<p>would be best for a business student? I'm debating between bringing my aging desktop or buying a laptop to use as my main computer</p>
<p>My S is a student at Gabelli. From what I’ve seen and heard, pretty much everyone has a laptop. He has a reasonably inexpensive laptop which has been just fine. Some people bring their computers to class and take notes and the portability of a laptop also helps when groups get together for projects. That said, you should do whatever you are comfortable with.</p>
<p>You could bring your desktop but personally I feel that getting a laptop is a necessary college expense and it will be well worth the $$. </p>
<p>My S went with a new Dell laptop and found that so much at Fordham is geared to a Mac. I recall all the new freshman who had a Mac (and it was almost everyone!) having a much easier time and could set everything up immediately whereas everyone who had a PC had to get IT involved and it took a couple of days. He actually had repeated problems and kept having to give it to IT to work on so we got him a Mac instead and he is much happier. There ARE kids who have a PC and haven’t had any problems but his experience was that everything at Fordham is easier with a Mac. He does go to LC though and so it might be totally different for Gabelli/RH students. </p>
<p>We were lucky bc S2 needed a computer and the Dell was still under warranty…after a Dell technician replaced a part it now works fine for him! :)</p>
<p>My S has a Windows based computer and it has been fine (he is at RH in the business school). There is something you have to do to get a windows computer on the Fordham system (a certain anti-virus program maybe, I’m not sure), but he had no problem getting the computer online himself and there were IT people all over the place on freshman move-in day for anyone having trouble. Either a Mac or Windows computer should be fine at Fordham. FYI, my S also brings a printer to Fordham which is helpful to have.</p>
<p>Get a Windows laptop (brand Lenovo). They are not only sturdy, durable, and high quality, but the business world only uses Windows, so even though you are just starting out you will be used to the applications and interface you might be using for most of your life.</p>
<p>Lenovo is one of many brands of good laptops. My S said that there are lots of Dells and HPs, on campus to name a couple. Do your research before you buy something but there are good deals out there for Windows computers.</p>
<p>Dell and HPs are not terrible, but their build quality is much lower. They break easier than Lenovo, ASUS, or MSI. However, that doesn’t really matter if you are careful.</p>
<p>If you happen to be going to Fordham, you will most definitely need a personal Bloomberg terminal. The school will not subsidize this for you, so it is for you alone to acquire and pay for the Bloomberg terminal.</p>