<p>Well, from the inside, there are several rumors about why we weren't issued laptops. Some say that we couldn't get wireless b/c Bancroft is built like a bomb shelter (though having now been to both WP and AFA on movement orders, they aren't wirelessed). Others say they would have too much trouble with virus protection (I'm not a computer nerd, don't ask me to explain).</p>
<p>The thing is, our desktops are AWESOME -- fast, HUGE monitors (we got 19" ones), quiet...you can buy wireless keyboards/mouses at the midstore for fairly cheap which helps a little with mobility (my roommate sometimes sits in her rack on weekends to type stuff).</p>
<p>On the other hand, as a person that travels a lot with D&B on the weekends, I bought a laptop as well -- it has proved VERY useful for both me and my friends who borrowed it while we were on trips so that papers could be finished, movies could be watched, etc. One of my friends here has a tablet and hates it, so I'm glad we didn't go with that option.</p>
<p>First of all, of course I will not buy a laptop if I'm just a little bit insure whether or not I'll be issued one, and</p>
<p>I always laugh when people say "don't buy that because in 2 months, technology will be 2x better..." golden question...how can you buy if technology will always improve? Sounds like my 55 year old parents preaching nonsense to me!</p>
<p>And I literally "lol'd" when marmadillo says "I'm not a computer nerd, don't ask me to explain"...then later says she does D&B a lot of the weekends. News flash for you marm: D&B equates to nerd status! (just as much as knowing how much hard drive space you does too!)</p>
<p>personally, I would hold off on the laptop and use what is issued- first, you will get the tech support you need when and if you need it, and second, by the time you graduate it will be out of date already...that would be the time to upgrade to a really nice laptop that you can take into the fleet with you! </p>
<p>ps... our son has his brand new laptop sitting at home... "no need" and "no room" ..... and the laptop from home can't be connected to the USNA servers...just something to think about!</p>
<p>(btw- if you really need a laptop to get work done while on roadtrips for varsity sports, etc, you can always borrow one from the athletic office- for that purpose!)</p>
<p>
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Sounds like my 55 year old parents preaching nonsense to me!
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</p>
<p>Newsflash: They've forgotten more about life as an adult than you currently know. I recommend you shut your young yap and listen.</p>
<p>I listen to my father now like never before. Sadly, I DIDN'T listen to him when I SHOULD have; would have saved me all kinds of grief. As for my mom, I'd kill to be able to listen to her "preach nonsense" to me for just 60 miserable little seconds. Sadly, however, I'll never hear her voice again while still on this planet.</p>
<p>I'm just going to wait and see what he has, but I still like the idea of laser vs. inkjet. I have an ink, my husband has laser and his has a much nicer quality. I'd like to get the boy one that he can use past his four years at USNA, or until he can afford a nicer one.</p>
<p>You don't have the space to throw a laser in. It would have been sweet to have one...but messing with toner, paper...etc...too much to worry about. Which is exactly why I let the library worry about it for me. If you really, really need to print that 20 page history reading...let Nimitz pay for it! Duplexed to save trees and easy on the pocketbook, printing at the library is the way to go. If you're too lazy to leave your deck, you can always print to the company laser if you need laser-jet quality in a pinch. But for most things you do here, just buy a handy, not-too-expesive InkJet. It scans, it copies, it prints, I'm just now on my second cartridges...what more could you really ask for.</p>
<p>just got back fron cvw on jan 25 and the question was brought up about laptops and all the parents were assured that there will be no laptops issued for class of 2011.</p>
<p>Yo Zaph...it's not a question of wisdom when we are discussing such a topic as technology. I was hoping to convey the point that no matter when you buy technology, faster, smaller, and cheaper technology will be available in the future. My parents however caution me not to buy technology for it is always getting better...so...when do you buy it? You see, it's not an issue of listening to my parents or not, it's an issue of knowing what to filter out and what not to as they often times say things like that to hopefully persuade me (and other kids my age) to keep our money in our pockets...</p>
<p>Fair enough, but listen to them anyway. Looking back, it's amazing just how spot-on my parents were, even when I thought they were out in left field.</p>
<p>Of course, it does no good to dwell on those examples, either, so I'm going to stop now. So many opportunities and lessons lost... :(</p>
<p>They make desk lasers that are even in color and duplex. If I had to choose, I'd get one of those. This is assuming, of course, that cartridges were available in the Mid Store.</p>
<p>Nowadays a good scanner (Canon flatbed USB, for example) can be had for $100, so the all-in-ones are less of the great deal they used to be.</p>
<p>In any case, the potential selection is truly mind-blowing.</p>
<p>Z there is no space to have seperate printers and scanners, rally do need to go with the all in one.</p>
<p>Nurseypoo: "I'll let my techno hubby decide" realistically let your kiddo decide, he is the one who will use it and have to store it in his room. You don’t need to do anything about it until PPW and if he does decide on something other than at the Midstore, there are Office Depot's and such in the area.</p>
<p>Since you asked on $$$$ The all in one that we got sold in the mid store for about $125.00. Laser color, copy and print start about $650.00 and go up from there.</p>
<p>Listen to OpusLives : You don't have the space to throw a laser in. It would have been sweet to have one...but messing with toner, paper...etc...too much to worry about. Which is exactly why I let the library worry about it for me. If you really, really need to print that 20 page history reading...let Nimitz pay for it! Duplexed to save trees and easy on the pocketbook, printing at the library is the way to go. If you're too lazy to leave your deck, you can always print to the company laser if you need laser-jet quality in a pinch. But for most things you do here, just buy a handy, not-too-expensive InkJet. It scans, it copies, it prints, I'm just now on my second cartridges...what more could you really ask for.</p>
<p>You don't need to keep the scanner I have in mind out all the time. HOWEVER, if a laser is available either in the company area or at Nimitz, then the heck with it; use those!</p>
<p>Inkjets still give you the best bang for buck, and some of those are duplex, too. I know HP makes at least one model, with the scanner built-in.</p>
<p>Well, I figured that it's a good thing my hub is involved in helping his son. Seems normal, ya' know. And, if he can teach his son (what we feel is) the proper way to make a major purchase (which will be part of his birthday present, since we will see him on PPW one week after his 18th birthday), it may make the boy's life a might easier when he has to buy his own.</p>