<p>Hey,</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for the congrats, i got a question for those of you who know, and current mids... Are laptops allowed? do many people use them, and what benefits/drawbacks do you see in bringing one?</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Andrew</p>
<p>The problem with this computer is that it doesn't allow people to high five each other........
Put up your hand and give it a good smack with your other one Asward. Consider yourself high five-d from me. Way to go! Wishing you the best at USNA! You've got some proud family I'll bet. Good reason to be proud! Congrats to you!</p>
<p>As to the computer, hopefully a USNA parent or Mid will hop on here to answer for sure. Don't you guys get issued laptops? Seems every Academy does things a bit differently. USMMA guys are issued laptops and a printer/scanner.</p>
<p>Desktops are issued. There are computers everywhere so a laptop isnt needed.</p>
<p>Mids are issued desktops which have all the appropriate software installed, including network software. At one time they were issued laptops (or had a choice between the two) and they weren't very durable and were frequently misplaced. They have since gone back to desktops.</p>
<p>No speakers for plebes.
CM</p>
<p>Mids were assigned desktop computers this year, not laptops. As far as I know, laptops aren't forbidden after plebe summer. However, your personal laptop is not permitted to be used online through the USNA network (though I'm sure some clever mid could figure out how to work around the system). Therefore, if you prefer to work on the laptop, you might have to transfer your documents via flash drive at times, or do your email and web research on the desktop machine, then move to your laptop for writing. This may be a solution if you have a strong preference for working on a Mac.</p>
<p>And no headphones for Plebes either correct? Are the kids allowed to bring their own personal laptops even with the desktop computer issue? Not that they'd need them but just wondering if any do.</p>
<p>Right -- no headphones or speakers are issued for use with the desktop computer for plebes. I'm not sure how they would control the sound issue if a plebe brings a laptop and I don't know any plebes right now who either have one or wish they did. Some upperclass do have laptops -- those who travel with teams, D&B etc. like having the ability to work on papers while on the road. Others just love their Macs or have other personal reasons for wanting them.</p>
<p>That's not really true. They did issue us headphones this year (really nice ones too), but they have since collected them...and already given them back to us. You may also purchase speakers at the Mid Store, as long as you hide them from view <wink>. For instance, I have speakers hooked up to my computer, although no one could even tell. Not...that I...need them....for anything, right?</wink></p>
<p>Sounds like an honor violation issue to me. It's ok to do the forbidden as long as you don't get caught???
CM</p>
<p>GoNavy: Perhaps the decision is made by company? I know plebes in at least one company this year do not have headphones and are not allowed to use speakers.</p>
<p>Candidatemom: Using the speakers when forbidden would not be an honor violation, it would be a conduct violation. Lying about it if asked would be an honor violation. I don't mean to be nitpicking here -- there really is a big difference. Sometimes Mids break rules: it's usually harmless and it certainly doesn't make them "dishonorable". There is something really great about the distinction about perfect behavior (which no one can ever really acheive) and honesty (which actually is possible).</p>
<p>Thanks for clarifying the two. I do not expect the mids to be perfect. That is impossible. I am, however, disappointed to learn that at least one plebe deems it ok to violate a rule because he is very sneaky, and won't get caught. His own post incidated that his speakers are hooked up so no one can tell. If his company decided it was ok to have them, there would be no need to hide them.</p>
<p>Is it likewise "ok" for plebes or underage mids to drink alcohol during leave because no one will turn them in? It is a matter of personal integrity, a quality I expect all to attempt to achieve.
CM</p>
<p>unless you have a media chit, plebes do not rate music or any other kind of entertainment. Speakers are allowed since plebes can play games on their computers when on town liberty, however nothing else is allowed.</p>
<p>Breaking a rule...I'm sorry but if you go to any academy, everyone breaks rules, and everyone is sneaky about it. It's the game and half the fun. </p>
<p>Don't be so "locked on" you would never make it doing everything to the T, well maybe...but no one would probably like you.</p>
<p>Read the book, "Becoming a Leader the Annapolis Way." See what Senator John McCain and friends did when they attended the Academy (pg 135).</p>
<p>Having to use a Dell computer is a pretty unpleasant experience for my daughter because we are strictly Apple users. On the other hand, at least she isnt tempted to spend any more time using it than she absolutely has to. Years ago, she received an iBook for 8th grade graduation and it served her well through high school. I sent her a 15-inch G4 PowerBook as a token for making it through plebe summer. Ive also encouraged her to get out of Bancroft Hall as often as she can and study elsewhere, thinking that the laptop would make that easier. Though I understand networked computers are available in the libraries, so mids dont need laptops. I also thought she could use her laptop at her sponsors house and while traveling with her team. At this point the laptop isnt being used too much and she just keeps it at her sponsors house. In her free time she likes to relax with her friends and have some normal social interaction, not be messing with the computer. Oh, and a couple of weeks ago she asked me to FedEx her figure skates because the ice rink is open!</p>
<p>I can't see why laptops would be forbidden, even to plebes. Back when I was in, the point was moot (laptops were still the uber-portable Obsornes), but I cannot imagine any reason against them.</p>
<p>As for what's ON them, that's different. I imagine MP3's and such are still verbotten, and getting caught would be a conduct violation but NOT an honor violation. As already stated, if an UC asked a plebe if he had music on his PC and he answered with a lie, then he'd be in violation of the honor concept.</p>
<ul>
<li>Z (USNA '91)</li>
</ul>
<p>Good thing ships are bigger than laptops, or we might be missing some aircraft carriers. Wonder how the USNA pilots do in keeping track of their planes?</p>