Links
HomeMaking the Choice
Scholarships
The Applications
Financial Aid
Waiting for Decisions
The Final Choice
College To-Do
High School To-Do
The Bank Account
Choosing a Computer
Communication Plan
Clothes and Supplies
Orientation
Class Registration
Buying Textbooks
The Roommate
Handling the Move
Saying Goodbye
The Empty Nest
Choosing a Computer
We found out that there are basically four choices when it comes to the question of a computer for school:- Getting a laptop
- Getting a desktop
- Getting a handheld mini computer, or
- Foregoing a computer purchase and taking advantage of the computers at the library or computer lab instead.
We assumed a laptop was the only way to go, but this is not necessarily true. How often will they realistically be coming home? Do they truly want to lug their computer with them each time (even if it is a laptop)? Are they allowed to bring a computer to classes?
What will they be using their computer for besides social networking, Internet "research," and endless hours devoted to video games? Also, I won't get into the debate here over choosing Mac or a PC. As long as whatever they get can give them access to YouTube, that's all that really matters to them anyway.
One option worth investigating is whether or not your employer offers a discount with a computer retailer, or maybe your employer has a discount program for used machines.
To save space, most roommates are willing to share a single printer. They will need to discuss beforehand who's bringing it, and whose parent will be setting it up.