TVs, computers, etc....I need some advice

<p>I have a few questions concerning electronics as an incoming freshman...</p>

<p>What is the situation with people bringing TVs to campus? I remember that when I did my overnight stay my host told me that cable was not included in the dorms, but it is possible to get it. He had some sort of box that downloaded cable information from his home TV onto his laptop, which he then transferred onto the TV he hooked up in his room. I am not necessarily looking to watch TV on my computer (I have heard that some students go for this), I would really like to have cable on a small TV. I don't watch hours of worthless television, but I am somewhat of an avid news hound who loves to leave CNN or the CNBC tickers running while I do work. I don't mind the occasional Office watch party or Entourage episode.</p>

<p>Also, what types of computers seem to work the best and are the most popular for Midd students. I had planned to get the MacBook Pro, but I am open to suggestions. Thanks, and feel free to mention any other electronics advice you all have. Your input is much appreciated for me and for many others lurking on the site, I'm sure.</p>

<p>don't bring your tv; it's futile bc you won't get cable </p>

<p>get used to watching tv on your comp; you get resourceful</p>

<p>everyone has everything, so pick which comp you want; I'd go with a pc though</p>

<p>The guys you stayed with probably had a slingbox. Sling</a> Media - Home of the Slingbox</p>

<p>arcadia.....</p>

<p>That is exactly what my host had, thank you. Now I just have to figure this sling box thing out. </p>

<p>Any suggestions for computers?</p>

<p>Slingbox Solo seems to be the correct device.</p>

<p>other than vid games, you won't use your tv as much as you think</p>

<p>I'd say go with the MacBook Pro if you have the money, otherwise go with the standard MacBook. I went with the Pro myself and it is amazing.</p>

<p>Ok, good, the MacBook Pro is what I was originally going to get, just wanted some confirmation. I use a PC desktop and MacBook right now...so I love both, but I think the Pro will be great for college.</p>

<p>The Dell Inspiron notebook is good and is built like a tank. Whatever you get, consider the extended hardware warranty if it's reasonably priced. My experience has shown that a lot of notebooks have hardware failures just after the warranty expires.</p>

<p>Is the broadband Internet pretty good at Middlebury?</p>

<p>The speed of the internet connection is perfectly adequate. The extent of the wireless is despicable though. The library, student center, and a few academic buildings (BiHall) are wireless, but very few dorms are. The wireless is less reliable and often slower than connecting with an ethernet cable.</p>

<p>go with a mac. i switched to mac for college and it was an amazing decision. additionally you can microsoft office for mac for free at the library
i don't really see the point of a tv unless you a video game addict.
i am a news junkie, but i had three tvs with cable available close by in lounges. people didn't use them all that much, so if you wanted to watch news you could do so (i certainly did). believe people get together to watch popular shows like The Office.</p>

<p>Question: Is it true there are Thursday night LOST gatherings during the season? My tour guide hinted at it...</p>

<p>in my dorm there were at least 25 people packed in the lounge to watch every week. don't worry, you will find plenty of people to watch LOST with.</p>

<p>Nice, as long as I have lost and the office I'm set.</p>