<p>I checked the Terrapin Technology store and found the prices to be very very high, and not worth the cost of the warranty/service they promise.</p>
<p>So we will be buying my son a new laptop elsewhere. I was hoping someone could share what specs/software/etc he will need. He will be a Freshman Accounting major in the Business School.</p>
<p>Also, do most kids carry their laptops in book bags, or do they get specific laptop bags? And do most kids have inkjet printers in their dorm rooms?</p>
<p>I’m an incoming freshman (Computer Science Major though), and I agree - the prices aren’t attractive. If you found the prices to be too high, I would not invest in anything Apple related, as they are notably expensive. I’d look into Lenovo or ASUS laptops with 4th gen. Intel i7 processors. i5 processors would suffice as well. </p>
<p>My daughter carries her laptop in a neoprene laptop sleeve and that fits right in her backpack. She and her roommate both had printers last year.</p>
<p>FYI, not sure if you’ve seen this or not, but here’s a discussion about buying a computer through the school - yes, more money up front, but you do get a unique service/peace of mind that u will always have a laptop available to use…</p>
<p>As for specs, well honestly that depends on how your son plans to use it - is he a gamer? Honestly, there are no specifications that are stated as “minimum requirements”… except as defined by the software he plans to use… </p>
<p>I suggest you get either a Lenovo or Asus. I don’t suggest you get anything bigger than a 14" screen. And make sure the computer has nothing lower than an Intel i3 core processor. The ideal would be an Intel i5 processor at the least. </p>
<p>When shopping for a laptop, you want to check the processor, the battery life, the graphics, and extra features. For example, features like a backlit keyboard and touch screen might be nice but not necessary. Talk to your son about what he would like in his computer.</p>
<p>Always read the reviews. Every laptop will have some bad reviews so be sure to expect that.d but keep an eye out for common problems and make sure you would be able to deal with that. A great thing about BestBuy is that you have 15 days to return the laptop if you’re not satisfied with it or if you have problems. For my laptop, I’ve returned and exchanged it at Bestbuy 12 times before I found one I was satisfied with.</p>
<p>When carrying around my laptop, I put it in a sleeve and then put in in my bookbag’s designated laptop compartment. I recommend you get a laptop bookbag like mine, but is not necessary. Make sure to at least use a sleeve.</p>
<p>I use a cheap $30 hp inject printer in my dorm. It is super useful and I recommend you getting some kind of printer for your son.</p>