<p>I'm waiting to get my laptop for UVA until I can purchase it through the school, as my parents said that if I buy it through the school I can then get it repaired for free by the school (a service my brother apparantly took full use of). I was wondering if anyone knew when I would be able to do this, how I would do it, and if there are any general purchasing tips by current students as a computer that would be best suited for an Engineering student.
Thanks!</p>
<p>I purchased mine through UVA. I have heard horror stories about ppl who didn't buy it through UVA and had to deal with the consequences when it crashed, etc. It is great, if you have a problem you can just bring it to them or they will even come to you in your room in your dorm and fix it for you. Also it comes with everything you need. It is definitely pricier than just getting it somewhere else but you can even have it mailed to your dorm room if you don't want to lug it to UVA. You don't order it for a LONG time (spring/summer), not until after everyone has heard and made final decisions (so May). I know people who didn't order comps from UVA would say the money made it worth it, but if you don't mind I definitely recommend it. It was really easy to set up and everything. :)</p>
<p>Buying through UVA is stupid. You'll pay wayyy too much and the support you get will only be for hardware. </p>
<p>Literally any computer sold these days will suit your needs just fine (unless you're some sort of hardcore gamer or technophile, in which case you wouldn't be asking for suggestions anyway). Your decisions should come down to Apple vs PC, laptop vs desktop, big vs small, etc.</p>
<p>Just as a current college student, I prefer laptop. If you want the perks of a desktop (large screen, keyboard, external mouse, ect) then:
a) buy a docking station
b) buy a moniter (you can find a 17" for dirt cheap these days...my 19 was $100 from price club/costco)
c) buy a keyboard/mouse (definently get bluetooth in your computer, and then you can buy a bluetooth mouse...its awesome, because its portable and reduces wires on your desk)</p>
<p>Laptops are extremely fast and powerful these days, and with the customization you can get, laptop is the way to go. You wont regret it that one time you want to take it to class or home for a quick weekend.</p>