<p>Hi</p>
<p>I was wondering if anybody had any recommendations for desktop computers for use at boarding schools. preferably a windows? i've had bad experiences with macs.</p>
<p>my son is planning on purchasing an HP touchsmart desktop computer for next year (he is at BS this year in 9th, but using a loaner computer).</p>
<p>HP</a> Official Store — Buy HP All-in-One PCs Desktop & All-in-One PCs from HP</p>
<p>single cord, compact enough that transporting it home at the end of the year isn't a big problem (you wouldn't bring it home over break, though), large screen, cordless mouse and keyboard (keyboard is back-lit, so you can use it in the dark -- a nice feature if your roommate is sleeping and you are still doing homework), works well as a dvd player and some models have a TV tuner card, small footprint on the desk (those desks just aren't that big), good reviews,</p>
<p>I definitely prefer Macintosh, but when I think of PC's I think of nothing better than Sony. A Sony Vaio desktop would be the best way to go in my opinion. Easy to use, Sleek, Not too expensive, and Innovative. The link below has the cnet review of Sony's computers. If you didn't know, CNET is a reliable technology review source (though it does lean PC ;)).</p>
<p>Sony</a> Desktops - CNET Reviews</p>
<p>If there is any way I could convince you to go Mac, I'd like to talk to you about the possibility.</p>
<p>I would reconsider a Mac. It is perfect for boarding school needs. If not go Dell, it is cheap in price but good in quality. </p>
<p>I would also suggest looking for a nice laptop (not a mobile one, just one that provides desktop and mobile utility).</p>
<p>In my opinion (I've decided to try and convince you anyway), MacOS (Leopard) is the easiest operating system to use with a dock showing your main applications, high level virus protection, and doesn't require you to do system check-ups. Its hardware is top-notch, as it is made as an education computer and always has been and requires top speeds and easy wireless connection, as well as a long battery life (So it's well worth the cost). It also has iChat with its built-in camera system so you can video chat for free and easily from home. Safari, its web browser, is considered by many the fastest and most efficient of them all (more so than Firefox), and less likely to encounter bugs. They have only one cord and Leopard comes pre-installed. The new Desktop line just came out as well. I would suggest a laptop though, as they are easier to transport (he could take it to class).</p>
<p>I have a 5k mbook pro 17 right now (new, it was broken by an idiot)... I can tell you that I do not like to spend money excessively but the the Snow leopard (the new one, succeeding leopard) is amazing! </p>
<p>It is easy to use, fun, and user friendly. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>haha thanks for the mac recommendations, but i already have a macbook which i'm typing on right now and i'd rather go for a windows desktop since this will given to my sibling for her school use. yes i agree that macs are very easy to use and student friendly but it's just my personal experiences with it. my macbook has crashed twice in the past year without me downloading anything or damaging it at all. and I just feel more comfortable using a windows interface.</p>
<p>I recommend that you choose a laptop NOT a desktop computer. Mobility is important: lugging it to the library, bringing it home during breaks, etc.</p>
<p>Macs are "trendy" but personally, I own a Dell with Vista and I've not had any problems for the past few years.</p>
<p>also, how do you guys feel about tablet notebooks? i've seen a couple and they're pretty nifty....</p>
<p>thanks for the helpful responses!</p>
<p>I thought all the kids had laptops. You'll want to bring it home on breaks if for nothing more than to e-mail your friends. :)</p>
<p>Eck....Vista. if I like Macs because they were trendy I wouldn't have one.</p>
<p>Tablets seem like too much work to me when you're just using it as a stationary desktop. </p>
<p>I'll make a chart:</p>
<p>Voodoo (Owned by HP): Most Expensive, Highest Quality
Other HP: Medium price, good quality
Sony: Mostly cheap, high quality for low price
Dell: Cheap, low quality</p>
<p>So if you're going for high-end, high price, go Voodoo. Best quality for a lower price, Sony Vaio.</p>
<p>I honestly doubt that I will sit in class and write on my tablet with a stylus. They are pretty nifty, yes, but I would not suggest it... A few reasons here:</p>
<p>-Tablets have a lot lower capacity, overall, than other laptops... This will lead to:
a) Higher prices for a proficient laptop
b) A very low quality basic model
-They are a lot more fragile</p>
<p>All that being said my mom loves her tablet. She uses it during meetings and when she needs to take notes. It is better in the realm of taking notes due to the fact that you will not have a screen in front of you and it can be in your lap.</p>
<p>When you get to the dorm to study the notes, it will be illegible, trust me. If you get a program (they start around $399, crappy ones start at $99) that changes your handwriting to a .doc format it will be inaccurate and you may miss key points. </p>
<p>All this being said it depends on what your tastes are. From my previous, as I'm sure you can tell, I have a taste for good laptops with high capacity. For those who do not mind low memory, low HD capacity, and other compromised features, a tablet pc will fit in well.</p>
<p>I beg to differ, SoontoBoard. Dell may have low starting prices but their laptops (especially Adamo by Dell) are quite good. You get SO much more per dollar, it is extremely reasonable... You can easily get top models for sub 2000$ prices and have warranty. </p>
<p>In boarding schools if you have the time to play games so much that a Voodoo pc makes a difference there is a MINOR disconnect. Voodoo is a top of the line gaming pc and costs a lot. No one will have that luxury of time.</p>
<p>HP HDs are crappy and crash every now and then. If you want "HP like" computers go Toshiba. In my humble opinion, of course.</p>
<p>My son also has a Mac and was a complete fan -- until the past couple of years using it at BS, he has had multiple problems. But it seems like all manufacturers have problems.</p>
<p>My son said he would prefer a large screen desktop to a laptop -- he doesn't see the need to tote his computer around and we have a computer at home for breaks.</p>
<p>The first thing you need to do is check with the school -- most schools have some basic requirements and some advice. While almost all schools are compatible with Macs (some are not -- so be warned), not all of them interface easily with Macs. Almost every school is set up for windows -- and then adapts for Macs, so tech support from the school might be tricky. If you aren't tech savvy, you might want to stick with Windows if that is the platform the school uses.</p>
<p>I've had bad Dell experiences in the past so I may be a bit biased.</p>
<p>I bought Parallels Desktop for my Mac, I can run Windows and Mac as needed. It is a good idea and only $79. </p>
<p>In terms of a big screen, I am considering buying a 30 in monitor with a DVI cable to connect my laptop. The mac one is expensive and I do not want to buy it if the dorms are small as 30in takes up a bit of space.</p>