<p>Up until now, I never had any intention on purchasing a laptop for UVA. I've always used a desktop computer for writing assignments, surfing the web, etc. Recently, I happened upon a really good deal for a laptop computer but am unsure if I even need one. It seems like every college student has one, but I'm still not entirely sold on the idea. Should I really look into buying a laptop or forget about it and just use a desktop? Thanks!</p>
<p>Nice link! It had some good information on laptop bags, accessories, prices, and such, yet the ultimate question which I need to know is if I actually "need" one. I wanted to hear from some current students about whether or not a laptop is necessary for class-work and activities or that a desktop alone is fine. It seems that most have one...but why? I'd rather not spend money on something that I really don't need. Thanks for the help!</p>
<p>EDIT: Oops, just found a few sources for my question through your link. Thanks, hazelorb!</p>
<p>It depends, to some extent, on where you like working. Having a desktop would mean that you would always need to work in your room (where you will presumably keep your desktop). On the other hand, since a laptop is mobile, you can take it with it wherever you please/choose to work. </p>
<p>I would recommend having one. However, it would be a good idea for you to assess your study habits and then decide whether you really need one. Alternatively, you could try out say, the first couple of school week w/o a laptop and see how convenient that is for you before you decide to buy the laptop. Of course, there may not be so many student sales/discounts at that time. :)</p>
<p>Bubbagump, I personally feel that a laptop is an absolute must for a college student. Laptop computers these days are relatively inexpensive and provide you with above adequate perfomance. I could not imagine walking around college without the ability to bring my laptop to the library or type notes during class. Desktop computers are great for offices but laptops are vital to college students that are always on the go.</p>
<p>You can post all necessary data to a student account and then rent laptops in the libraries, the only issue is you cant do computer work anywhere but the library or your dorm, ie) no group work in another dorm or someones apartment</p>
<p>meh, I had a laptop and I had to bring it to a few classes for CS150 but I never really felt like I needed it. I don't think it is essential but its a good idea.</p>
<p>A laptop will let you work anywhere and allow you to take your computer home easily over breaks...important to most people I'd say.</p>
<p>bubbagump, what everyone is trying to say is that desktop vs laptop really depends upon your needs. If you prefer mobility, as most college students do, then it may be better for you to get a laptop. If you want to make sure that you do all of your work in your room then a desktop may be easier. It also depends on your learning/studying habits. If taking notes on a computer is easier for you, then get a laptop. If you find that taking notes on paper helps you remember them better, then a laptop may not be as necessary. You really don't need to worry about being able to take your files from here and there; that's what flash drives are for!! (and compact hard drives, and CDs, and, if you're really old school, FLOPPY DISKS)</p>
<p>You may want to look into getting a compact hard drive. I currently have an 8 GB Micro Vault Pro from Sony and I think it was like $90 or something. I absolutely love it and I never have to worry about not having enough space. It's fast, small, and doesn't take up much space. I also have all of my files backed up onto it. (P.S. ALWAYS back up your files. if anything crashes or if you get a virus, you'll still have a copy.)</p>
<p>Sony</a> Micro Vault Pro - hard drive - 8 GB - Hi-Speed USB Reviews. Hard Drives Reviews by CNET.</p>
<p>so yeah, if you feel that a laptop would really help you in college, then buy it. If you think you're fine with a desktop, then don't worry about it. There's always deals on laptops so if you change your mind later on, you can always get one.</p>
<p>Amazon.com:</a> Toshiba HDDR160E03X 160GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive: Electronics</p>
<p>This is a great 160 gb portable hard drive if you're looking for something small, light, and usb powered. Amazon.com is selling it for $74.99 w/ shipping but I snagged one off ebay for $54 w/ shipping that included a free 8 gb flash drive! ;)</p>
<p>i forget to mention, the usb hard drive i was talking about is about the size of 2 thumb drives.</p>
<p>Amazon.com:</a> Sony 5GB USB MicroVault Pro Portable Hard Drive: Electronics</p>
<p>check out the pictures. it's a different model (my brother has it) but they are the same size.</p>
<p>and just so you know, there's something called "home directory" which is essentially J: drive on lab machines and if you store files in your home directory you should be able to access it from any lab machine online as well as from your personal laptop/desktop. For instance, I downloaded home directory from the itc website on my laptop and I save my files on them, so I don't always need to carry my laptop and I can access my files through the home directory in any of the library/lab machines.</p>
<p>Remember: computers, especially laptops, are hard to come by during exams. If you're going to have a desktop, do not assume you will always be able to access your files wherever you are on-grounds.</p>
<p>It's tough making the transition from desktop to laptop. But, laptops are ideal and convenient for college, and i'm sure I'll catch flak for this, but they are the norm. I know in the e-school, 97% of students have a laptop, the other 3% have desktop. They're in the midst of creating requirements for all SEAS students to have a laptop, but it hasn't been initiated yet I don't think. I would say that they same number, give or take a couple of percent, applies to the other schools. Sure, a desktop gives you more bang for your buck and is normal to you right now, but the laptop will give you that extra flexibility that allows you to work beyond a few places on-grounds.<br>
Maybe you should look into getting a very cheap laptop, capable of doing basic school work on, and bringing your desktop as well. You can get a decent laptop for under $1k easily, and that way you'll have the best of both worlds. Or, get a nicer laptop, but get a monitor/keyboard/mouse so you can have a "desktop" in your room with the extra outside amenities, but still the flexibility of a laptop.
My view is that you'd be making a mistake to not get one. You can do without, but your life will be easier and much more productive and flexible with one. It's a wise 4-year investment.</p>