<p>I’m trying to get a laptop as an incoming freshman for Brown. I’m looking to either get MacBook Air or Pro (PC is pretty much out of the question, since I got Windows 8 on my new desktop and I loathe it). </p>
<p>[Recommended</a> Computers | Brown University](<a href=“http://www.brown.edu/cis/support/buying_a_computer/recommended_computers.php]Recommended”>http://www.brown.edu/cis/support/buying_a_computer/recommended_computers.php) By looking at the tech service’s recommendations, I will need an Ethernet port and Superdrive. Do I really need an Ethernet port if there is wi fi on campus? Do college students ever use their CD/DVD drive? Even as an HS student, I rarely used the drive. MBA has neither the Ethernet nor Superdrive, and it is super portable. I don’t really know if I would be one to bring a laptop to class. When I went to a few lectures, I didn’t see many people taking notes on laptops. Pro might be an overkill for me, since I don’t game/edit media, but I don’t want to be stuck with a laptop that doesn’t do enough. </p>
<p>I’m thinking to be a Community Health concentrator, and my scholarships will cover the cost of whatever computer I may choose to buy. All opinions are welcome. I really want to get a laptop soon! I would love to hear from some current/past/incoming Brown students.</p>
<p>Do get one with an Ethernet port (or one of those dongles) - the wired connection will be faster in your dorm room and will also give you access to the IP TV service. A CD/DVD drive is absolutely unnecessary, in my opinion, and you could always use a library computer if you really needed one for something. Depending on your preferences, you will likely be using a computer to take notes in at least a few of your classes, and you will want to carry it to the library and such, so I’d suggest the MB Air. I know I would’ve gotten it if it were offered when I bought my last computer, and I’m planning on it for my next purchase.</p>
<p>Most things that you might have used a DVD drive for are now available on line. (another reason for Ethernet, faster speed.) such as the CDs that come with some of your text books, movies (the Rock does have a nice number of movies to check out though.) If you have a NetFlix account or can use a friends one, then you can stream these though instead of needing a DVD drive.
Some dorm rooms etc have pretty iffy wifi, so definitely need Ethernet. (in the past years freshmen are usually given a free cable at check in. get 2. )
My recent grad took all of in- class notes on laptop. Depends on your ease and skill, but you will be wanting to tote it everywhere.</p>
<p>Okay, thank you for all your advice. If I decide to buy the air, will the Help Desk still assist me if I have a problem (since the air doesn’t have an optical drive)?
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<p>As you can probably tell, I am not that technology savvy, so if I have a problem, I don’t want to be SOL.</p>
<p>@modestmelody this “USB ethernet dongle,” should I select “Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter” at checkout?</p>
<p>Thank you so much. If I buy an air, maybe a friend will let me borrow the external drive? ;)</p>
<p>Do you plan on bringing your laptop to class everyday? I really only bring my laptop with me when I go to library, so I don’t mind the extra weight of the Pro.</p>
<p>Echoing other people, Brown wireless sucks so you will want the option for ethernet.</p>