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Hey, I'm a high school junior so I have plenty of time to decide, but I'm going to need a computer soon. First question: It would be really handy to have a computer of my own for my senior year, although not an absolute nessecity... but the earlier I buy a computer, the sooner it will be obsolete. Can I buy a computer now and it will still be fairly decent by the time I finish college?
Second question: There are a lot of things I don't like about laptops. Are they worth lugging around to take notes on and write on in random places? I write a LOT faster on the computer than by hand, but I didn't see many people at the colleges I visited taking their laptops to take notes on. Any experience w/ this?
Thanks. Any horror stories or recommendations about different models, operating systems, etc?

By Justinmeche (Justinmeche) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 07:10 pm: Edit

Students typically don't take laptops to class because they are more of a hassle than a convenience. Much better to takes notes with pen and paper.

A computer can last four years of college depending on what you need it for. I bought a laptop in 2001 and in it would have sufficied for four years but it started dying on me. If you buy a really good computer now, it should last through college. However, that depends on your needs. I use a computer for watching movies, listening to music, Internet, and word processing. If I wanted to keep up with PC games I would have to upgrade more often.

By Drusba (Drusba) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 07:34 pm: Edit

You can buy a computer now that will probably last through college but I would still recommend not getting one that you plan to use in college until next summer. Buy the low cost computer now and there will be some question of its usable worth 4 years from now although any computer will likely still be good for word processing, internet and email, downloading and storing many things. Buy a high cost computer now and it will likely still be good for doing even more complex things in four years with graphics, games, and complex programs to be introduced. The thing is that today's high cost computer will likely be your low cost one next summer.

As to laptops, that depends. Most who have them wouldn't live without them. Also, there are now colleges that require them for everyone and others for persons in such majors as science,engineering, architecture, so you need to know what your college will require before making a decision. A laptop with wireless access on a campus that has wireless access campus-wide is ideal. It is also handy when you need to complete something like a paper and there just happens to be a loud party going on on your dorm floor at the time. Nevertheless, a desk top still provides the most system for the lowest price and for many majors a laptop is not required or needed. Note, though cost gets up there, you can actually have both types by only having a laptop. A desk set up with a screen, keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. that are all hooked into a Port Replicator (or its almost same-thing cousin,a docking station)allows you to place your laptop onto the replicator, without having to hook-up all those peripherals every time and give you a desktop system.

By Usc200888 (Usc200888) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 07:53 pm: Edit

Wait, computers only get cheaper.

By Moojuice (Moojuice) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 10:28 pm: Edit

...unless you want to upgrade, USC.

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 05:14 pm: Edit

1. I would wait - they will get less expensive and be of a higher quality (faster).

2. Laptops - go for it. If ONLY so you don't have to disassemble and transport your computer every few months. The college life is highly mobile: you will get used to moving, oh, every few months (move-in Sept, partially out in Dec for break, back in January, out in May, repeat). Laptops: smaller, lighter, and don't require storage.

By Calkidd (Calkidd) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 06:31 pm: Edit

I love my laptop. It's definately a great thing, for the reasons Aries and others site. Also, if you get a job in an office or lab, you might want to use your own laptop there; a lot of places are moving towards having wireless networks and fewer computers (because they expect people to bring in laptops, I suppose).

By Madfoxmadfox (Madfoxmadfox) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 06:16 am: Edit

Don't people steal laptops? My dad said that if I bought a fancy high-tech laptop people would just steal it and I would have to take it everywhere with me, e.g. to the library bathrooms & stuff. Exaggerated maybe, but I am kind of worried.

By Crnchycereal (Crnchycereal) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 07:42 am: Edit

True, laptops are easy to steal and it is a liability. But a few precautions can prevent that. You'll really only be using the laptop in your room and in the library, so as long as you keep your door locked when you're out, it shouldn't be a hassle.

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 01:25 pm: Edit

I do not know of anyone who had their laptop stolen. It probably depends on the school as well - I imagine that some of them would have a lot more of that behaviour going on.

By Haon (Haon) on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 03:30 pm: Edit

get a laptop, it's worth it

By Heartsofpaper (Heartsofpaper) on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 03:37 pm: Edit

i think laptops won't be stolen as long as you don't leave them lying around. i highly doubt that somebody would have the audacity to come into your room and take your laptop, and even so, that can be easily prevented. lock your dorm room when nobody you trust's going to be inside, and if you're super paranoid, you could always chain your laptop to a piece of furniture or something.