Computer

You pretty much need a computer at college, whether it's for writing a paper, going on Facebook, emailing home, chatting, watching a movie, playing games, listening to music... you name it. And computers at lab stations aren't gonna cut it.

Advice

Some important things to keep in mind when you are deciding what computer to buy...

Check Your School's Requirements

A few points to research before you buy your computer:

  • Does your school, specific college, or major have any requirements - hardware or software?
  • Is there wireless on campus? Where?
  • Can you take notes in class on your laptop?

Desktop Vs. Laptop

Most students prefer to buy laptops. Accordingly, more and more schools are going wireless. Laptops are now powerful enough to supplant desktops for labor-intesive applications, and offer several other advantages: they've gotten cheaper, they're smaller, they're portable, you can use them in class, and they become your portable hub for both study and entertainment.

Why would you want a desktop? First, you'll get a bit more bang for your buck. Second, they're easier and cheaper to upgrade. Third, they're a lot harder to steal. You might consider a desktop if your school does not allow laptops in the classroom, and if you school does not have wireless internet.

Mac vs. PC

Personally, we recommend getting a Mac. An education industry favorite, they're more secure, easier to work on, and have excellent tech support. People often think Macs are more expensive, but in reality you generally come out ahead when you compare what you get for the same price, all things considered.

BUT, and this is a big but, you may want Windows for its popularity and compatibility, especially if your school has software that is only compatible with Windows. If you want a Mac, buy one - Macs can now run both Mac OS X and Windows side by side with some software if your school requires Windows. If you're more comfortable on a PC, stick to it. If you're interested, check out Apple.

Shop Around

Set a price range. If you're planning on replacing your laptop partway through school (e.g. after 2 years), you might want to keep to around $1000, assuming you can meet the requirements you need for your computer. We'd recommend staying at this range especially if you think you're a bit dreamy and might have your laptop stolen. But if you can afford it, or you need the power, or you want a laptop to last you 4 years, dish out a bit more to get performance that will last. You should also ask students at your school or in your major for their recommendations.

Choosing a computer

Look around to compare prices, features, software, etc. Also check out the bestsellers, they might help you figure out which computer you want. Here are some links to help you figure out what computer to get:

Education Discounts

Be sure to check for educational discounts. Several vendors, like Apple and Dell, offer discounts of 5-15% on their hardware. Software discounts for students are often even better, sometimes only costing you 1/3 of the original price.

A Few Recommendations

Just a quick note: unless otherwise listed, these vendors offer education pricing.

Apple - Design and Tech Support Leader

Apple offers perhaps the most highly rated computers and tech support of any computer vendor, and they are a favorite among college students.

Dell - Full-featured and Expandable

Dell is one of the biggest vendors of computers, they have educational discounts, and their computers are very affordable.

Sony - Stylish but Expensive

Sony places a clear emphasis on style, and with offers a relatively diverse line of models for VAIO product line, but at a relatively heavy price.

Accessories

There are a few other things you may want to consider for your computer... don't forget a surge protector!

Laptop Lock

Anyone who brings a laptop should also bring a laptop lock. Keep anyone from running off with the few thousand dollars of computer you left lying around for a few seconds.

Wireless / Ethernet

If your school doesn't have wireless internet where you're staying, bring the ethernet cable you'll need. If you want wireless in your room, and you're allowed to, bring your own wireless router. Be sure to have some form of security in place so people aren't piggybacking your network, or, worse, intercepting your wireless data.

Printer

Talk to your roommate about this one... We would very highly recommend that you get an all-in-one device. We have more info on printers here

Software

Don't forget all the programs you need for school! Besides Microsoft Office (or some other word processor, and possibly spreadsheet and presentation application), see if you are required by your school or department to have any other programs.