<p>Just bought daughter a new laptop that does not have an ethernet port. The packing list from Wash U says to being an ethernet cord. Wondering if this is really necessary - since I thought the campus was 100% wireless. Current students - please let me know you thoughts. I would hate to have to return her brand new laptop.</p>
<p>It is wireless, but wired (ethernet) can be much faster & more reliable.</p>
<p>OK, thanks. I suppose I can buy an adapter.</p>
<p>An ethernet cord is by no means required. While a lot of students cite problems with the Wi-fi here, I haven’t had any problems with it. However, that point is moot, because according to STS (Student Technology Services) the Wi-fi will be replaced with a better version over the summer. I don’t believe it is anything worth returning a new laptop for.</p>
<p>Thanks Ryan! This is great news! Daughter already a little concerned about having Mac OS and when she realized there was no ethernet port she was really concerned.</p>
<p>No problem. I can’t vouch for the quality of the new wi-fi (as I haven’t used it myself), so your daughter might still have problems, we will see. Hopefully not though; it’s been tested in one of the dorms this year, and feedback has been positive. And Mac OS isn’t that bad either. I’m guessing ≥ 50% of non-engineers have a Mac and are fine - I’ve been happy with mine.</p>
<p>I think it would be foolish not to get a network adapter.</p>
<p>Yes, RaVN - I suppose so. They only cost about $30 I think.</p>
<p>I would recommend getting an Ethernet cord, but the worst thing that happens is your daughter doesn’t thinks the Wifi is bad (as it currently is) and picks one up next year. You really notice this during peak times (such as nighttime) and whenever you are trying to stream something.</p>
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<p>This. Plus safer.</p>
<p>FWIW, even though every hotel has wireless these days, I always plug in if it’s available for reasons mentioned above.</p>
<p>But … I just bought a Kindle Fire tablet which doesn’t any ports so . . .</p>
<p>What type of Mac do you buy that doesn’t have an ethernet port? My Mac as a port. I used it occasionally during the year.</p>
<p>My guess was the Macbook Air since it’s so thin. I googled it and didn’t see an ethernet port on either side.</p>
<p>Yes - it is an Air 13". She liked the solid state drive and the fact that it weighs practically nothing.</p>