<p>Right now I'm leaning toward buying a desktop for the fall (since I like the idea of TV and games on the computer), but I have a few questions first:
1) Is it easy to use the library's computers (are they fast enough)?
2) Can you borrow a laptop from the school if you want one for a few hours?
3) This is kind of seperate, but how easy is it to use the school's printers?
Thanx</p>
<p>1)You can use the library's computers, but they are usually reserved for either quick searches or other things of that nature. It is unlikely you may be able to use it for a long period of time. If you need that you should go to our computer lab in Eaton (literally one building up the hill past the library)
2)There are no services for laptop borrowing.
3)The schools printers may be used for a fee. I believe you must pay 10 cents for each page printed. These rules changed this year so I am not entirely sure about the exact cost. I would advise having your own printer in your room.</p>
<p>Another thing to keep in mind is that Tufts is planning on going wireless within the next year or so which rocks for people with laptops..</p>
<p>Get a laptop. You really dont want to lug around that thing during moving, and you have the added luxury of using wireless in the library and campus center. VERY useful for projects or writing papers on the go when you cant return to your room.</p>
<p>And yes the rules have changed, it's now 5 cents per page.</p>
<p>I echo the idea of a laptop - for the same reasons. You won't take it to class, but, once or twice, you'll actually need it. Also, I know people who had to store their computers over the summer or figure out how to wedge them into an overstuffed car. Laptops are just smaller. They'll also take up less room on your desk, and, depending on the dorm, you'll want all the space you can get.</p>
<p>Thanx for the info. If i do get a desktop its gonna be a mac mini now, the only real reason im getting a desktop now is cuz i already bought a monitor that I'm using now, so it would be a waste to buy a laptop for a screen i will rarely use. Hopefully, I will be able to have both (I already have a ultraportable, but Im not sure if my dad will pay for a desktop and let me keep the laptop). And no, I can't just use the laptop I have already because it is so SLOWWW. Thanx again for your help.</p>
<p>I have a desktop and it hasn't been a huge problem to have one. I've rarely had a problem getting onto a library computer, and the Eaton computers are good and easy to work on. There are some times when I wish I could take my computer to the library to work but I like my desktop too much to get rid of it. Also, there have been problems in recent years with laptop theft, so if you do get one, I'd recommend getting a locking mechanism and using the university police's methods for registering it.</p>
<p>Yeah my parents are persuading me to get a desktop. I want a laptop on the other hand.... it is their money however so it looks like i have no choice on the matter lol... its good to know that having a deskptop has not been a huge problem... How large is the Eaton lab? is it relatively easy to get access to those computers? thanks.</p>
<p>Eaton's big. There's probably 50-75 PCs and 30 Macs. It's not that hard to get a computer there, but you learn when peak times are (like between class blocks).</p>
<p>thanks a lot for the info once again abs.</p>