<p>I am about to buy a new computer, after my laptop and desktop died. Actually, S will buy a new Apple and I'll take his(only 6 months old). Several reasons for the splurge:
1. Backup system for Apple can be set to automatically backup daily, whatever program one has worked on. (With my PC, had to backup each program individually, which is how I lost data).
2. Vista does not like my professional programs. Even tho I have my data saved, I cannot install on new computer. When I get the new Mac, I will be able to partition. ((Years on info stored and now not useable!!)
3. S's Mac- on wireless- could seek out printer and print his boarding pass faster than my PC which was physically connected to printer. (That was impressive.)</p>
<p>Don't spend money on software programs before checking with future college. At least at S's college, everything can be downloaded for free with access code.</p>
<p>Wait for the summer computer sales- you will get the best deals then. Check with your school's computer tech dept for their suggestions. UW-Madison DoIT says to go with what you know regarding MAC versus PC, unless your major favors one over the other. Son, a gamer, has used his desktop for 2 years now with no desire for a laptop. A flashdrive and computers on campus works for him (he has taken comp sci courses- to be sure students attended lab he had to do some of his work on their computers). The UW site lists 3 levels of computer power/pricing for laptops/desktops and MAC/PCs, Dell and Apple deals. As you can see, there is no one correct answer.</p>
<p>As a student I can say that parents shouldn't invest in laptops that are the "cheapest". It really depends on the student. If the student would like to carry around the laptop around alot, then get a light laptop. If the student is in CG or Engineering, get him/her a laptop that can support such applications, regardless of weight, or a desktop. Maybe the student needs both, mobility and performance. Then get something in between. </p>
<p>Ask your child what he or she needs it for and what she/he plans to do with it. Sometimes laptops arent even necessary since there are computer labs all over campus.
Just a thought.</p>
<p>BY THE WAY, mac sucks. They are over priced with medium performance. They just look "pretty".</p>
<p>Oh and Bookworm, you can definitely partition Window OS's. There are also lots of great backup programs for like 20 bucks. I personally would buy myself an external hard drive (I have three). I back all my data on them, and also they usually come with backup programs.</p>
<p>No matter what you get, I STRONGLY recommend a 4 year warranty that covers accidental damage, because somebody WILL spill a drink on the keyboard and fry the motherboard, which is very expensive to replace. I have seen it happen too many times. As mentioned earlier, Dell offers this type of protection, and many schools do if the laptop is purchased through the school. My son went to school with a MacBook Pro with the Applecare Protection Plan and we purchased an additional accidental protection warranty from a company called Safeware. The unique thing about their program is that it also covers theft.</p>