<p>Can anyone provide a link/official recommendations for class of 2010 WashU students computer purchase? Thinking others might find this useful as well...
Thanks!</p>
<p>It seems that the ArtSci recommendations are pretty outdated (in computer terms, 1+ year :D), as most of what they recommend has been drastically changed by now. If you are looking for a laptop, I'd suggest starting your search by determining what screen size you want - Do you want an ultra-portable, light computer with a small screen, or a standard laptop with a 14-15" screen, that may be slightly heavier?</p>
<p>For a laptop, I'd recommend either Dell or Lenovo (IBM), as they tend to be the most reliable and have the best tech support/warranty/accidental damage options. </p>
<p>Since there are so many options for computers right now, there aren't really any true recommendations of what to get. Basically, any Mac or Windows computer will be sufficient for a student's technology needs. If you get a laptop, get one with built-in wireless. Don't purchase Microsoft Office until you get to campus - The bookstore has a great student discount on it. ResTech provides free anti-virus to anyone in residential housing, so you don't really need to worry about purchasing an extension of whatever anti-virus program comes with your computer (though you will have to install ResTech's Norton when you get to campus).</p>
<p>For accessories, I'd recommend getting a USB flash drive to transfer files from computer to computer. I'd also recommend getting an external HD for backup purposes. It's never good when a computer crashes right before a paper is due and a student loses all of their work. Lastly, I'd recommend getting an Operating System CD with your computer, even if the manufacturer charges $10 extra for it - If your computer needs to be fixed, ResTech can't do it without the OS CD.</p>
<p>If you have any questions about a specific system you're looking at, feel free to ask. You may also want to call Residential Technology Services (ResTech) at (314) 935-4688 or the Arts & Sciences Computing Center at (314) 935-8077.</p>
<p>oncampus, thanks for the great advice (and not sending me an odd photo of Louie Anderson). Yeah, what we found online seemed outdated; was hoping to get some baseline information before I made a fool of myself over the phone with some campus techie. You have provided the general and campus-specific advice with which I was hoping to begin. Thanks for the offer to answer questions about a specific system, we may very well take you up on that...</p>