Guide to Choosing the Right Computer for Students
Laptop Guide
APR
3
2009
Though most schools offer areas of campus that provide free computer access, it is both helpful and convenient to have your own computer at school. Owning your own computer guarantees that it will always be available, even after hours and during busy study times. Since you are the only one using the computer, you can organize files how you like and retrieve them with ease. You can also use your computer at home, instead of having to go to the student center or library, and the computer can be used for leisure or gaming as well as work.
The big question: laptop computer or desktop computer?
How much space will you have in your dorm room? Are you shopping for portability? How much can you afford to spend? Here are the pros and cons of buying a desktop or laptop computer.
Desktop Computers: Desktops are great for college students who can study in their room and are looking for a sturdy, reliable computer. Desktops also work well for the student on a budget.
- Pros of Owning a Desktop Computer:
- Usually less expensive (greater power and capabilities for your buck)
- Tend to break less easily
- Hard to steal
- Most have larger screens
- Cons of Owning a Desktop Computer:
- Difficult to transport
- More cords/pieces involved
- Takes up more space
Laptop Computers: Laptop computers are perfect for the college student who wants to move around with his or her computer. Portability means you can relocate if your roommate has different study or sleep schedules, you want to study at the library, or you want to use your computer in bed.
- Pros of Owning a Laptop Computer:
- Portable
- Takes up very little space
- All inclusive: built in speakers, computer mouse, computer speakers, cords
- Cons of Owning a Laptop Computer:
- Easily breakable
- Small and portable makes them easy targets for theft
- More expensive
If You Chose Laptop -- Notebook Computer or Netbook Computer?
First off, what exactly is a netbook? Netbooks are very small laptop computers with minimal capabilities. Many are so small that they lack disk drives, and thus any external programs or files must be installed via the USB port. Netbook screens are generally around 10.1". The computers tend to specialize in mobility and the web, making them ideal computers for on the go.
While the netbooks are meant to travel, their hard drives are not as travel ready unless you get a solid state hard drive. Because of this, it is advised to have an external hard drive or other computer to back up your work on. A netbook is not ideal as a primary computer, but if you're looking for something supplemental to use at the library or take notes with in class, netbooks may work well for you.
Computer Specification Recommendations:
Students use their computers for a number of things, not just work. They store music, take pictures, play games (not in class of course!), and use the Internet. Here are some recommendations for the computer specifications you should look for to get the most out of your school computer. Remember, your school may have its own recommendations as well, so be sure to check out your college, university, or school's IT or new student website before making your final decision.
Price: First and foremost, what can you afford? If you are on a tight budget, you may have to sacrifice some features for others. But keep in mind, a computer is an important purchase and, if you buy the right one, you can use it for the next several years. For this reason you may be able to aim a little higher than you would on another purchase.
Computer Processor: The faster the better! Especially if the computer is being used for games or video, you're going to need a powerful processor. Looking for computers with the most up to date processor also ensures that the computer will be able to compete for longer in the changing market.
Memory (RAM): With more memory, your computer will perform better and be able to run more programs or applications simultaneously. It is advised to add on as much memory as you can afford. Most schools recommend a minimum of 2 GB of RAM.
Hard Drive Space: If you've begun to notice the trend, you will not be surprised to hear that more is better. High school and college students save all sorts of things on their computers--music, papers, movies, games-- and these things all take up hard drive space. Most schools recommend a hard drive of 80 GB or larger.
**Money saving tip!! If you want to put off the purchase of more hard drive space, go with an external hard drive! They can hold hundreds of GB of information and are generally quite cheap. This is one way you can skimp on hard drive space in the beginning and make up for it later when your bank account has had time to rebound.
Internet Capabilities: How will you be connecting to the Internet, via wireless or an Ethernet cord? Schools recommend at least one of the following:
- Ethernet Card: Also known as a network card or LAN adapter, Ethernet cards allow your computer to communicate with a network. This allows the computer to connect to a network either wirelessly or through cables. Standard network cards are available in 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps. 10 Mbps is usually the minimum, but 100 Mbps is often recommended.
- Wireless Card: A wireless card, or wireless network interface controller (WNIC) is a type of network card that lets users connect to a network wirelessly. Most schools accept 802.11 b or 802.11 g wireless cards
Battery Life: While battery life only applies to laptops, it is a key factor in determining how usable your computer will be. Make sure your battery life is at least the length of your longest class, so that your computer does not die if you decide to take notes on a computer. Also consider how frequently you will be able to charge the computer, as well as the overall life of the battery. If your battery deteriorates, will the company replace it on warranty or will you have to buy a new one a year down the road?
Warranty and Support: Finally, check to see what kind of coverage plan your new computer offers. What type of damage will they cover and for how long? Does your school offer IT consulting or will you need to go directly to the company for that? A computer warranty offers you peace of mind that if anything happens to your computer, you will be taken care of.
Extra Features and Accessories: The following features and accessories are not necessary, but may help to make your college career a lot easier. Here are some recommendations for computer accessories to bring with you to college.
- Software Packages: It's a given that you will be need a word processor for college, but surprisingly not all computers come with one. Are the word processing programs you need included or extra? Also, what other programs will you need? PowerPoint? Excel? How about media or presentation software? Anti-virus protection? There are a lot of programs available for free on the Internet, but many of the security or office related programs still require some forethought.
- Printer: Though many colleges offer common printing areas at the library or student center, it is infinitely easier to print from your dorm room or apartment. Does your school offer printing? How much space will you have at your desk? How often will you even use a printer and for what? These questions will help you determine whether to buy a printer or use the school's, as well as whether you need a photo printer, scanner, fax, or just your standard printer that prints.
- Security and Anti-Theft Devices: Locking your dorm room can help to deter a lot of theft, but it is better to be safe than sorry. If you have a laptop, consider investing in a lock for your computer or look for a laptop with GPS in the event that your computer is stolen and you need to find it.
- Storage Case: For a netbook or notebook computer, look for padded cases that protect against the wear and tear that comes from bumping around inside your bag. This will keep your computer from getting dirty or breaking.
- Disc Drives: Do you need any extra drives or just the basic CD? What about a CD-RW that allows you to burn CDs? A DVD or Blu-Ray disc drive for watching TV shows and movies? What will you be using it for?
- Computer Speakers: If you have a desktop computer, you will need speakers to listen to any type of sound. If you have a laptop computer, there will most likely be built in speakers but they tend to be quiet. Consider buying computer speakers if you plan to listen to music or watch videos.
- Additional Monitor: Having an additional monitor allows you to set up two screens for work or play. Research on one screen, write on the other; watch a movie one while you procrastinate with Solitaire on the other. This is one way to feel like you have a desktop computer when you actually have a laptop, as you get the portability of the laptop but the screen size of your external monitor.
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