HIT: Laptop vs desktop for college

[Rich Tabis <tabis@ADELPHIA.NET>]

A big thanks to all who emailed me regarding my choice of computer for
my twins about to enter college. You gave me sound advice and many tips
and things I hadn't thought about.Some responses were from recent
college graduates and some from parents, but the concensus was to buy a
laptop, mainly due to the convenience, size, and portability. It was
pointed out that a laptop enables the student to use it anywhere--the
library, another student's room, lecture hall, airport, and for
presentations. This is especially important if the student is a good
distance away and has to fly and will have to store their belongings
over the summer, as is the case with my twins. Also takes up much less
space in a small dorm room. And with many campuses using wireless
capabilities, a laptop is ideal. Some drawbacks: more expensive; harder
to upgrade; not as powerful; easier to damage, lose, or have stolen;
harder to type on unless you buy another keyboard; smaller screen; no
mouse unless you buy one.   Security problems can be helped with a lock
and cable system,locking the door when not in the room, and engraving
the bottom. You should also look into purchasing insurance against
theft, loss, and damage.

When making a decision, it is advisable to check with the college as to
their requirements for  an operating system, memory, etc. so that the
computer is compatible and works with their network, etc. Also, one
college major may require the student to purchase certain
software/hardware, and this will impact the decision.

We have decided to buy my older son, a 5th year pharm. Student, a
laptop, pass his desktop down to the one twin, and buy the other twin a
laptop. This way we can see how she likes hers, then buy her brother one
next year. He is fine with this, so I think it will work out.

Thanks again for all the advice and good wishes! I could not have made
this decision without you all!


Lois Tabis
Librarian, Sharpsville High School
Sharpsville, PA
tabis@adelphia.net

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