Computers in college

Parents Forum
1

<p>This may be premature, as S hasn't yet made a final college choice (it'll be Cornell, Northwestern, Georgetown or U VA)...but I'm beginning to consider what he'll need to bring with him when he goes...</p>

<p>First on the list: computer. I plan to upgrade what he would have had in the way of computer equipment as his HS graduation gift...we'll get him a new computer for school, rather than having him take the 5-year-old machine he uses here at home. And since he's considerably more computer-savvy than I am, I will give him a price and let him pick. Included in the price limit "should" be (I think) whatever peripherals he should have--certainly a printer, don't you think?</p>

<p>Currently, he's thinking about whether he'd prefer a laptop (we have a household laptop which we both pretty much dislike intensely) or a desktop. Or maybe getting "lesser" of each so as to have both...</p>

<p>Plus, I've heard that some colleges allow their students to buy computer equipment, at a signficant cost savings, through the school.</p>

<p>So...now I'm seeking advice from all you wise folks who have either gotten further w/researching this question than we have, or who have had experience with it.</p>

<p>First: what's a good amount to allocate for this purchase? I want him to have as good a computer as he needs (plus a little), but I don't want to (necessarily) buy "top of the line" to sit in a dorm room (or travel around campus)...he plans to study either science (biology) or govt or both--and concedes he may change his mind...he does play computer games, although I'm not sure game capacity is a huge issue...My thinking is I would have bought a good basic computer set-up for him as part of the cost of sending him to college...so I want to give him enough that there's some "real" graduation present in this for him, too...</p>

<p>Next: Does anyone have experience w/buying thru a school vs going thru Dell or Best Buy or Comp USA (or wherever?)? Are there compatibility issues?</p>

<p>And: Are there software programs we "must" make sure the computer has?</p>

<p>Then: What peripherals (other than printer) should we put on the list as either "must's" or "really-good-to-have's?"</p>

<p>Finally: are there other issues I haven't thought of (probably) that would be good for me to keep in mind?</p>

<p>Thanks SO much for your help!</p>

2

<p>Printer? I think a cheap printer should suffice. Many schools have laser printer services in the library and students are entitled to a certain amount of free pages a semester. (It was about a 110 for me) You can pay later should you need more pages.</p>

<p>Price? There are some good deals if you go through your school's discount service. I found that the best deals are from online coupon sites like <a href="http://www.bensbargains.net%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.bensbargains.net&lt;/a>. If you look around there, they have Dell systems that are really solid in price. I know Apple itself also has a education discount that kicks in as long as you present your Student ID during the purchase.</p>

<p>Desktop or laptop? You should check to see if the campus has wireless internet or not. If so, getting a laptop would probably make more sense. If not, I found that desktops are cheaper, more powerful (better for gaming), and much more difficult to steal.</p>

<p>Software? There are thousands of college networks where students can (illegally) swap software, movies, songs, etc... etc... You can get software for free on those networks but if you prefer a legal version, it's best to get software through the school as they will provide you with a significant discount that no store can match.</p>

<p>Peripherals? Flat panel monitors are very useful if you are getting a desktop as they can save a lot of space. Flash USB drives are becoming increasing more popular in replacing floppy drives and I've had to use mine a couple of times for presentations. Lastly, I would recommend a good set of headphones just in case picky roommates don't like music blaring over the speakers.</p>

3

<p>Search for the IT section of your colleges' websites. Many of them recommend specific brands (often Dell), both for a special discount, and because the on-campus techs have been trained to work on them. This has proven invaluable for my daughter. She chose a laptop for portability, and because they take up so much less space. Below is the Williams College computer recommendation page, as an example. I recall that Colgate also had a similar relationship with Dell.
<a href="http://oit.williams.edu/oit/faqs/purchasing/pc.cfm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://oit.williams.edu/oit/faqs/purchasing/pc.cfm&lt;/a>
Here's Cornell's
<a href="http://www.purchasing.cornell.edu/dell.cfm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.purchasing.cornell.edu/dell.cfm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

4

<p>UVa has a program Cavalier computers, which provides several "packages" of computers and peripherals. So do many other schools. Look at that site and you'll get some idea of costs for various items. I'm sure the other schools have similar sites and programs.</p>

<p>Re laptop or desktop, my intitial inclination was to go laptop, but after reading a bit and having son do the same, he chose desktop. I believe what happens with the laptops is that the kids generally get tired of luggging around something that they don't really need that much (most schools have free computer stations all over the place) .........then you're left with an inferior keyboard, display, and peripheral adaptibility. Plus an increased theft risk. Son hasn't regreted his decision to get the desktop. </p>

<p>The packages have a personal laser printer associated with them which adds around $ 150 or so as of last years pricing.</p>

