<p>Hello, I am going to be a SEAS student in 2005 fall. I was wondering should I get a desktop or laptop of some sort? I really like the macs but am VERY afraid of compatibility issues and such. Is the portability worth it?
ANY Thoughts or links would be awesome. (gotta get an iPod too!)</p>
<p>I would get a laptop. I think the portability is worth it. If you need to work from your dorm room or at a library, or at your parents' home during your breaks, or some other location during vacation, being able to bring your computer around is great.</p>
<p>Your best bad is to contact the engineering department and see what they suggest, also most colleges have deals for buying computers that come packaged with the applications that you will need for the school you are attending. When I have talked to students that are in engineering at universities they suggest a laptop, b/c of how portable it is and to take it to study sessions, plus they said they rarely spend time working on stuff in their dorms alone where they would need a desktop. I would go with a laptop, but before I would do that I would definitely contact UVa SEAS and ask them what is best and if they have any deals for students.</p>
<p>The nice thing about buying your computer through UVA is that you get 3 years of on grounds service if you ever have problems. (if they still offer this) My student's Dell had to have the hard drive replaced once & the the key board twice. They come to your dorm room & fix it if they can & there is no charge. Cavalier Computers will send you information.</p>
<p>Laptops have more portability, and this will help in countless ways. My S is a 2nd year at SEAS. I asked him: do you see any laptops in class? Ans: About one per class. Many buildings and much of the grounds are set up for wireless, and more will be when you go. </p>
<p>A desktop will give you slightly more computing power for the same money. But, you will be able to run all the Java apps you need on the most primitive of machines. I can't imagine a project at the undergraduate level that you would run out of computing power on a laptop. </p>
<p>I think we're still inventing things to do with computers, and laptops are the most versatile.</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm going to go for the 700m Inspiron, I'm waiting as long as I can so I can get the best deal.</p>
<p>If you get an iPod, MAKE SURE to get a computer that has a firewire (IEEE1394.) I ordered a Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop yesterday with a $750 off coupon that I found on another forum...I can't really comment on it until I receive it though. If you're looking for a good deal, Dell is they way to go; they offer some spectacular coupons.</p>
<p>Well it does, but I'll use the USB 2.0, works fine.
But, anyways you need a pin convertor to use the firewire.
Those $750 coupons are awesome huh?</p>