<p>I need to buy a laptop for school next year. I went on the UMD website and saw the only Dell they have is the Dell Latitude 13. I am an engineering major and I am not sure if that will be adequate for me. I know that you can add upgrades but then it starts to get very expensive. Any input/advice would be appreciated. Has anyone purchased a laptop from the school? Is the 4 yr warranty worth it?</p>
<p>We bought the Dell Latitude 4 yrs ago for D1, an incoming freshman. The 4-yr warranty was worth the price for her, especially as they give out loaners if your laptop has to be repaired. (note: back up important stuff to a memory stick as you do it.) I believe that what they offer is considered adequate for undergrad work in all majors, but someone in engineering can answer better than I. D1 will be getting a Mac this summer before grad school. At the time, the deal on the Dell Latitudes was really good through UMD, and we purchased 3 laptops at that time through the program. Other than having to replace batteries and having to get new charging cords, we’ve been happy with them.</p>
<p>I looked at their computers but honestly, they seem really overpriced. In the summer there will be a lot of discounts (I got a Vaio for $400 off retail in July last year) so I think its best to wait if you’re buying from a store. I’m not an engineering major but of my three friends that are, none of them have high-end fancy computers (1 mechE major and 2 chemE majors). No one I know really does anything on their laptop they didn’t do at home or would require any extreme upgrades. As long as you don’t skimp when buying, whatever you get should be fine. Considering calling the engineering school and see what they recommend.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: I’m only a freshman, so I don’t know for sure what I’m talking about. All I have is my (limited) personal experience.</p>