<p>Currently, I am trying to decide if I am going to get a laptop or build a destop for college. I really don't see myself utilizing the benefits of a laptop much, but I am in the school of engineering. Any SEAS students have any advice on this? My preference would be to build a desktop (way more bang for the buck, plus far more upgradable), but I don't want to get down there in August and find all my engineering classes need me to lug a laptop to class.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice.</p>
<p>It's been 2 yrs now since I graduated from eng, but I never had the need for a laptop, and didn't know anyone that had one and used it for class. I bought one for grad school and have used it a bit, but mostly so that I could work outside of my apartment, not for classes.</p>
<p>Thanks alot for the info laurezer. I am really considering the desktop route, just because you can get so much bang for the buck.</p>
<p>If you can come up with the money, you should really consider a laptop, you'll like the flexibility it gives you. </p>
<p>Dell has a REALLY NICE laptop, Latitude D620. Core Duo processor. Pretty light. Nice size screen. Good keyboard. Very spiffy looking. You can buy this thing called a D/Port Advanced Port Replicator that you stick your laptop on top of when you get back to your dorm room---once you stick the laptop into the D/Port you are automatically hardwired and connected to your external mouse and your external keyboard (so you don't have to plug in multiple connections over and over). You can also buy a separate notebook stand that goes with the D/Port that gets your screen up higher and laptop keyboard off the desk so you won't spill stuff into it. This is what we just bought for our son, we're really happy with it. D620 had been recommended by Olin.</p>
<p>Dell also has service plans where they will send people to campus to fix your laptop if you have issues.</p>
<p>I'm a current CS student. You don't really need a laptop, but it is the most popular route. Few people actually bring laptops to class.</p>