Laptop Vs. Desktop in College?

Question

I've been thinking about getting a laptop for college, but recently have changed my mind. Laptop, first of all, get stolen easily and can get dropped and damaged. A desktop may take up too much space and be a hassle to bring back home vacation time. I probably won't need a computer all that much outside of dorm, so why buy a laptop? The dorms have high speed internet connection. Do I need special wires to hook up to the internet in the dorm with a desktop or laptop? How do I get wireless internet on a laptop? How does that work?

For anyone whose already been to college or is in college I'll appreciate any help. Thanks.

Answer 1

I think that the laptop is a better choice. If someone is going to steal your computer it is going to happen anyway (always get student insurance that covers it and other items you own), whether you get a decent desktop or a laptop. If you look after your laptop there is no reason why it should get dropped or damaged.

As a student you are going to have to get used to moving from one room to another, or coming home for holidays etc. A desk top is just an extra hassle to worry about.

Once you get to college you will find that there are times when you may have to be elsewhere and still want to work. Group projects, when your room mate is 'entertaining' her male friend in your room, if you want to work at some strange time of the day or night etc. A laptop is simply easier for all that.

Contact the college and find out how their internet works. They may be wireless, or they may need a cable. Wireless is built in to decent laptops these days, and a cable is a pretty low cost cable. Either way it will be pretty idiot proof, so don't worry about it.

The best advice I can give you as a student is to back up your work. The cheapest method is to simply email assignments to yourself using a service like Yahoo! Mail. There are also online back up services where you can upload your work to a secure web site. Or consider buying a MyBook external hard disk. You can just save all your work onto that with a click. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every tear shed by a student who has lost all their work, I'd be rich! ALWAYS MAKE A BACK UP AFTER EVERY TWO HOURS OF WORK! You'll thank me for that one day.

I also strongly suggest a PC rather than a Mac. Macs are way more expensive to repair and buy software for. The only reason to get a Mac is if you are in some kind of arty major where they recommend them. Otherwise you'll find the PC cheaper and more versatile in the long run. You can get software cheaper and easier too.

Good luck. Hope you have fun.

Answer 2

March A, I don't think he will be living on campus, based on how he worded his question. But yes yes, that's entirely up to you. If you're questioning whether or not you will need the portability of a laptop, and your current computer will be able to get you by for your first week of classes or so, then just hold off on buying a computer for that first week and see if having a laptop there would be worthwhile or not, you should be able to get a good idea within that period of time. Chances are, if you don't think you'll need one and your classes aren't really relevant to computers, you won't need it. Even computer courses will have computers already set up for you to use, in most cases that is. If a laptop were a requirement, I'm sure you would have known, so yeah, I'd say you don't require it. But really, if you won't be spending that much time there and don't foresee the need of having a computer with you while on campus, I wouldn't bother getting a laptop. Desktops are by far the best value, and if the perks of having a laptop won't apply to your situation, obviously you might as well avoid the expense of buying one.

Answer 3

Go with the laptop and purchase a security cable for it. The mobility of a laptop is well worth the investment. You may want to take it to study groups or the local coffee shop or other place if you decide to study off campus.

Wireless network cards are available for laptops either at the time of purchase or aftermarket. However, you will only have access to a wireless network if the University provides access if you install a wireless router to your network connection. Be forewarned that many Universities prohibit students from connecting routers to their network due to security concerns.

Regarding the cables required to hook up to the internet in the dorm you will need a standard network cable which can be purchased at Bestbuy in various lengths.

Answer 4

I use a desktop in University, mainly because I'm comfortable with a desktop and already had one going spare. There's no real right or wrong answer, it's just whichever you want because they both have pro's and con's.

You'll probably need an ethernet cable if you're on a wired connection or a wireless card if your halls and campus are wireless. The University or College should send you details of exactly how to connect to their network prior to you leaving for there.

Answer 5

Im in college and I love having my laptop. I know you dont plan on using it outside your dorm, but I love having the freedom to take it to the quiet study hall, or my friends room, etc. You can store them anywhere, and they wont get stolen unless you leave it out in the open unsupervised. A desktop would be fine too, but i recommend the laptop.

Answer 6

I would suggest a laptop. Buy insurance for it if it gets stollen or broken. Take necessary security measures. You'll love the portability of it.

Answer 7

Of course Laptop...

Think about many places u can go with your lap ...

Answer 8

laptop