Belushi was never truly prepared for college because he didn't have a computer to distract him from the overwhelming draw of alcohol and women that surrounded him during his college years. Here's a short little guide of things to look for when picking and choosing your new computer in preparation for the most awkward, eye-opening 2-4 years you'll ever experience in your life.
- First, admit that you really need a computer. Don't lie to yourself and think you can survive by jumping around public spots and live off web-applications. Though it is very much possible for all of your work to be allotted online now, having a central hub where you can immediately access your files without having to hunt for a wireless hotspot will save you time, so you can study.
- Apple or PC? It doesn't matter. Any student will tell you that as long as it gets the job done, you're good. However, we did notice that engineering and community regional development students have a tendency to use PC-only programs, so be sure to think about that before making the jump.
- Say "No" to hand-me-downs. College is the perfect time to invest in a new computer. Whether it be a Mac or a PC, a hand-me-down is like a slap to the face since you'll be relying on this machine for the next 2-4 years. Lag is the one of the most annoying things we can think of when using a computer, especially when you have an essay due in 2 hours.
- Go notebook. Desktops are great if you're gaming, but dorm life will mean you'll be running around a great deal and having a desktop becomes more of an inconvenience in the long run. Pricing wise, laptops have long surpassed the desktop in terms of value because of their portability factor, so the choice should be obvious.
- Check out the local bookstore. They have deals, trust me! Sometimes it's a free printer, free iPod, free gift cards, or even free software! Did we mention you can grab educational discounts now that you're a student? That means always cheap software and hardware, saving you hundreds.
- Do I need a mouse? It's all preference. Some people get used to the touchpad quickly, others do not. Mice are cheap, so definitely invest in one if your wrists begin to hurt because you're not used to moving your fingers that much. Remember, ergonomics is key!
- How many USB do I need? Think printer, mouse, and external hard drive. That's just three right there, so if you have a camera, iPod, and other USB powered items, you're going to need either a USB hub or 5+ ports.
- How big of a screen? We think Apple nailed it with the 13.3" screen as the standard for extra-portable laptops for students on the go. Computers with at 15" screen usually are much heavier, but anything under 12" strains your eyes over time. Both PC makers and Apple computers have many 13.3" models to choose from.
- Did we mention you need backup? Yes, you need a backup plan. Imagine if your laptop gets stolen, beer spilled on it, or suddenly decides it's a good idea to explode? Invest in backup, it'll make the nightmare afterward feel like a smooth sailing cruise to the Bahamas.
- How much should I spend? Depending on processor speed and the amount of RAM, the range will vary greatly. We suggest shopping around first and seeing what the speed/specs are for a computer around the $1000-$1200 range. These computers are for daily use and often have a little above the bare essentials to ensure the computer will last at least 3-4 years. If you're a big spender, the $1800-$2000 range should cover a computer with professional grade parts and might even have room for gaming. We don't suggest getting the "gaming" laptops because they are heavy, get hot, and are one of the greatest distractions you'll have while in school.
Now pack your bags, and get crackin'!
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First- "most awkward, eye-opening 2-4 years you'll ever experience in your life"- Wow 2-4 years! Lets not send these kids off with unrealistic expectations, more likely it should be: "most awkward, eye-opening 2-6 years (not counting grad school) you'll ever experience in your life."
Second- I totally agree on admitting you need a computer. But having said that I spent 3 of my 4 1/2 (yeah only 4 1/2) years in college without my own computer. This is possible but in order for it to work you must have:
-A big a** flash drive
-A serious love for computer labs or college libraries
-(most importantly) A really good excuse to tell campus safety when they catch you in the lab at 4 am.
Third- good post!
Actually, I totally disagree with admitting you need a computer, and saying no to hand-me-downs. I had a brand new Dell laptop when I started college that totally crapped out on me by the end of my sophomore year. It spent most of my junior year in alternating states of being in the repair shop and being useless and nonfunctioning on my desk. I lived off campus, too. I spent most of junior and senior year, bussing it to campus for my first class, and staying on campus until I got my work done.
Most universities have individual network log-ons for each student, so I could log on as myself on any library or lab computer and access all of my work saved to the network. I found I was much less distracted in the library/computer labs and got a lot more done without getting sidetracked by tv, beer, or friends. The semesters where I made do without my laptop were the semesters I did best in school, and it is no coincidence. Of course, I still had plenty of time for work and a very active social life, too! Plus, ALL of your friends will have computers... if you are in a situation where you NEED to type up something you forgot about, SOMEONE will let you.
And that's why I defend hand-me-downs. I was lucky enough to have a family that could buy me a brand new laptop to head off to school with. Many of my college friends were too, but many were not. Nothing wrong with grabbing someone's older laptop to bring with you. It is more important that you can get the basics done, and then get the heck out of your dorm room/apartment and experience the parties/dating/extra curriculars/experimentation/shopping/awesomeness that college is really about.
closertotheocean - it's because it was a DELL!
Everyone I know that started off school with a Dell had a horrible time with it. They're just not meant for the beating students give their computers - in my opinion.
Students need laptops (totally agree with the laptop necessity) that are durable and actually portable. If your honker of a laptop is 17 inches and 15 lbs...what's the point? I loved my Powerbook. It was perfect.
I started school with an iBook that was about a year old, it did eventually get to the point where I couldn't do the work I needed to do on it and received a hand-me-down from my Dad in the form of a Powerbook g4 that was about a year old too.
So that's my rule of thumb, keep the computer going until it can't do what you need it to do...then move on. Hand-me-downs are ok, as long as they are an upgrade in processing power/storage space from your previous computer. Otherwise, totally not worth it.
Printers aren't necessary. That's what labs are for. My last 2 years of school I didn't spend a dime on ink, I used the computer labs, which sometimes helped me get my work done faster. An hour in the lab helped me focus on what needed to get done as opposed to farting around on Facebook.
I liked having the laptop in class from time to time, especially for those classes where the professor lectures ridiculously fast, faster than I could ever process and take notes at. I found I could type faster than write, and my notes were printed wirelessly to the printer down the hall once class was over. Also good for quick google searches during class discussions when we don't know for sure about a question that was asked.
That's my 2 cents.