<p>Class of 2010-
What type of computer did y’all get issued? I have heard that it is a tablet notebook. Is this correct? If so, how well does the writing/pen & pad function work? Do you take notes on your computer in class? Also, does anyone know what type of computer 2011 will be issued, and do they have to stay on base or can we take them home during holidays?</p>
<p>I have no idea what 2011 will be issued, though I would assume at this point you will get tablets like we did. My cacl 3 instructor last semester told me that they're looking at new technologies for classrooms that interface with tablets, which is why I think you will get them too.</p>
<p>As for ours, they are Gateway tablet PCs...1.86 GHz, 1GB Ram, 40GB hard drive, plus 160 GB external drive. They're not the fastest thing around, but they're pretty good. They'll likely begin to be be obsolete by the time we're seniors, but they're typical for now. The pen function does work fairly well, I used it to take notes in my calc 3 class, since I needed the computer to access MATLAB, our computation program, and it works fairly well. Plus there's no paper hassle.</p>
<p>They are your computers and you can take them home or to your sponsor's or wherever, but the government owns the network you use them on, so while you're at the Academy, they're technically shared domain (hence all the rules, especially regarding internet surfing), but they're definitely yours, bottom line.</p>
<p>So are we going to be issued our computers right after BCT?</p>
<p>You will most likely get them around August 10th or so. We got ours a day or two after Acceptance Day. </p>
<p>I took most all of my notes for all my classes (except japanese) on my tablet. As long as its always backed up, I recommend it, must less paper hassle and paper weight!</p>
<p>I've got like the opposite view of the Tablets. I talked with some of the contractors here who work on the computers. These things keep having issues. The alternative to what we were issued was Dual Core Dell's. After already having to get my motherboard replaced once, I'm not really a big fan of these things anymore. Additionally, to write on the tablet screen actually takes more work I've found then writing in just a simple notebook. When I do use my computer in class, I've found I type faster than I write anyways.</p>
<p>Yeah, so people really like these computers though. I can't blame them they do have a decent graphics card and pretty much can do whatever we need them to.</p>
<p>First, understand that I had a nice desktop at home. These computers were a major downgrade for me. They are fine for the work you do for class, but cannot run very intensive programs. I found that I write too small for the calibration on the tablet. I have used the stylus a grand total of three times. For the money spent, I would much rather have a nice Dell. The graphics card is a 64MB card...I miss my old 256MB card...Actually, I just miss my old computer.</p>
<p>lol amen to that raimius. However, I wish I had the RAM of these on my old comp (512)</p>
<p>Im curiuos now that you mentioned the graphics card, are you guys allowed to play CP games on your laptops?(RTS, Simulators) Do you? Just wondering</p>
<p>Uhmmm...no, 4 digs aren't allowed to play PC games...although some do...</p>
<p>I had some, but they ran poorly, and the upperclassmen are getting stricter about contraband...I deleted them recently.<br>
After Recognition, I will probably get a couple games to play on the weekends.</p>
<p>I'm looking forward to some Battlefield after Recognition....in 64 days!</p>
<p>I know one guy who tried to run BF2. There were a ton of graphics glitches (even on low). BF2 requires a 128MB card; while we only have a 64MB card. That bummed me out because that was my favorite game before I got here.</p>
<p>couldnt you guys upgrade em?</p>
<p>Hey I just got BF2 and it is nice!! :) Although I wish I had internet on my pc so I could play multiplayer. I just built my own pc and I wouldn't expect that those pcs could run bf2 both based on the processing power(unless it is dual core) and the graphics card. Also, cdk I've never tried to upgrade a laptop or even really looked inside of one but I would expect that it would be much harder, especially in the specifications for parts, and it would probably be more involved.</p>
<p>Can't touch the hardware on these. At all. period. </p>
<p>I love BF2 at home. I played a lot of the BF2142 demo over the break. That's pretty nifty too!</p>
<p>Online multiplayer is a must on battlefield games.
I liked the squad system and rankings on BF2. I only played a little 2142 over break and I didn't like the unlock system as much.
Wow, I've gotten a little off topic.</p>
<p>The issue computers do what the academy needs them to (usually), but not a whole lot beyond that.</p>
<p>Does solitaire, etc, qualify as a computer game, or are we talking about world of warcraft and the like?</p>
<p>So we're not allowed to buy more memory for the laptops?</p>
<p>Are we allowed to bring our own or do we have the use the ones issued.</p>
<p>You can bring a laptop after freshman year I think. Maybe even during, not sure, but I wouldn't worry about it, you'll have plenty to do anyways.</p>