<p>I'm about to buy a new laptop in preparation for my freshman year, but I have no clue whaat to look for. Any suggestions? What's popular on campus and why?</p>
<p>I think any laptop you choose will be fine. I believe the campus is switching to Windows Vista this coming summer, so if you get a PC, I would go with Vista. I don’t know much about Macs, but everyone who has a Mac on campus doesn’t seem to have any significant problems. </p>
<p>Wellesley doesn’t recommend a specific computer, but if you buy a computer through Wellesley you may be eligible for some discounts:
[Wellesley</a> College Computer Purchase Program](<a href=“http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/CPP/]Wellesley”>http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/CPP/)</p>
<p>You should start your laptop search by reading this:</p>
<p>[Wellesley</a> College Computer Purchase Program](<a href=“http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/CPP/]Wellesley”>http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/CPP/)</p>
<p>If you do not want to buy your laptop through the suggested vendors, feel free to do so, but read this (make sure it has the right “flavor” of Vista):</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/ResNet/purchaseguide.pdf[/url]”>http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/ResNet/purchaseguide.pdf</a></p>
<p>BTW, the software discounts offered to Wellesley students are great. The MSFT package includes more than just the basic Home&Student Office edition.</p>
<p>Cross-posted with welles10!</p>
<p>Good information, BunsenBurner! I don’t think I know what version of Vista I have right now… when Vista first came out, we had some issues connecting to the internet (your computer has to be “accepted” by the Wellesley system before you can go online) but Information Services figured out all the kinks and I don’t think anyone has any problems. No matter what you buy, when you get to campus you will have a chance to figure out how to connect your computer to the server (you get a nice big packet on this on move-in day with step-by-step instructions, which was really great for me!). If you find you still have issues, there are people in each residence hall who can help you figure out what’s wrong with your computer (Information Service Consultants or ISCs) and there is also a HelpDesk that is open each evening for one-on-one consultations or they are open during normal business hours for questions by phone.</p>
<p>That’s perfect! Thanks! :]</p>
<p>FYI, Wellesley is beginning to phase in wireless into the residence halls right now. I believe this is still in a testing stage, but it should be up all over campus soon! Yay!</p>