<p>On the Bates website it mentioned they recommend Dell or Apple. I am going to purchase a laptop for my son to take with him as we are all sharing right now. Is it best to go through the school’s website for these purchases or is it just as easy/economical to head to the local Best Buy?</p>
<p>Bates also offers Office 365 at student pricing. Free Anti-virus as well. </p>
<p>Any thoughts on this purchase to help guide this new, non techie parent would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Thank you</p>
<p>We purchased a laptop for our son through his (high) school’s website and got a free printer as a bonus. That was three years ago, so I don’t know if Apple is still doing that. He has been very happy with his MacBook. I can also recommend AppleCare; we got way more than our $ worth out of that. He’ll be going into his fourth year with this laptop as a sophomore at Bates. The nearest Apple store is in Portland (for repairs, etc.).</p>
<p>Hi - the school’s website might save you some $$$ and might also include other programs so definitely check there - also check and see how prices compare. Often there’s a small advantage buying through an educational institution. Definitely get Office 365 and the free antivirus software. As I recall, you have to “prove” to Bates your computer has antivirus software before you can access the network. Applecare just extends the one year warranty to three years for the Mac. Be aware that Applecare doesn’t cover any sort of accidental damage - so drops, spills, cracks, etc. aren’t covered. I work for a college in computing - we offer an insurance program called Safeware that does also cover accidental damage (and also covers for four years total rather than three). There are other computer insurance programs available as well. Particularly on a laptop, I think have accidental coverage is important. </p>
<p>One question that comes up a lot is whether to purchase a MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air - I recommend the MBPro. My boys both have the 13" MacBook Pro - it’s proved to be a very resilient computer and is a more robust computer vs. the Air. Bigger hard drive, more RAM, etc. </p>
<p>My son - who will be a sophomore at Bates - tells me the help desk support at Bates is awesome.</p>
<p>BTMell–thanks for that info. We anticipate having to spring for a new computer in the next year or so. Do you happen to know whether Bates offers the Safeware program–or can a student get it elsewhere? Sounds great. Also I appreciate your opinion on pro vs air. I’ve wondered about that myself.</p>
<p>Hi there - I’m checking with Safeware - I’m curious too - I see there is also individual coverage. Their webpage is <a href=“http://www.safeware.com/”>http://www.safeware.com/</a> We’ve just started carrying it where I work and folks have been pleased at the additional coverage.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the great info. I have to get my son to move on this task this next week. Bates recommends the Pro. So, I think if my son wants Apple we will look at that one. I need all the help I can to narrow it down. </p>
<p>Do you find most kids have the Apple on campus or is it a mixed bag?</p>
<p>Yikes! The Mac’s are not cheap. My son doesn’t seem to care too much about this. So, I think I may be researching Dell’s. </p>
<p>You might give the Bates help desk a call and see what their mix is but it seems like most do have Apple computers. At the college I work at, probably 80% of students have apple computers. They definitely are pricey! </p>
<p>I like both Dell and Apple computers, by the way. Another thing to consider is potential major. If it’s something like Econ, they may prefer he has a Windows computer because of stat programs. So far, my son’s been fine with his Apple computer but he’s just starting his sophomore year this year. Dell generally has GREAT warranty coverage - it includes damage as well as other hardware stuff (it might even include loss but be sure and check that). And often the warranty is for four years. But do check since Dell likely has different arrangements with different schools. </p>
<p>My son (rising Senior) has a Lenovo. I don’t know the model - only that it was top of the line. I don’t believe he has had any trouble with it at all and hasn’t needed the help desk. </p>
<p>@BTMell ~ Thanks! My son is considering Econ. This was a point my husband brought up as well. </p>
<p>I think I will go for the cheaper Dell and if it becomes a problem, the home laptop will probably need to be replaced and we can swap out. </p>
<p>Did everyone get printers for their students? Not sure if I should wait for roommate info or just get him his own and be done with it.</p>
<p>My son has not needed a printer in his room. At boarding school for the last two years of high school, he used one quite a lot (it came as a perk for buying the Mac, and there was a charge for using the school printers), so he took it with him to Bates. At the end of his first semester it was clear he was doing all of his printing in the library (cost is included in tuition) and the printer was just taking up valuable real estate in the dorm room, so it came home again. We found that while the printers themselves are inexpensive, the ink cartridges are quite pricey.</p>
<p>Also, regarding computers and majors–he is considering a double major in Econ and Math (and is a Stats enthusiast), and he has a Mac. I’m not a computer person, so I may not be getting this right, but he is apparently able to run Windows on the Mac with no problem, and has never mentioned it being an issue for someone taking a lot of Econ classes. </p>
<p>I’m pretty sure my son also prints at library. I know I never bought him a printer. </p>
<p>We bought my son a little HP inkjet printer and he’s apparently used it a fair amount. He said he likes being able to print and not go to the library through the snow 
That said, it’s something he probably could live without too.</p>
<p>Thanks so much. I think I will hold off on the printer until I hear its needed. It doesn’t sound like a must have. Glad to hear printing is included in the tuition. </p>
<p>I am sure I will have 101 more questions so, stay tuned! :"> </p>
<p>We ended up with the Mac Air. The price ended up being comparable and the sales person was very helpful and patient with this clueless mom. </p>