<p>Hey guys, I'm 99.99% sure that I'm going to Pitt and had a question for engineers (preferably Bioengineers, but I think any kind could answer). Did you find that you had to transport your laptop frequently around campus? I ask this because I'm wondering whether to go for performance or portability. I was looking into a Sager that has a 17.3" screen, is 8.6lbs, and only has 2 hours of battery life (i can get an extra battery though). However, it has a great graphics card, processor, RAM, etc. Would this be fine or should I look into something a little smaller/ lighter with a higher battery life? Thanks!</p>
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<p>I am admittedly not a BioE (MSE) but I will say that I brought my laptop to campus maybe a handful of times over the 4 years that I did undergrad. I rarely had a reason to use it (especially with multiple computer lab locations already in Benedum). I know a lot of kids would bring in their laptops for Engineering 11/12/0711 because trying to learn programming by sharing a computer is hard. </p>
<p>With that said, I now bring in my laptop every day. It’s a 17.3" HP Pavilion that weighs 7 pounds. I just carry it around in my backpack and it’s not too bad.</p>
<p>Okay, that doesn’t sound too bad. I’m a pretty big guy anyway so I’m sure I won’t have difficulty with the weight. Do you know if the kids that bring them to class are able to plug them in to charge?</p>
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<p>Depends on your room. First year you’re taking Calc, Chem, Physics, Engineering, and an elective. Calc/Chem/Physics are all big classes in big lecture hall areas (lots of people and not a lot of plugs). Engineering is in a computer lab so there may be more plugs, but it depends on where they have the class. </p>
<p>Even a lot of the other rooms are limited in plug space. But like I said, most people don’t bring their laptop, so if a room has plugs (generally near the walls) you should be abl eto snag one.</p>
<p>I’m a BioE and I tend not to bring my laptop around campus. Freshman year when you take 11/12 or 0711/0715 I would bring my computer most days because it was more convenient for programming, but for most of the classes I’ve taken afterwards I don’t use my computer in class. </p>
<p>If they still teach Physics 1&2 in Alumni Hall, then I think a lot of the seats in that lecture hall actually have plugs under the armrest/desk area. Other than that I would say most classrooms don’t have too many plugs.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info maybepremed! I think I may go for the more powerful one. Also, this is sort of off topic but would you recommend double majoring in Computer Science? It seems like there’s a lot of programming in BioE so that might benefit me (and it interests me anyways).</p>
<p>It may not be possible to double major in CS in 4 years due to all the Arts & Sciences school Gen Ed requirements. You won’t be able to fit them into the Engineering Curriculum. But you can still take extra Computer Science courses or perhaps minor in it.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, I know. Sorry, I forgot to mention I was accepted as joint degree between Swanson and the college of A&S (5 year program). I was wondering if this would be a good mix or if I should choose a minor in CS instead.</p>
<p>Well that’s up to you. You’ll have a more well-rounded education (due to A&S requirements) but it is one more year and more $. Many programmers I know don’t have a CS degree - it’s something you can learn by doing as well.</p>
<p>That’s true also. Maybe a minor is the way to go then.
Thanks for the help!</p>