<p>When did 2011 find out about the specs of the computer? I'm curious and excited to know what ours will look like.</p>
<p>By the way, I know that USMA gets laptops and I'm pretty sure they have a wireless network, why not USNA? I'm guessing because it's in a more populated place within accessible range to outsiders.</p>
<p>My boarding school has a similar computer system to USMA's. All students and staff are issued laptops and we run on a wireless network. The only problems we've encountered here are the wireless system malfunctioning or shutting down all together and the reach of the wireless. I'm on the outer corner of my dorm and the wireless barely reaches my room, so I have to use an ethernet cable when I work at my desk. I think the other issue with laptops is general wear and tear. Unlike desktops, laptops go with you pretty much everywhere during the school day and sometimes people don't take very good care of them. The laptops at my school have to be replaced every two/three years.</p>
<p>Question for the New Plebes: There'd been a rumor floating that th $2500 "computer" fee was being eliminated for 2012ers. Yes? No? :confused:</p>
<p>WP - if you're talking about the initial fee that everyone had to pay by I-Day... yes (it was eliminated). We get an ACE loan (I think it's for "Additional Clothing and Equipment") - a 0 interest government loan that will be paid off through our paychecks.</p>
<p>the computer fee is not being eliminated- meaning no upfront costs- however the cost for the computer will be rolled into the ACE loan and paid with their funny-money over the course of their stay on the yard.</p>
<p>soylent- I believe the computer specs were released around June- I do not recall the information being sent home to parents or incoming plebes, but was released on the USNA site itself. As things change all the time, however, one never knows.</p>
<p>Trust it will be good enough for what you have to get done, and trust you will have other things on your mind soon enough than what kind of computer you will get! Would not bank on laptops.... at least not at USNA.</p>
<p>can you use a laptop in the classroom?</p>
<p>Out of curiosity, what are you planning to use the laptop for in class?</p>
<p>i know most colleges allow laptops in lectures. I type alot faster (and neater) than I can write notes. I can be more organized on a computer and I can move alot more info on a laptop than a notebook. I was just wondering because I didn't see any laptops in Annapolis when I visited this fall. If you can't use them then so what, I'll adapt(if I get in).</p>
<p>It's probably better to write the notes, then you can go back and type them. I am actually not sure if there is a policy...never seen anyone bring one...but I doubt the professor will wait for you if you miss something.</p>
<p>Then you have chemistry and engineering courses, where you have to draw diagrams, schematics, and such, which cannot be done easily and quickly on computer.</p>
<p>A bit of the Navy resides on non-technological means...the skill of good note-taking and handwriting is essential.</p>
<p>I'm going to have to disagree Jadler. My brother is a mechanical engineering major at RIT and he (and most of his classmates) take their notes on their laptops. I would guess there is a similar situation at USMA, where laptops are issued. The convenience and flexibility of typing notes and using available programs are far superior to handwriting notes. That said, I won't complain nor feel inhibited that we will not be issued laptops.</p>
<p>Jaybee,</p>
<p>It can be done...but realize that it is an "on your own" mission. Like I said, class isn't going to stop to accomodate one person's needs. Additionally, you cannot attach any device other than the issued computer or an approved laptop, which probably won't be available to 2012 yet. If you are using software, then you need to know how to use it because there probably won't be any tech support.</p>
<p>So, it can be done, I don't recommend it....unless you can't read your own handwriting.</p>
<p>What about a sprint or AT&T, etc. wireless card for internet?</p>
<p>I really don't care/plan on using one, I'm just curious.</p>
<p>Yes, you could do that if you want to pay extra. Money is already drawn from your account for a "multimedia" fee, so if you want to pay twice, no one is stopping you.</p>
<p>i'd agree with jadler on note taking. i've tried several times to take notes on my comp, but in the end paper and pencil is better because of diagrams and organizational purposes.</p>
<p>It is also very annoying to those not taking notes on a computer to have to listen to the click of the keys.</p>
<p>I wanted to post this before replies came in but thought I would wait to see.</p>
<p>It is interesting to see that mids do not take notes on computer. In the "real" college world, it seems that most students--including technical majors--take notes on computers these days. It seems that many set up an outline template and take notes on those.</p>
<p>I don't teach a technical course, but I have even seen students use a small palm-like device attached to a portable keyboard as a laptop alternative solely for the purpose of taking notes.</p>
<p>Clicking noise? You should try to take a law school exam with a typewriter clacking away behind you. Some might even suggest that if the clicking could be one more test of your ability to remain focused.</p>
<p>Having said that, however, the "pack" mentality seems to be pretty strong at the Academy. [See Jadler's resistance above.] Your choosing to be th e only one who takes notes on the computer may bring you some attention. [Favorably or not.] You could always ask for professor's permission. [In law school, I sat next to a person who did not trim her nails and the clicking of her nails on the keyboard used to drive me nuts; I don't suppose that is a problem at the Academy though.]</p>
<p>Sooner or later, the note-taking-on-computer dam will break. [Battery powr for the entire day may be your most limiting factor.]</p>
<p>I go to a "real" college. No one uses laptops, and the people that do bring their laptops just play online. You could always take written notes and then type them on to the computer to organize them. The repetition will help you memorize things.</p>
<p>I have a PocketPC cell phone that runs on Windows Mobile. </p>
<p>It's basically a mini-computer with wifi and everything.</p>
<p>I've been considering getting one of these Amazon.com:</a> Think Outside Stowaway IR Wireless Keyboard for Pocket PC and Palm OS: Electronics to take notes with.</p>
<p>Cell phones aren't allowed to be on in classes (at least as of now), unless you are on specific watches (which is intended to be used for official/duty use).</p>
<p>Honestly, I don't think having a laptop, at this point in time, has an advantage over note taking.</p>
<p>Also, as an officer, there are going to be MANY instances where a computer isn't available and you have to know how to take notes quickly....the skill shouldn't be underestimated.</p>
<p>I would say that a laptop might be good for maybe being at your sponsor's house, maybe. Otherwise I wouldn't invest in one just for academy use, because they issue a desktop to you. I might go for like a voice recorder to record lectures if those are allowed. (I don't know :P)</p>