<p>I'm looking for advice on a laptop for an incoming freshman majoring in Chemical Engineering. It seems like Windows is the way to go for engineering based on the Engineering IT web pages. Beyond that, any suggestions as to basic requirements, screen size, processor, HD size, touch screen, weight, etc.? Any suggestions on must have software beyond MS Office? Also, in general, how common is it for laptops to 'walk away on their own' ? Do most people have laptop locks? Thanks much!</p>
<p>I can’t give you much advice about hardware/software, other than I recommend you make it portable enough such that you wouldn’t mind carrying it for 10 minutes to get to/from the main campus from the dorms. Additionally, I don’t think a laptop lock is absolutely necessary. Just don’t leave it unattended in a public area, and close your room/suite doors when you leave, and there should be no problems with stolen property.</p>
<p>FYI Engineering and business students get MS Office for free. So don’t bother purchasing it. In terms of which kind of computer, it really doesn’t matter. As long as it can do basic tasks, you should be fine. Windows or Mac is fine, whichever you prefer. For screen size, I prefer 15" personally, but 13" is also fine (I think 17" can be difficult to carry but some people have them). It really is as RyanMK said…you will probably need to carry it to campus and back once in awhile. In terms of stolen laptops, it really doesn’t happen. Even leaving a computer in a public area majority of the time will be fine. I don’t recall a situation where I have ever heard of a laptop being stolen.</p>
<p>Laptops are stolen occasionally, but it doesn’t happen that often and it’s not an issue you’ll have to deal with if you are careful and use good judgment.</p>