<p>Hi. I'm an international engineering student and I'm planning on buying a laptop when I get to Cornell. What are the best places to buy a laptop in Cornell except the Cornell Store(it only has Dell and the Apple laptops are so expensive).</p>
<p>If you’re not an apple/Dell fan, you might want to try shopping for HP laptops or ASUS netbooks ONLINE. Most of my friends run a laptop with decent computing power (depends on ur engineering major) and bring a netbook to class to take notes. </p>
<p>Also, in the USA, there seems to be a lot of internet coupons/deals floating around so even if the item you’ve picked out is on sale, do a quick google search for online coupons. The laptop I’m using right now cost $150 less for 20 sec of google searching.
I’m international and I’ve purchased HP laptops twice online. It DOES require you to have a US billing address though aka a US debit/credit card. I’m assuming you’ll be getting one anyway. </p>
<p>If you’re looking for on-site purchases, there’s a Best Buy in the relatively nearby mall. I’m unfamiliar with any “computer shops” that may be lurking around Ithaca.</p>
<p>TigerDirect?</p>
<p>I will be getting a debit card and all that when I get there, but will I need the laptop for the first few days of class? coz the debit card will take some time. </p>
<p>and what’s tigerDirect?</p>
<p>I usually do my computer shopping online, but yes there is a Best Buy in the local mall (and Freshmen can ride the bus there for free!).</p>
<p>laptops are definitely convenient, but not at all required. Also, ordering a laptop online takes 2 weeks ish before actually getting it (although I’ve never tried the “express” order options. far too expensive and I never needed it rushed…).</p>
<p>For all assignments that you might receive that require computer usage, you will be able to find the appropriate software and time in the (engineering) computer labs. Inconvenient for sure, but you won’t be screwed due to lack of available computing resources.</p>