing software), etc. At Indiana U, a lot of that software is downloaded by students for free (they seem to have an enterprise wide license).</p>
<p>If your school allows a choice between a Windows-based computer and a Mac, consider the fact that a Mac will be, at the very least, twice the cost of a equivalent Windows system. I know they tout the whole Apple Care system, but that is an additional cost above the already-exorbitant price Apple is able to get for what is essentially the same hardware as the Windows system. Even if the Windows box requires full replacement, you’ll still be paying less to simply buy another one than pay the initial cost required for a Mac system.</p>
<p>When you’ve chosen your school, check to see what systems are available through that school’s IT department. You won’t necessarily save much over some discounters like tigerdirect.com or newegg.com, but they may offer onsite service if there are problems.</p>
<p>Daughter bought a Mac laptop through the school and picked it up her first day there. She uses it for email, Internet access, papers and arranging and composing music on Finale. We bought the AppleCare package knowing that kids can be hard on laptops. Did not have to use it (I guess it expired several months back at the start of her senior year).</p>
<p>Son has a similar setup but with some added recording programs and a USB stereo mic. He is not a music major, but does write songs and record them on his laptop. We have used the AppleCare to get him a new power supply when a wire broke in the old one.</p>
<p>Son has a MacBook that was required by the school and with the package he got all of the softwear required by the school including certain upgrades a they go along. The school also required 3 years of apple care (1st year it had the warranty) He has had to have repairs made several times. There have been times that they were a little sticky about making repairs saying that the cause of the problem may be “operator error”, but he stayed with it and prevailed and they have always fixed everything. He LOVES his MacBook and says it is superior for music studies. He takes it everywhere and I think he takes notes on it while in class.</p>
<p>I would highly recomend Dorm Insurance. It should cover theft and that dropped computer or that water spill on the keyboard. It is inexpensive and could be a life saver.</p>
<p>These are excellent suggestions! OperaDad, we’ll definitely follow your specific advice when the time comes. It’s nice to have it all laid out, plain as day.</p>
<p>My son had a mac desktop when he went to school as a freshman. He loved it because of all the music etc, it could hold…and easy to use. After the first semester, he felt like he made a mistake because the desktop wasn’t portable (duh), and he realized it would be alot more convenient to be able to bring it with him. Particulary over short breaks and vacations…he seems like he’s always working on new songs and learning new music. We ended up getting him a new Macbook air, which he loves. I do think his school suggests Macs, but I’m not positive…I think because of the graphics and programs that can be added…maybe ds is the one to tell me that, to assure the purchase of the new laptop, lol. </p>
<p>Our whole family has made the switch from PC to Mac over the past few years. I love mine, and never had a single glitch.</p>
<p>My D has the Macbook Pro - she loves it. She got it and the software through the school. Remember to talk to your insurance company about adding the computer to your policy.</p>
<p>I would add that any serious artist/musician that uses their computer for more than surfing the web and word processing wouldn’t be caught with anything but a mac. One thing that needs to be added to the equation is the virus/spyware issues that haunt pcs. I am on my 4th mac (addicted to the latest) and have not needed to spend 1 penny on anti-virus software and have had no viruses or troubles. Definitely ask other students in the music program at the school your child is going to attend and see what they are using. That is much better advice than listening to us old parents. BTW, Dell will try to sell you their extended warranty as much as Apple will as will all other PC mfgs.</p>
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<p>Does this mean my Juilliard grad student son who plays horn, piano, and composes, isn’t serious? Or just trying desperately not to get caught? ;)</p>
<p>Okay Binx, composers can get away with a PC, depending on what software they’ve become most comfortable with. And yes, there’s lots of freeware or less expensive programs that increasingly can run reliably on a PC with respect to other music creation and recording pursuits. But really, pukadad and others who cite the beloved mac for music are probably aligned with the majority-opinion in the industry. Especially if the musician in question considers any technology courses. Some schools will require the mac outright (like U of M in tech classes). Second consideration is whether or not the same student has interest in other media forms or graphics programs, which are also a little more intuitive on a mac.
To OP – Just so you know, my design company has beat the daylights out of every mac under the sun since 1984. Dollar for dollar they’ve outperformed their peers. We spend a fraction of the time/money on maintenance. We’re still running boxes that are essentially obsolete as well (convert em to file servers.) I tell you this not to convince you to get a mac (it’s truly your choice) but so that you understand your early school’s experience with macs is highly unusual in my experience. (Note: I’ve also been able to compare directly in magazine and daily news settings, and once again, the mac has always won for durability, reliability and longevity in those high-usage settings!)
When it comes to durability, however, IF you were to consider a portable THAT IS ALSO a mac, I’d be inclined to invest in the macbook pro instead of the air (although substantially more expensive) because the pro is highly durable and expandable compared to the air, the latter of which may be a little delicate for campus life.</p>
<p>That said, I would not buy a thing until you get the specs from the program your student selects. Also note that if the program requires a computer and if you are a candidate for financial aid, I understand that the cost can be added to your COA. (But it MUST be a requirement…)
Hope that helps.
Cheers, K</p>