<p>If you reread it, you'll see that you are going to be issued a computer. Actually, you'll be paying for it out of your "loan". On paper plebes are paid a far larger amount than is actually received on payday. That's because you're paying for uniforms, computer and calculator. It won't be a laptop though. At the end of the year, all computers are put into storage until the new academic year.</p>
<p>USNA allowed mids to select between a desktop and a laptop several classes ago. Evidently the trial was not successful as they have gone back to desktops.</p>
<p>If you do not like the selection at the midstore, there are many other electronic and office supply and discount stores nearby with great selections. BUT make sure that the printer cartridges needed will be available at the midstore. Last year they guaranteed to carry the cartridges for the printers they sell until the class graduates.</p>
<p>They do not need a priinter; they are networked with a printer for their company. However, it is usually nice to have one of your own, especially if projects are due at the same time and you are competing for the company one.
CM</p>
<p>I have an Apple Powerbook and they won't let us plug it into the network. But since I LOVE Apple's that never stops me. It's pretty lame but you learn ways to get on the network without getting caught. </p>
<p>The best gift for a Mid to be is MONEY and lots of it, I got a 17" Powerbook as my gift and nothing beats that. Except pure money!</p>
<p>BTW, if you get a Powerbook G5 I'd love to have it. I don't think they are out yet!</p>
<p>Our Plebe (at another academy.... I think your site is more interesting...) is getting 14 prs of socks, 14 prs. of underwear and a trip to the beach with his buddies for a week to hang out and do the last of the "boy" stuff. The time to hang out and just be a general slob one last time will be a precious memory to him and that is priceless to us. I would suggest money above most else so they have something to put into their navy credit union accounts.</p>
<p>Some Guys have all the luck</p>
<p>Trips, watches, money, "Boy Stuff" outings; How can I get on your gift lists? </p>
<p>I am still trying to negotiate with my folks to get to keep a bigger share of my monthly academy paycheck. Right now, it's at 50/50 and they won't budge.</p>
<p>Seems they have a record of their expenses for the last 18 years that shows a Bush-like deficit in my account.</p>
<p>Seriously, make sure you send your mids plenty of handkerchiefs. They will need them after the Army-Navy football game!</p>
<p>Go4it:
You will see about 90-100 dollars each month. If your parents require half, you will be in deep trouble.</p>
<p>CM</p>
<p>Actually, you'd be suprised how frugally college students can live when we have to. After buying books this semester I had $200 to live on for the remainder of the semester (my school fees are paid for by my parents and scholarships, luckily)... $90 went to an instate plane ticket for spring break, but I really didn't have many other expenses since I had plenty of left over toiletries from the last semester and no burning desire to redecorate my room. It can be done, you just have to remind yourself that you can't afford to go out to eat and that Starbucks is not, in fact, the only place on earth to get a cup of coffee.</p>