5

<p>We all use laptops for our primary computers here- myself- my college senior to be and my freshman in high school( my husband is technophobic although he is starting to use his cell phone)</p>

<p>A laptop is so much more practical- not only do most campuses have wireless , but many students whether they travel or come home for breaks appreciate the portability of a laptop when they continue their work ( or play)
Both my daughters often go to coffee shops to enjoy the free wireless hook ups ( we have dial up at home) and the college has wireless in the science labs as well as other areas around campus ( and Portland)
She did bring a cheap printer for freshman year- but the dorms often also have printers and with her job at computer services came free printing- a very attractive perk.
as far as software goes- her school has site liscenses for critical software that is used over the network- so she hasn't had to purchase anything big- for biology she uses Latex to format her papers- I don't believe we have any microsoft products installed , neither I nor my 14 yr old do anyway ;)
I would wait and see what the school recommends- and get a basic computer- with expectation that he will upgrade senior year- at least that is what my daughter did- she bought her own computer right after highschool- but upgraded recently- the increase in speed and power permits her to do much more- ( although she really should have waited a few months- thats the problem- no matter what you buy- a year later you could have gone much faster and bigger for half the price!)
Flash usb drives are very inexpensive and quite handy- mine even runs itunes!</p>

6

<p>My older S had a laptop which he brought home to do work on school breaks. Very practical. Another consideration was that it took a lot less desk space than a regular computer with monitor, screen, etc. This was particular good since his last room was the size of a closet.
He had a printer in his room, which was also very handy.</p>

<p>My younger S lugs his laptop in his knapsack everyday on top of the heavy books needed for high school. He won't have those heavy tomes when in college. We're thinking of buying him a combo scanner/copier/printer that costs about $200. </p>

<p>For ideas of costs, look up the thread by Byerly on the Harvard board. Many other schools have similar deals. On Confidential cafe and on college life, students also discuss the pros and cons of specific models.</p>

7

<p>Overanxious- I was listening to a Techie type radio program and they were addressing similar issues about what to get for the college-bound student. The one thing the expert stressed was waiting till at least July or August to make the purchase. He said that in just those several months over the summer, newer technologies hit the market and price points go down. That way, your student can get a better computer and for less money.</p>

8

<p>
[quote]
The one thing the expert stressed was waiting till at least July or August to make the purchase.

[/quote]
Funny, the Williams IT department stressed exactly the same thing.</p>

9

<p>The excellent Dell box I am using right now cost me $350 ($500 - $150 rebate). I am using a big old clunky monitor from an earlier computer. A nice laptop still costs a lot more. Not sure what we will do with our S, but I am worried he would drop, forget, lose or have a laptop stolen. :(</p>

10

<p>my daughters haven't had problems- of course you want to use common sense- like don't leave your laptop in the front seat of an unlocked car-, and my 14 yr old doesn't take hers to school- but especially if you use Apple OS you can go a long time before upgrading so it can be very costeffective.
My 14 yrs olds computer is 4 years old and mine is 6, and they work perfectly for our needs
If you decide to go for a laptop however, I would go for the extended warranty- since you will be hauling it around, it is likely that by the time the end of the warranty is up- you will have gotten your money out of it.</p>

<p>You will have the ability to use computers around campus- but since your files won't be on them- that may impact the help it is to you( however if your computer is on and hooked up to the network- you can access your own files across campus!)</p>

11

<p>We have similar issues - we will probably buy through the school, because DD, while computer literate, will need help when things go awry.</p>

<p>I don't think you can make any firm decisions, other than a sketchy budget, until he decides on a school. DD's school for instance, is completely wireless, so a desktop doesn't make much sense. The IT department will install the network cards for you and take responsibility for compatibility if you buy through them, but they only support certain Dell products, for instance, not all Dell products. Printing is free, probably to the extent she will need it, but we aren't sure about convenience, yada yada. Other schools she considered told us very different things about computers - so one would make very different decisions. The laptop plus prom dress are her graduation presents as well, but the laptop will just be a certificate "Redeem to Buy One Laptop", until we get the word from the college's IT department.</p>

12

<p>It also depends if your S plays games or not. My S initially plans to ship his desktop and if there is need for a laptop, we will buy after few months.</p>

<p>Libraries have computers and for portability of stuff you can always buy those jump drives.</p>

<p>For monitors, flat panel LCD monitors would be very useful - it saves space.</p>

<p>For about $1,000-$1,200 you can get a very nice desk top.</p>

13

<p>I doubt that he needs a printer. At the colleges you cited, most of their dorms will have printers available. In addition there should be printers scattered about the campus. On the isszue of laptop vs desk top, I would defitely recommend the laptop.The one thing you should include is a laptop with wireless capabilities. Most campuses are rapidly installing wireless networks and it is quite a convenience for their students.</p>

