<p>My son is bringing a desktop that fits the engineering dept. specs. Does he need a laptop that also fits the specs or will a less expensive one be fine?</p>
<p>He will have to run certain programs on his own computer like MATLAB and SOLIDWORKS for out of class assignments and projects. As long as the desktop meets the specs he will be able to run the software on it and just use the labtop for other things. The only reason to buy a laptop that meets the specs is so that your son can work on these programs on the go. It is convenient to be able to work on these assignments in between classes but not at all necessary.</p>
<p>Can you tell me where to find the engineering dept. specs? Thanks.</p>
<p>[Suggested</a> Minimum Personal Computer Features | Engineering Education Innovation Center](<a href=“http://eeic.osu.edu/class-technology/suggested-minimum-computer-features]Suggested”>http://eeic.osu.edu/class-technology/suggested-minimum-computer-features)</p>
<p>Our S and non-E D found it most helpful to have a desktop and netbook. They liked the portability of the netbook and power of desktops.</p>
<p>I just have my laptop that I bought right before last semester. It’s a 17.3 inch screen one, so it’s decently sized. I thought it would be to big, but I love it. I carry it around to all of my classes, and when I return to the dorm, I set it up on the desk and use it. I think a desktop and a laptop would be overkill, but everyone has their own preferences. It’s nice to use your laptop in classes to take notes too, instead writing it all down. Another benefit is being able to put important dates in your computer, like paper due dates or mid/final dates.</p>
<p>As long as it runs Windows and meets those minimum suggested specs I’d say the laptop is fine.</p>
<p>I strongly suggest Windows 7 over Windows 8 if you can find a laptop like that. Supposedly Windows 8.1 will fix a lot of the problems with 8 but I’m skeptical. I doubt they’ll restore backwards compatibility issues but maybe I’m wrong.</p>
<p>I am a junior chemical engineering student and also a commuter. When I bought my laptop I was looking for a powerful and versatile machine. In my opinion the macbook pro is the best option for any college student , runs matlab, and is great for C++. So far I have not had any trouble with programs not being compatible with OS .
I did install Windows just in case and bought office for mac (Use office not keynote, no one uses keynote and having to convert it when working on teams sucks!)</p>
<p>Although, now that I think about it even though the macbook is great for everything I need including a desktop replacement, I think something more versatile like the new Windows Tablet would also have been great. I now I’m looking into buying the samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 to substitute notebooks and textbooks ( since I commute carrying notes is quite tiring). </p>
<p>If you buy a Tablet do not buy the ipad, go for the galaxy note or the Surface pro ( the new one).</p>
<p>Also, for your intro to engineering classes I would buy used textbooks. I never use the textbooks I used for those classes anymore because I can find all the information I need online. </p>
<p>Good luck and welcome to osu</p>
<p>Here’s a link for info on minimum requirements. [Suggested</a> Minimum Personal Computer Features | Engineering Education Innovation Center](<a href=“http://eeic.osu.edu/class-technology/suggested-minimum-computer-features]Suggested”>http://eeic.osu.edu/class-technology/suggested-minimum-computer-features)</p>
<p>Four years ago we got my son (Chem eng) a HP Elitebook and it was fine for his purposes. In fact it is still going strong and he took it to med school with him.</p>