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Computer for College / University

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Last Updated: May 23, 2008


Criteria

  • The computer needs to be as small as possible for cramped dorm rooms.
  • The computer needs to be mobile for use in the classroom, library, laundry room, with study groups, and a quiet location when the dorm gets too loud.
  • The computer needs to be rugged to handle all of the movement.
  • The computer has to be reliable.  Apple and Lenovo ThinkPad notebook computers rated the best by consumers.  For desktop computers, Apple and Alienware rated the best.  Avoid HP, Compaq and eMachine computers.  Everyone else rated average.
  • Any of today's computers are fast enough for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
  • Computer science or engineering majors will want a faster computer.

What Does the School Recommend?

Does the school use PCs or Macs?  Must Microsoft Office software be used?  What requirements are needed to network to the school's computers?  Does the school offer student discounts on hardware and software?  You may not have to buy the exact computer they recommend, but one that meets the same specifications.


Connectivity

Connecting computers together is more important than ever.  Make sure the computer has a network ethernet jack and 802.11g wireless network capability.  802.11g is backward compatible with 802.11b.  Built in is better so they don't get lost.  Avoid the non-standard 802.11n wireless networks.  They are a headache due to noncompatible parts that say they are all 802.11n.  Wait until 2008 when 802.11n is standardized.


Check with the school to find out if any Windows version will do.  A few years ago, some schools required Windows XP Professional because it had domain based network support.  In Windows Vista, only Business, Enterprise and Ultimate has this feature.  I suspect most schools have transitioned to a web based connection using Internet Explorer where domain based network support doesn't matter.


File Sharing

There is always going to be a need to share files when working on a group project.  There will also be a need to move files to another computer whether it's to print a document on someone else's computer or moving a file to and from your computer and the school's computers.

  • E-mail works, but what if the internet connection or e-mail is down?
  • 3.5 inch floppy disks are not included in newer computers, are slow, and don't hold many files.
  • A USB drive is the new floppy disk of today.  Don't go to college without one.

Computer and Supporting Hardware

A college student will use a computer differently than a home or business computer user.  Here are some things to consider.

  • For a desktop computer, choose a small case with quiet fans and an LCD flat panel monitor.  Some desktop computers are too loud and a LCD flat panel monitor takes less desk space in a cramped dorm room.
  • A notebook computer is the most mobile and will be more useful than a stationary desktop computer.  A notebook computer is much smaller too.
  • Consider the Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Core Duo, or Intel Pentium M processor for notebook computers for its longer battery life as compared to a Pentium 4, Pentium 4M, Celeron, or Celeron M processors.
  • Buy an extended life battery.  Some companies offer a 6-cell battery or a 9-cell extended life battery.  See if the extended battery is the same size or larger than the standard battery.  Does the extended life battery stick out the back or add add height in the back?
  • Buy an extra battery.  Don't let your battery die in the middle of class.
  • Buy a carrying bag.  If you carry the notebook computer like a book, it will one day fall and break.  Beware of the careless person that bumps your arm.  Buy a bag that can also hold class books so you don't have to carry two bags.  The backpack style cases are nice.  Find one that is water repellent for those rainy days.
  • Backup your data files to a CD.  There is enough room to hold several years worth of school papers and projects.  It's also easier to find a backup computer that can read CDs as compared to DVDs.  If your backpack with the notebook computer and USB drive is stolen, then you'll still have a CD backup in your dorm room.  If the notebook computer doesn't have a CD or DVD burner, then buy a replacement DVD burner for about $60.  DVD burners create DVDs and CDs.
  • Buy at least a 5400rpm 160GB hard drive.  I only use 15MB on my notebook.
  • Buy a warranty that will get the computer fixed locally as quickly as possible.  A mail in warranty may take 2-4 weeks to fix.  Can you go that long without a computer?  Read the fine print to find out what is not covered.  Beware that "fixing" it may require reformatting the hard drive.  Learn to make backups!
  • Buy a full size keyboard and mouse for the notebook computer to be used in the dorm room.  You'll work faster and get less fatigued.
  • Buy a cable lock and portable surge protector.
  • Buy a fast, reliable printer.  You don't want printer problems or a slow printer when your 20 page paper is due in 10 minutes.  Been there, done that.
  • Buy a battery backup/surge protector for the dorm.  Don't loose your work because of a power outage.  Make sure it is at least 500VA and not the smaller 350VA.  They cost about $65.  Still save your work every 10 minutes, though.

Software

Here are some things to consider for maximum usefulness and reliability.

Theft Insurance

Find out if your insurance company offers theft insurance for the replacement, not fair market value, of the computer AND accessories.  Even if a notebook computer is anchored to a desk with a cable lock, it can still be stolen.  Theft is an excellent reason to make weekly backups of your files.  Write your name in permanent marker or engraver on your equipment.  Take photographs and write down the serial numbers.  It will help the police.


Learn the Software Before School Starts

Learning how to use the computer and software before school starts is a good idea.  Know how to find your data files on the hard drive using Windows Explorer.  Learn how to burn a CD to make a backup of the files.  Learn how to use some of the intermediate level features of a word processor such as page numbering, footnotes/endnotes, automatic table of contents, modify styles, insert graphics, manual page break, section breaks, and revealing formatting codes with the paragraph icon (capital P with a double vertical line).


Learn About Network Security

If you aren't aware of the dangers of surfing the web at your favorite wireless hot spot, then you're a target for identity theft and viruses.  Learn more about network security.

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