<p>Do I need to buy a laptop or will the computers in the library be sufficient?</p>
<p>I dont really use computers in the library but I think every student should have a laptop. Especially if you’re up late at night working when the libraries are closed.</p>
<p>If it’s a price issue, you could get a netbook for ~$250 or a tablet ($100-400).</p>
<p>Yes. You need a laptop.</p>
<p>As a commuter, I use the computers on campus because I don’t want to bring a heavy laptop to school. </p>
<p>Although the libraries aren’t very crowded during non-finals week, there can be times when you won’t be able to find a computer to use in the library, depending on the time of day. But overall there are enough computers and a high turn over rate. Even if there isn’t one available when you get there, there will be soon since a lot of students like myself go there for a small break between class. The libraries also just got a new grant so they will be installing more computers in the library. Since I’m on different parts of the campus, I also use the APM labs and the labs in EBU-2 (I have the door code since I’m an engineering student). APM is generally not crowded at all with the exception of 10th week when everyone is taking their Matlab quiz. Even all 3 of the EBU computer labs can get crowded especially if a class is using it. Also printing in the computer labs is cheaper (5 cents/page) and can print double-sided verses 10 cents at the library. You can always use the Live Usage Map: [ACMS</a> - ACMS Lab Explorer](<a href=“http://micros.ucsd.edu/SoftwareLookup/index.php?action=lab&id=87]ACMS”>http://micros.ucsd.edu/SoftwareLookup/index.php?action=lab&id=87) to see how many computers are available in the different locations on campus.</p>
<p>Then, there’s also the question of making sure to save all your documents in the right directory so that it’s accessible no matter what computer you are all over campus. I’ve accidentally saved something to the desktop and logged off, completely losing that document.</p>
<p>It’s possible to have not have a laptop but extremely inconvenient and more work than is worth the trouble. A laptop is a great investment and will last you for your whole college life and more. Imagine having to always trek over to a computer lab or the library every time you needed to research something or look something up. People eat and talk and are loud in the library and you won’t get any privacy to do work. Not having a laptop traps you in one place. Also Friday and Saturday, Geisel closes early at 6pm. They are trying to make a 24/5 study space in Geisel but for example even if you want to study on Geisel’s super quiet top floors you wouldn’t be able to without your laptop. And sometimes you just want to lay in bed with your laptop and relax watching youtube videos. </p>
<p>Groupon also has a lot of discounted laptops if you wait around for one that you like.</p>