14

<p>As far as printers, my D has gotten plenty of use out of the combination printer/scanner/copier we got her. I'm sure it depends on your location, but it's nice to have, even just as a backup so you don't have to run across campus in the middle of the night in a blizzard after pulling an allnighter. However, having a college-recommended computer that the IT guys can set up, reconfigure, backup, save info from, or debug on short turnaround--definitely priceless. I wish I had someone like that who did it for free....other than my poor husband:)</p>

15

<p>Laptop vs Desktop: The laptop is more convenient to bring home on breaks. But, most college kids leave them in their dormrooms the majority of the time while on campus. I don't think my daughter has ever taken hers out of the dorm, although she has taken it to other rooms or the dorm lounge. The laptop would really only be critical if the dorm environment were not conducive to writing papers. Even then, a laptop would not be absolutely necessary. D's college has a ton of public computers in the library and you can check out college owned laptops at the circulation desk just like a book for use in the library, four hours at a time. Files can be stored on the network server or carried around on your roomkey keychain on a USB memory storage chip.</p>

<p>Dell vs Best Buy: Colleges that have a contract with Dell allow you to access the Dell website and purchase with a slight discount. However, that is really not the big issue. The Dell education and small business machines are bundled with Windows XP Pro and 3-year on site service. The prices on the retail machines at Best Buy look very attractive UNTIL you start figuring the upcharge for XP Pro and the extended service plans. We couldn't touch the price of a Dell once those were factored in.</p>

<p>XP Pro versus XP Home: Colleges operate large networks that you are a part of. They much prefer XP Pro over XP Home because the additional security feature allow your computer to be logged on as a permanent part of the network. However, XP Home will work and is generally supported. </p>

<p>Software: Definitely buy the Educational versions of any software -- either through the school, through Dell, or with a Student ID at a retail store. The savings are astronomical.</p>

<p>Dell Outlet: we found some very attractive values at the Dell Outlet -- refurbs and returns. The price will be the same as buying the new machine, but the computers are often bundled with memory upgrades, bigger hard drives, etc. TWe've bought a desktop and a notebook both machines were in as-new condition. The laptop (a widescreen version for the price of the regular student package) was bundled with the three-year on-site service. The inventory changes daily, so you get an idea of what you are looking for and just keep an eye out.</p>

<p>Wireless: this is no big deal. It is an inexpensive card ($30) that can be easily added at any time to a laptop or desktop. Find the specs of the card the college recommends. Any card that supports the same wireless protocols and speeds will work fine. For example, Dell sells two functionally identical cards -- an Intel brand and a Dell brand, one of which was about half the price.</p>

16

<p>At the school my D attends, we purchased the computer through the school. She has an apple G4 12 inch powerbook, it came fully loaded, picked it up on move in day and was all set. she loves it as campus is wireless so she can work where. School has an authorized Dell and Mac service center on campus, and will support any computer purchased through the school. </p>

<p>Daughter will be at school with Cangel's D in the fall (buy the printer, you can order it with the computer) although there are printers through out the campus printers in the dorm can sometimes be inconvenient especially if you are a night owl.</p>

17

<p>One thing I have noticed: more and more high schoolers are getting used to powerpoint. I expect that college students are also making use of this technology. This means that they may want to bring along a laptop to make a presentation or to use a CD burner to produce a CD that can be inserted in the audio-visual equipment.<br>
If they are going to do powerpoint, they will be using visuals as well as text. Some of those visuals will be googled, but others may be scanned. This is one reason to seriously consider the scanner/copier/printer option.</p>

18

<p>Having a printer is quite essential, and they are very cheap these days. (It's the replacement ink cartridges that are costly.) Dorm printers, if they exist, may be inconveniently located or out of service at a critical time. In addition, it may be necessary to print on special paper once in a while - trying to do this on a printer that is two floors down and at the other end of the hallway may be next to impossible without a roommate and a pair of cell-phones.</p>

<p>There's a Notebook</a> vs. Desktop discussion on the main CC site. It's a bit dated, but the key tradeoffs remain the same.</p>

<p>I used to be a desktop advocate, but laptops are getting cheap enough that I'm approaching neutrality. Laptops save space in small rooms and offer portability, but are more likely to be dropped or stolen. Desktops are still cheaper, less likely to break, and easier to expand or repair.</p>

<p>As others have suggested, waiting until mid-summer will probably produce better deals. Don't wait until the last minute, though - you want to be sure any needed software is installed and working, and that there's time to return the machine to the store if any unsolvable problems crop up.</p>

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<p>About theft:</p>

<p>I bring a laptop on my travels and use a lock. It costs about $25-30.</p>

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<p>If you go with Dell, i would strongly suggest their desktop's over their laptops. if you go with a laptop definatly get the 3 year warrenty on it. as far as good affordable laptops, check out Toshiba's.. they make great laptops. dell desktop's are fine.</p>